Pre-64 Model 70 Holes in Rear Bridge

Riflemaker

I recently acquired Pre-64 Winchester Model 70, .375 H&H caliber, serial number 154,3xx. It is completley stock, and unaltered. The rear bridge on this particular rifle, however, was not drilled and/or tapped for scope mounts. The front bridge was drilled and tapped, as was the left side of the rear bridge (usually used for mounting a peep sight).
Research I have conducted so far has revealed that apparently Winchester did manufacture some "Pre-War Model 70's" without holes in the rear bridge. But, obviously, this is not a pre-war model 70, as indicated by the serial number.
Regardless, I wish to mount a scope on this rifle, and use it for an upcoming hunt, but do not wish to have holes drilled in the rear bridge. One of articles that I ran across, indicated that, at one time, there were scope mounts made for the Model 70's that used the top two holes in the front bridge, and the left side holes in the rear bridge.
What I am hoping is that someone has actually seen those types of mounts, and better yet, knows where I can get a set!

n/a

What you need to find and they appear on E Bay is a STITH BRAND scope mount for the model 70 for a 1 inch diameter scope.

This mounts to the existing tapped holes and the dovetail for the rear sight. Obviously the sight needs to be removed.

Make sure the STITH BRAND mount is for the 1 inch diameter scope.
Pay what it takes to get a complete mount because some e bay offerings are not complete and some are not totally identified as to what models they fit.

I have sent you an e-mail with e bay listing of what you need.

MAKE SURE THE MOUNT IS FOR A 1 INCH SCOPE.

I AM NOT SURE THE ONE I SENT IS FOR 1 INCH, It says a K4 scope which is 1 inch.



Sage 1

eastbank

i have a early rem 721 made in early 1948 that is the same way,rear reciever not tapped and the serial number is inside the reciever on left bolt lug race way. and i have a new in the box stith scope mount but it uses the front factory tapped holes on the reciever and the two tapped holes on the left rear side of the reciever for the peep sight. the man who owned the rifle and scope mount said he just could not inlet the stock to fit the scope mount. so afer useing the rifle for a couple years with open sights he put it away and bought another rifle, i got it from his son when his dad went to a old folks home. i think he said his dad got it in march or april 1948 and it is in 30-06 and ie in ex. con. ,with just a sling added. eastbank.

eastbank

forgot to say,on the stith scope mount box it says for win.70 and rem. 721. so if you find one for the rem. model 721 it will fit your model 70. eastbank.

MIKE WISKEY

I'VE GOT ONE OF THESE THAT I INTEND TO MOUNT ON A M-54 WIN. (.30WCF), I'LL TRY TO GET A PICTURE POSTED TOMORROW (I'M ON DIAL-UP NOW [xx(])

Riflemaker

I appreciate all the information. It sounds like I may be able to make this work after all. I'll check out the ebay listing(s), and let everyone know what happens.

Riflemaker

Well, I thought the Stilth mounts were the answer to my problem until I realized that the Pre-64 Model 70, 375 H&H, does not have a rear dovetail. The rear sight connects to the barrel with two small screws, which I believe is unique to the .375.

So, back to the drawing board.

snickers

You should be able to find a stith that uses the holes on the front bridge and the rear side holes.

Herschel

At least some of the Stith mounts had the front base attached to the scope by use of a tube that slid over the obective end of the scopes that had no bell on the objective end. Be aware that you might find one of these so you would be locked in to having to use a lower powered scope with the 1"tube extending clear to the objective end.

Riflemaker

Yea, that appears to be the case, and to add to the complexity of the problem with this 375, that rear sight is located quite a distance ahead of the front receiver ring. So, as stated it would have to be straight tubed scope with no front bell. I would like to use a Leupold 1.5 x 5, but am afraid the tube will not be long enough, if I can find the right mount.

Old Gunny

Say Riflemaker- I have always wanted to own a M70 SuperGrade in .375 for a pending trip to Alaska- but the Publishers clearing house hasn't pulled into our trailer park with the big check for me-I do have Roger Rule's fine book on the M70 and I believe he details the various versions and "running changes" on the M70's- I believe the .375 H&H came out in 1912, and the 300 H&H in about l926- I have a Model 70 SuperGrade in 30-Gov't-06 that my late father bought new and passed on to me in about l978- that vintage didn't have the two holes drilled into the rear bridge- and because the 30-06 was/is a military round, this had the "clip slot notch" for stripper feeding, just as did the Springfield l903. A hunting pal has a l941 Std. Grade but in .270 Win- no clip slot in his-But my USMC buddy in Fairbanks 9who carries a .338 Win. Mag. tells me that todays premium loads make the 30-06 OK, also told me that many of his clients buy a big magnum, but arean't used to the greater recoil, and don't shoot them as well as their previous rifle.