Winchester M70 safety question

[jaeger83]

Hi, this is my first time on the forum so bear with me if I don't get things quite right. I tried this on the weekend but it got lost somehow. My question is this: I'm looking at an early (1939) Winchester M70 in .270 next weekend. My understanding is that models prior to serial number 180,000, which 1939 would be, had a different safety than the wing safety currently used. If this turns out to be the case, how difficult would it be to convert to the wing safety? While the gun supposedly has excellent original bluing, the stock has been refinished. With that in mind, I'm not too concerned about making some changes, as long as they are tasteful. Any help here would be appreciated. Mark

 

[Rifleman1776]

Before you go altering anthing on that rifle, have it looked at by a serious collector. It may have considerable collectors value in original condition. The old '70s are highly sought after.
You may be able to sell it, but a new version and have enough left over for a hunting trip.

 

[Buzzcook]

irrc the safety was changed between the Model 54 and the Model 70. The safety stayed pretty much the same after that.

As a collectable it's best not to make any changes you can't change back. Too bad about the stock refinish.

 

[jaeger83]

Thanks for that reply, about the safety staying pretty much standard throughout. I went back and checked my references and think I misread the statement that said prior to serial number 180,000 the safety was located higher on the bolt. I incorrectly assumed this meant a Mauser type blade safety. I feel better now. Yeah, it is too bad about the stock refinish. Of course when I get to look at it, there could be a lot of things that don't meet the description I have too. Looking forward to Saturday. Mark

 

[jaeger83]

Rifleman, thanks for your comments about value. My book on values is dated 2000 and a lot could have changed since then. Now that I know the safety is okay, I probably won't touch it other than perhaps a better refinishing job. Mark

 

[30-30remchester]

I have been a collecter of this model for years, 41 to be exact, and have studied them intensely. Pre war guns had a wing safety which made it difficult to mount a scope. Tilden was a company that USED to make aftermarket safeties for easier scope use. However the model 70's rear bridge was not drilled for a scope mount. About the only scope mount available for the pre war 70's was a company called Stith, which used the factory reciever sight holes for the rear scope mount and the rear sight dovetail for the front mount. Altering ANY part of a historical piece is grounds for a severe beating with a wet noodle. PLEASE send photos to a collector before any work is done. Ever though some ham handed previous owner refinished the stock, please dont try to repair it without first talking to someone with more knowledge. These are true classics, and guns that have not been altered are rapidly vanishing. There were actually three different types of safeties for the pre 64 model 70's.

 

[Slamfire]

Post War

Pre War

I don't know anyone who makes M70 bolt shrouds, I have not tried to see if a post War will fit a Pre War.

My rifle was drilled and tapped for mounts, this has lowered its collector value.

I have no idea where to find Stilth mounts.

I recommend not mucking with it.

 

[jaeger83]

Slamfire,
Thanks for those great pictures. I thought I remembered seeing pictures of early 70's with a different safety and this must be what the seller was subtly referring when he told me it was a "very early model". As far as the scope situation is concerned, apparently it has a Bushnell 3-9 on it. The gun originally belonged to the seller's father so suspect this could be an older set up. Not quite sure how to post pictures, if I get it, but if you're interested send me your email address. If successful will send some along. Thanks, Mark

 

[Mike Irwin]

"I tried this on the weekend but it got lost somehow."

That's because it was posted to a forum that is very clearly marked "Site Questions and Tech Support (NON-FIREARMS)"

 

[jaeger83]

Ahh

 

[roklok]

Here is a pre war model 70 .375 with an aftermarket safety to clear a scope.

 

[jaeger83]

Thanks for the picture, that certainly is one way of doing it.