Trivia question, when was the Model 70 30 gov’t nomenclature renamed to 30-06???
Thx

‘51 last year of gov’t

Thank you sir, I appreciate it

When was 30 WCF changed to 30-30 Win?

As I understand...
The MODEL 70 chambering renaming wasn't a single day or even a single year process, although the '06 likely the narrowest time range because of sales volume. The supply of barrels on hand, particularly in the less often encountered configurations such as target models perhaps or "Short Rifles" on special order likely, such old stock barrels may have 'lingered' over a decade. 1948 seems to be the most often referenced formal change authorization.

The Models 94 & 64 chamberings formally occurred in 1950.

Most any "rare factory anomaly" claims related to the Standard Model barrel config "out of date range" nomenclature - likely post-manufacture barrel swaps.

Repeating my lead in line... As I understand!
Best!
John

Randy,
The change occurred in 1950 in the 1676300 s/n range. The 32 W.S. to 32 WIN.SPL and the 25-35 W.C.F. to 25-35 WIN also occurred at the same time.

Per Rule…..
Relating specifically to M70 caliber designations
.30 GOV’T’06 was authorized on Apr. 20; 1936
.30-06 SPRG. was authorized on June 25, 1950 and again on March 8, 1955 for the Featherweight.
.30-06 SPLFD. was authorized on March 20, 1952

Thanks pocono.

I swear I have a ‘51 marked gov’t but now I’ll have to check.

“Per Rule…” I couldn’t find mention in Rule’s Rifleman’s Rifle ref the 30gov’t change to 30-06, (but then again I can’t find my car keys either)

Page 112.

Well... According to Winchester Firm Model 70 serial production spread for AY 1950, was from 131xxx to 173xxx range. My own collection historic rcds & pix, show my highest earlier markings on SN 145xxx & later markings on SN 149xxx. Pix below.

Again the caveat that over almost three quarter century, barrels have been subject to swapping and such viewed now, offering false results. The under-barrel chamber area "last two digits "date marking" also relevant as some degree of 'proofing' as contrasted to receiver serial number.

The above referenced two 70 Models in 30-06 "appear" original. Such results, an "inference" and that only of the Factory changeover somewhere between those SNs. Yet even 'if' such correct, almost surely the Factory had an inventory mix on hand from which to pull and mate barrels and receivers', with some degree of randomness in each of those two components. Resulting in a wider nomenclature spread legitimately possible.

The early 30 Gov't 06 nomenclature I believe was adopted by many rifle manufactures in describing chambering and that from the US Government designations.

Quite a bit of 'if'ing here as...

Just my take!
Best!
John

I think PJ has every word in that book memorized...

Wish they would have kept it Govt. Has more panache.

My standard ‘49 is 30-06 govt. which is really cool with the vintage weaver.