Some of the factory finishes weren't always perfect. I own and have owned several pre 64's with light sanding marks and even small runs in the lacquer. I've seen this less on M70's and more on bolt rimfires of the time, but I have M70's with these blems as well. They were never made to be collectors pieces, but built by hand. The advice given about handling as many known originals as you can is the best way to know what you're looking at.

The way I spot a reblue is to look at the WP proofmark, these were applied after the rifle was blued. Therefore they were not buffed over, you should be able to feel the raised edge of the impression when you run a fingernail across it. Smooth edges of the proofmark impression are indicative of its having been buffed over prior to a reblue.

8 posts and a 97% pre-'64 isn't good enough for you.

WTF does post count have to do with anything? Time spent on a fourm has nothing to do with the quality of rifle he wants.

New member comes along; only a brand new pre-'64 is good enough for him. He can't find any in good enough condition and wants to know where they're all hiding. Doesn't have a care about spending a fortune. And doesn't know what to look for.

So much for your sense of humor.

The fact that he's asking ??'s and doesn't know what to look for is a valid reason for thinking he's new to collecting. Post count doesn't mean chit. Lotsa folks in internetland have huge post counts cause they spend more time typing than doing, and plenty of posts with little or no substance. Post count don't mean chit.

Bubba, my most original pre 64 was the first one I bought. It came from a verified first owner. The finish sucked and was flaking, I took the stock off and sold it on ebay for $360.00 and went with a nice shooter stock that I picked up cheap....Dumb on my part if I were a collector, but I'm more of a shooter/hunter/collector type...Read my first post about telephone pole finish buddy.....

Ok so that clears up the stock question... The gun also had its rear sights filed on a little it also a small gouge taken out right bellow the sights but the marks wernt silver... Which makes me think the barrel has been reblued since they was made. Any thoughts on this? And thanks agin for the replies guys I'm learning a lot

Do not buy a model 70 unless it has a good clean history, or you can verify where it's been. Of course it is the quickest way to get an education; jumping in.

How would you know if its had a clean history or not? I mean I didn't think there was anyway of knowing on a used gun