Jgarner197
AH member
Gentlemen I would first like to first thank all of you for years of entertainment and most valuable information! I’ve been a longtime reader/lurker of this fine forum and have finally decided to participate myself. My father is retiring in less than a year and we have started planning for a few hunts abroad. Thus, in my recent reorganization of my collection to fund some of these excursions, I stumbled across a rather interesting rifle. I unexpectedly acquired this on trade when letting some of my military surplus go. As stated in the title it is a Winchester Model 70 Super Grade 300 Magnum that appears by serial number to be built right at the end of 1937. This one has had the rear bridge drilled/tapped, dons a vintage 2.5 power Lyman Alaskan, and a Tilden safety has been added. This leads me to my first of two questions…
The Winchester red rubber recoil pad perplexes me on this one however. My understanding was that these were not a standard option on the 300 Magnum but could be added as a “factory special order installation”. Making me think it was added much later. Yet, coincidentally, it was described to me by the gentleman that I traded with as being original. I promptly measured the LOP and it is in line and right at the original 13 5/8 factory specifications. The interesting part is that the typical 1922 patent date is not present on this pad. In its stead reads “Pat. Applied For” with no date. I’ve never seen this before but have read about it once on a forum discussing vintage Winchester rifles and shotguns. Any help clarifying this would be greatly appreciated!
The second and much more profound question is what should I do with this rifle? I already own three other rifles chambered in 300 magnum, including my grandfather’s 1949 Model 70. I have always wanted a vintage super grade and this would certainly scratch that itch. The issue as you can see is the stock. The bluing is excellent, the bore is near mint, and somehow the checkering is even in great shape! The stock on the other hand has seen better days with some gouging and scratches. I have contacted Justin at pre64win about restoring the stock to its rightful glory. The trouble in my mind is what that might do to the value of the rifle. I’m looking for professional opinions on whether I should leave it be as is and deal with it, restore it using a professional, or if I should sell it and upgrade to one in perhaps better condition? Dreadfully sorry to be so long winded with my first post on here but I’m trying to be as thorough as possible and value your gentleman’s opinions. Thank you very kindly for all your time! Cheers
The Winchester red rubber recoil pad perplexes me on this one however. My understanding was that these were not a standard option on the 300 Magnum but could be added as a “factory special order installation”. Making me think it was added much later. Yet, coincidentally, it was described to me by the gentleman that I traded with as being original. I promptly measured the LOP and it is in line and right at the original 13 5/8 factory specifications. The interesting part is that the typical 1922 patent date is not present on this pad. In its stead reads “Pat. Applied For” with no date. I’ve never seen this before but have read about it once on a forum discussing vintage Winchester rifles and shotguns. Any help clarifying this would be greatly appreciated!
The second and much more profound question is what should I do with this rifle? I already own three other rifles chambered in 300 magnum, including my grandfather’s 1949 Model 70. I have always wanted a vintage super grade and this would certainly scratch that itch. The issue as you can see is the stock. The bluing is excellent, the bore is near mint, and somehow the checkering is even in great shape! The stock on the other hand has seen better days with some gouging and scratches. I have contacted Justin at pre64win about restoring the stock to its rightful glory. The trouble in my mind is what that might do to the value of the rifle. I’m looking for professional opinions on whether I should leave it be as is and deal with it, restore it using a professional, or if I should sell it and upgrade to one in perhaps better condition? Dreadfully sorry to be so long winded with my first post on here but I’m trying to be as thorough as possible and value your gentleman’s opinions. Thank you very kindly for all your time! Cheers
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