I'm thinking of replacing my 308 that I currently have (Howa 1500) for something a little lighter with a bit faster twist and a longer barrel.
I prefer the Mod. 70 actions for a build.
My question is does anyone sell just an action or should I just hit the local pawn shops for a cheap donor?

FN SPR ?

https://www.fnamerica.com/products/rifles/spr-series/

https://www.google.com/webhp?source...=2&ie=UTF-8#q=fn+spr+action+for+sale

https://www.google.com/webhp?source...pv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=fn+spr+action+review

Did they make the post-64 push feed in a short action, or did they merely block the magazine? If it is a true short action, that would be a low-cost way to go. The CRF of the Classic action is probably of little value in the build you are envisioning.

Wondering how much lighter you'll get over the Howa by going longer on the barrel too.

IMO - were I looking to go light .308 - Montana gives me what I need. CRF, Claw extractor, easy to use trigger and light.

That said - if you're dead set on the M70 - I only know of donors or the Montana 1999 action/rifle. Again - not sure how important the weight part is.

They did make a few - I have only seen 2 or 3 in person though. Tough to find. But if you find one at a good price, that would be a great way for the OP to go.

Find a used rifle.

BBear, are you wanting stainless or chromoly. The SA stainless CRF action is much harder to find.

There is Dumoulin actions,but right now only in .30/06 length.

http://www.e-sarcoinc.com/dumoulin-mauser-action.aspx

I have seen those in the flesh. They are nice. My gunsmith uses them. That price is a steal.

If you scrounge around, you may find a donor like this....it's not a M70 but maybe better....

Bob, I am having a .275/7x57 being built on that Dumoulin action. Ready to go straight from the box.

I like it..

Ken: That will be a nice rifle.


bsa: I tripped on that one..

Mainly looking for blued. Probably go the pawn shop route. My 6.5x55 started life as a 30-06 that I found for under 350. Found a wood stock on here for 200 and had Pac-nor do the barrel etc. Bottom metal from here as well.
For factory wood, it's not too bad. Shoots little bug-holes as well with the 142 NABLR's.

My current ride in a 308 is a Howa 22". Scoped up it's pushing 10 lbs. I'm thinking with a 22" sporter barrel on the Mod. 70 action then I might break down and get an edge filled McWoody or something similar.

Find a beater pre-64

Yes, and they're not uncommon. For example, Rangers, early Featherweights, Stealths and HBV's in 308, 243, 22-250, etc. all used push-feed short actions.

Go with a Featherweight contour if you're looking for a lightweight 22". A sporter contour on a Winchester won't get you a very light rifle.

Damn, this one is 6.5 pounds...:

Your Howa is a heavy toad!!!!

But, I'm like some of these other guys. If you are looking for a truly "lightweight" rifle similar to the model 70, I'd be looking/drooling at a Kimber Montana.....

I ran across a fwt 30-06 a few months back for $650.00 at a Cabela's of all places. I damn near bought it for a spare!!!! There's deals out there if you know where to look. I also saw a 308 fwt. and a 243 fwt at the same cabela's. They were also priced nicely...

Is that a standard fill or an edge fill stock?

I paid $585 in 2005 for a re barrelled 1956 pre 64 Win M70 from an add in the paper. It was beat up from killing a lot of animals in Alaska.
In 2007 I put a Pac Nor 270 barrel, Bordon Rimrock stock, and Leupold scope on it.
I shot 5 deer in 2008 and 4 deer in 2009 with it.

I paid $400 in 2012 for a broken stocked 1953 pre 64 M70 from a gun store. It was a minty [except for the stock] 308 that looked almost unfired. I did not want to mess with the short action parts, so I went looking for something else this year.

I paid $700 in 2016 at a gun store for 1953 pre 64 M70 with peep sight. Except for extra holes under the peep sight, it was in ok condition.
In 2016 I put a Shilen 25-06 barrel, High Tech Specialties stock, and Nightforce scope on it.
I shot 1 deer in 2016 with it.