Winchester M70 Safari Express Hinged Floor Plate Question

[Bwgunslinger]

I have this rifle in .375 and .458 Win.

The 458 shown in the picture has more of a gap between the floor plate and the stock. I have not had any issues with feeding or the plate coming open under recoil or any functional issues. The action screws are torqued to the suggested 40 in lbs.

Is this just a matter of fitment variations in factory rifles and nothing to be concerned with?

Or is there any problem with this?

Thanks!

 

[Bwgunslinger]

I’d rather not leave it with a gunsmith unless it’s a problem

 

[Mark A Ouellette]

The gap between the floorplate and stock isn't good but if should not cause a problem.
Dust may accumulate inside between the floorplate and follower. Clean it out occasionally and it will be fine.

Otherwise, if you press on the floorplate does the gap decrease?

 

[Bwgunslinger]

The gap between the floorplate and stock isn't good but if should not cause a problem.
Dust may accumulate inside between the floorplate and follower. Clean it out occasionally and it will be fine.

Otherwise, if you press on the floorplate does the gap decrease?

It does decrease slightly if you press on it.

If I did take it to a gunsmith do you think it’s a pretty simple fix?

 

[Hornedfrogbbq]

Mine that i got a month ago is exactly the same!

 

[roklok]

Do these M70s have one piece or two piece bottom metal? M70s were built both ways. Not really an issue which should cause problems but it would definitely bug me.

 

[Bwgunslinger]

Do these M70s have one piece or two piece bottom metal? M70s were built both ways. Not really an issue which should cause problems but it would definitely bug me.

One piece I believe. There is no third screw like the older ones

 

[Ontario Hunter]

If you can't push it down flush then it sounds to me the mag box is off kilter. Remove the action from the stock, put the bottom metal back on receiver snuggly (not torqued), and then see if you can push the floorplate flush to box. If you can, then rebedding the action should half cure the problem. The bottom metal is being twisted when torqued down. If you can't push the floorplate flush to the box, the bottom metal is permanently warped. Let a gunsmith true it up. The other half of your problem is the floorplate latch needs to be adjusted. The catch needs to be bent or thickened. The bottom metal I ordered for my 98 Mauser 404J project also required adjustment of the floorplate latch. Fortunately, mine was too thick. Lightly filed it till it fully engaged. The floorplate always closed tight (initially too tight).

I gotta say, this kind of fitment from a factory is pretty shoddy.

 

[Bwgunslinger]

I agree. I was actually just throwing around the idea of selling the M70’s and a shotgun and then making up the difference to get a Mauser or Rigby rifle lol.

Definitely cheaper to just get the stock fitted better.

Still want a Mauser though!

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I agree with the above individuals. The utility of a hinged floorplate is more than questionable. Just a gadget. Silly to unload a rifle that way. The follower can scratch the bluing when floorplate flips open. I prefer to eject each loaded cartridge individually into my hand rather picking the pile out of the dirt/mud/snow. Do NOT attempt to fill the magazine through the floorplate. If the cartridges aren't stacked exactly correctly (50% probability!) the gun will jam the first time it's cycled.

So your gun is entirely functional as it is. But poor fitment is signature sloppiness. No one wants to hunt with an expensive African rifle that looks like it requires washing hands after handling. Shame on Winchester.

 

[Bwgunslinger]

I had a Heym express for a while but never was in love with it. Great quality, just didn’t fit the best and I should have gotten it in 375 instead of 404.

On the other hand, I shouldered a Mauser M98 at the DSC and it felt like it was made for me exactly.

Great feel where my hand hit the forend, stock was great length and irons came up dead on.

Just really pricey!

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I agree. I was actually just throwing around the idea of selling the M70’s and a shotgun and then making up the difference to get a Mauser or Rigby rifle lol.

Definitely cheaper to just get the stock fitted better.

Still want a Mauser though!

You can have a Mauser built a lot cheaper. I built this 404J on a Czech military 98 Mauser for ~$2700. It's a standard length action that cycles fast and slick. Easy on the eyes too. I did everything but thread, ream, and mount the barrel, open the bolt face, and bluing. I'm guessing a good gunsmith could build a similar rifle for $6-7K. To put it in context, you'd be hard pressed to find a Mauser magnum length action alone for that price.

 

[Bwgunslinger]

You can have a Mauser built a lot cheaper. I built this 404J on a Czech military 98 Mauser for ~$2700. It's a standard length action that cycles fast and slick. Easy on the eyes too. I did everything but thread, ream, and mount the barrel, open the bolt face, and bluing. I'm guessing a good gunsmith could build a similar rifle for $6-7K. To put it in context, you'd be hard pressed to find a Mauser magnum length action alone for that price.
View attachment 712166

Oh wow, yeah that’s a great looking rifle.