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Is This Pre-64 Model 70 Original or Altered?
Fairlane66
Member Posts: 336 ✭✭
I'm a student and fan of Winchester's Pre-64 Model 70, and try to research interesting examples that crop up on line. Here's one that just sold on the auction side: http://www.GunBroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=395954989
The winning bidder paid a pretty price and the rifle looks pristine. The fact that it comes with the box and all the paperwork is a real plus. However, one aspect of this rifle jumped out at me as odd. This rifle, according to the serial number a 1955 example, appears to have a hard rubber butt plate. According to Roger Rule's book, The Rifleman's Rifle, Winchester 70s switched from the steel to the hard rubber butt plate sometime in 1959, about 4 years after this 243 was assembled. Now, I know Winchester often dipped into different parts bins as they transitioned from one style part to the next, and guns made in the transition period could have one part or the other. However, I don't think there was a 4-year transition period for the butt plates. So, what's your guess? Was this rifle's stock replaced with one wearing a later style hard rubber butt plate or is it possible the stock, made in 1955, is original to the gun? I'm not trying to accuse the seller of impropriety, especially since many folks aren't aware of the Pre-64 Model 70's nuances. However, if it has the rubber butt, the buyer probably paid more for this rifle than it's worth. Personally, I think this rifle had its stock replaced at some point and it should have a steel butt plate to be 100% correct. What do you Model 70 experts think?
The winning bidder paid a pretty price and the rifle looks pristine. The fact that it comes with the box and all the paperwork is a real plus. However, one aspect of this rifle jumped out at me as odd. This rifle, according to the serial number a 1955 example, appears to have a hard rubber butt plate. According to Roger Rule's book, The Rifleman's Rifle, Winchester 70s switched from the steel to the hard rubber butt plate sometime in 1959, about 4 years after this 243 was assembled. Now, I know Winchester often dipped into different parts bins as they transitioned from one style part to the next, and guns made in the transition period could have one part or the other. However, I don't think there was a 4-year transition period for the butt plates. So, what's your guess? Was this rifle's stock replaced with one wearing a later style hard rubber butt plate or is it possible the stock, made in 1955, is original to the gun? I'm not trying to accuse the seller of impropriety, especially since many folks aren't aware of the Pre-64 Model 70's nuances. However, if it has the rubber butt, the buyer probably paid more for this rifle than it's worth. Personally, I think this rifle had its stock replaced at some point and it should have a steel butt plate to be 100% correct. What do you Model 70 experts think?
Comments
Picture #23 shows the knurled, steel, butt plate.
yooper
Michael
Model 1892 / 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
He has been challenged in the past by Bert on several items.
By the way Michael-welcome.
I too have watched this guys auctions, he has had several that I didn't think passed the smell test.
W.D.
Also, that sling is worn on the edges.
Another "put together" boxed outfit by this seller. Close, but no cigar. Some of his boxed outfits have been downright laughable.
Unless the new owner chimes in, we may never know.
If you know he is selling bogus items and screwing people why have you not removed him from the site?
I am not the person who gets to make that decision. The forums are a completely separate entity from the auction side of GunBroker.