Pre-64 model 70

L

longfellow

New member
I have a pre #66,350 as well which apparently means I have a different configuration of receiver in some way because scope bases are either "pre or "post" 66,350.
The confusion is that when I google images of Redfield Pre #66,350 bases, I see a hole spacing for the rear bridge that is much closer than I actually have. My front and rear have the same hole spacing. You can see what I mean by looking up an image for the Redfield 512202. This close spacing was I believe used for some magnum models to be able to open up the loading port; just a guess.
And before the suggestions come streaming in about aftermarket smithing, I am the original owner and would likely know it if someone stole in to my safe and had the rear bridge modified.:D I've just had a peep sight on it for its entire life and only now an presented with this mystery because I want to scope it.
I currently have Weaver bases on it which are fine but I want to swap in some period accurate Redfield dovetail R's&B's if I can. Of course the Redfield Jr models which only use one of the two bridge holes, is also a fine choice, but I'd like the "Pre-64" guru's to shed some light on this for me anyway.
Thanks,
Ed
 
When I buy a rifle with Redfield bases, I take them off, throw them away, and put Weaver bases on.

I only have two Pre 64 M70s, but I own a lot of old rifles.
 
If the rifle is pre-WWII, the rear holes were not d&t by the factory. They would have been done by a gunsmith for whatever base he wanted to use.

Jim
 
Longfellow, Winchester's receiver bridges had two different hole spacings for the rear scope base. Those with the standard .860" spacing were used on both early and later versions when no clip guide was milled into the receiver bridge, except for the post-'64 match rifles with .308 Win barrels whose bridge was about half an inch longer and had a clip guide. Match rifle receivers had a clip guide in the bridge for charging the magazine with 5-round stripper clips.

Here's a picture of a pre-'64 .300 H&H Mag Win 70 with the cutout on the bridge for easy loading of those long rounds. Note the two close drilled and tapped holes about .450" spaced for scope bases. Is this what yours looks like? What cartridge is yours for?

DSC03697.jpg


Here's a web site page with serial numbers of all the Model 70's along with all the other models:

http://www.winchesterguns.com/suppo...e-Dates-by-Year----2012-Scanned-Documents.pdf
 
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No.
I have .860 spacing both F and R. What is the difference between pre and post #66,350 if it is not hole spacing? Perhapd bolt knob shape. And again, I realize the clamshell safety had different shapes over the years but this mysterious difference MUST affect the design of the scope base or folks like Redfield would not have spefic base part numbers for pre and post 66,350.
Thanks,
Ed
 
Ed, if you look at a Redfield mounting chart they list the Model 70 except for the 300 H&H and 375 H&H below serial # 66,350.

There were no scope mounts made for those calibers below that serial # and not sure how many were chambered and I'm sure collectors have that data.
 
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