Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Gunsmithing M70 magazine cover

I recently purchased my first M70, a pre-64. In removing the stock,a metal washer shaped precisely like the magazine cover hinge plate fell out. I cannot find this washer in any exploded parts drawing and am wondering if anyone can shed some light on this. Incidentally, the floorplate release is very dificult to open. Is there a connection between the two?

I have encountered many rifles, over the last twenty years or so, that had "shims" or "spacers" between the floorplate metal and the stock. I do not know if they were installed by the factory or, a previous owner. I assume whoever put them there, was attempting to get the floorplate to fit "flush" with the stock.

Yes they were factory made and installed shims and made to get the floor plate to fit not just the stock but to give the correct height to the floor plate to fit the magazine release.

To get and idea of he thickness and the shape for a pattern, look to any of the later feather weights will have them, most often. They are not hard to make.

Same thing has occurred with Brownings and Remmys too...

Best thing, if you have the time and/or money, is to have the bottom metal glass bedded to exactly match the stock lines..

I hate shims.. (well, maybe dislike is a better word.. )

You can make one out of a brass washer such as used in leather work to brad leather together...or any washer that will go in that space and for that matter or use any kind of material, paper, plastic whatever or you can glass bed the bottom metal..glue the next one in...