Gents,

For a 70 and 670 built in the late 60s or early 70s, are the only real differences the stock (wood type), safety (2 vs 3 position), and the bolt not being jeweled on the 670? I.e., am I correct in understanding that action, trigger, and barrel are all the same and the above are what made the 670 a little cheaper?

Thanks y'all!

Yes, I believe you are correct. I bought my grandson a 670 a few years ago. Have had the barrelled action out of the stock: yes, other than what you stated I can't see any other difference. One thing I am not sure of is barrel contours however. Grandson's has a 22" barrel: not a featherweight contour: I'd say its a standard weight: can't remember if I miked the muzzle, but I'd say probably around .600-.625" at the muzzle. Based on what I see on-line, it appears that most of them had the 2 position safety. Grandson's is the traditional 3 position M70, which I want. I'm looking for another one for grandson #2: they are a LOT of gun for the money, and in my opinion FAR superior to any economy level rifle made today. It shoots really well.

Sounds right to me. My uncle had an FFL at the time so my dad and another uncle both bought 670's. One a 300WM, the other a 270. You have correctly stated the obvious differences. Beech stock, two position safety and plain bolt. I don't think there are any other differences

I agree, re: their quality vs. modern budget guns. I found that saddle dye under tru oil would make it virtually impossible to tell it isn't walnut.

Good info on the differences. I've never owned a 670, so this is interesting and informative. Always learning something.

Blind magazine on the 670.

yes blind magazine, I forgot about that

Yup. I didn't include that on my initial list because I just assumed (maybe incorrectly?) that M70s existed with blind mags.

Later 670’s had a three position safety. This one in 30/06. Very accurate solid rifles.

Nope; you assumed correctly.

They also made a 770, which is basically the same as a 670. I THINK that all of the 770's had the 3 position safety. The 670 had both at various times. Other than that I'm not sure.

Also the 670’s were assigned their own SN range starting at 100000 to G280xxx.