I just came across a 1942 Model 70 in 30-06 (.30 govt) that the owner says appears unfired. He admits he doesn't KNOW this for a fact, since it's only been in his closet for the last 40 years. Serial number in the 46,000 range, metal butt plate, great condition, but it has a receiver-mounted peep sight and the stock has an indentation for it to fit.

Is there any way this was a factory option in 1942? Does the stock cut destroy collector's value?

The rear sight dovetail is filled with what the owner calls a "butterfly".

I have to decide what this is worth by tomorrow morning, since I'll get a chance to see it and decide if I want to buy it.

Any opinions?

What sort of money?

Rare factory option - will be hard to tell.

$600

Sounds like a probable "BUY", unless something untoward pops up.

This sounds like a pre war rifle...or an early receiver assembled after the war with a transition safety(?).Anyway it sounds very nice.

I know Winchester used to offer the lyman receiver sights as a factory option and this one sounds like a M48.IIRC the 48 needed a stock cuttout, but the M57 did not.

Wouldn't matter to me and if the price is right I would buy it anyway.

The factory cut away the stock for many of those Lyman 48 sights. If it were a 1950 or 60 gun then it shouldn't have the wood cut as Lyman had modified the sight base by then to not require the stock to be cut.

I have a 48 375H&H that was special ordered with only a front sight that has a Lyman 48 with a cut stock on it. I can see no reason why this isn't the way it came from the factory as I'm betting that anyone who ordered a low comb rifle without a rear sight would have ordered it with the Lyman 48 on it from the factory.

Yep...it appears to be a Lyman 48 factory-installed. The rifle is in excellent condition:









Needless to say, I bought it. Lucky for me, there's a gunshow tomorrow and I might be able to sell it for enough to pay some bills!

Thanks all,
Fred

Here are a few more pics.

It has a great stock with sharp checkering and a pristine barrel. The sling swivels look original, and I'm thinking it may be very close to 98% overall condition. I can't see a single mark inside the barrel...it may never have been fired.

The only touch of rust is a couple of small spots near the front sight, and I may be able to reduce them with some light rubbing with an oily rag.

I don't want to give it away to a dealer looking for a bargain tomorrow...does anyone have an opinion on what it's worth?



You can see a couple of spots of rust right under the front sight here:


Metal buttplate with point closely inletted:






What do you think?

PM sent

You yanks are seriously spoilt....that rifle would not last two minute here at twice that price.

Stop procrastinating and put your money down before some clown beats you.


Added; I have just read the rest of your posts, good catch.

Now....don't sell it.

You got robbed!!!
Send it to me and I will give you your money back.

Seriously, I don't know its true value but it would not scare me to pay at least $800 for it and I assume that is still under its true value.

Its worth whatever someone will pay.

Congratulations on a very nice purchase!

Czech, you have done good. I have a 1938 receiver/1939 barrel (take your pick) in .270 that will not go over 60-70 percent. An appraising dealer offered me 800 for it 7-8 years ago. It has family ties and is not yet for sale. Jack

czech, don't sell that Mod70, if you have to, sell something else.
That rifle is a keeper. Beautiful.

JS......we're not all spoiled.....in my area, that piece probably wouldn't go for less than $1500.00, and maybe even more. It probably wouldn't last more than a day or two on the rack.

Of course $600.00 is a steal!!!! I wouldn't be able to whip my wallet out fast enough. Stock or no stock....Good for you, great find!!

Thanks - unfortunately, bills are coming in faster than paychecks. This one will have to be put on Gunbroker.

I would post it in the Free Classifieds, but as much as I like the people here, you guys are a bunch of notorious skinflints! If I can swing it with all the other things I have to do today, it'll be posted tonight.