We have several of them around here! As Winchester changed hands a few times, their quality control seemed to waiver a bit....but the design makes it a great rifle. Probably the biggest “black eye” was in the post ‘60’s era, with the “pressed” checkering. Didn't hurt the functionality, just cheap looking! memtb
Yep, those early ones with the ugly, pressed checkering were pretty bad looking, although they shot well.
Seems quality improved later on and was pretty good with the XTR's and cut type checkering.
The extractor in the bolt lug was a weak point and could be blown out with an overcharge.
Barrels were pretty good, IMO about as good as the Pre-64's.
Years ago, I bought an early version in 7RM from a bud for $90, put it in a Royal stock, glassed and checkered it. My son still has it and used it to kill deer. It wears a 3-9 Tasco Titan, the older 30 mm Jap version with FFP. A good scope. It's a MOA shooter, lots of performance for the investment.
DF
