Winchester Model 70 Safety

D

Dbl bbl

Inactive
I recently purchased a Pre 64 M70 Target. Great shape but no safety. Is this something a gunsmith must fit to rifle? Can it be done just by bolt disassembly and placing the safety in position? Is any pre 64 safety usuable (1949 year model). Thanks!
 
You can replace the bolt shroud and the cocking piece with a safety-equipped shroud and cocking piece. Don't modify the original if you want the rifle to maintain its value.
 
Hi, Dbl bbl and Scorch,

Is the safety missing or is there no place for it in the bolt sleeve? Scorch, are you saying that the Model 70 Target didn't have a safety or even a bolt sleeve that would accept a safety?

If so, I have learned something new.

Jim
 
Scorch, are you saying that the Model 70 Target didn't have a safety or even a bolt sleeve that would accept a safety?
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No, I said to not modify the original. I don't know if he can find an original, so it might be easier to replace the entire bolt shroud with a newer production/replica part and leave the original as is.
 
Jim, there is a hole for it, it's just missing. If I were to just find a safety lock, is it a simple install or must it be "fitted" to the rifle (meaning requiring a gunsmith)? Otherwise, I'll go you with your suggestion Scorch and search out a new bolt sleeve with a safety in place. Why the heck would you remove it? Guy must have been a serious paper puncher as it wears a 24X Unertl. Thanks for your help guys!

Rick
 
A lot of target shooters removed safety devices simply because they never used them. A pure target rifle was never loaded until it was ready to be fired, so a safety was just a nuisance, especially the original Model 70 type that was nearly impossible to operate with a scope in place.

I don't see any problem with just replacing the safety (along with the spring and plunger); only a super-purist collector would worry about a minor part replacement.

Replacing the safety is no big problem, but be careful of failure of the sear to reset. When you get the safety installed, cock the gun (unloaded, of course), put the safety on, and pull the trigger. Then, release the trigger, and without touching the trigger, take the safety off. If the firing pin falls, take the gun to a gunsmith, it is dangerous.

Jim
 
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