Tmitch,
I had some time to kill today in Boise and Cabela's is close by so I went back today for another look. This time I took it out of the rack and looked more closely. Jim's assessment is spot on. I did not work the action but did not see a single flaw in the metalwork. The flaws in the stock are there just as described. I do think the stock is salvageable by having a 1 inch pad professionally installed (end of stock re-cut just enough to square everything). It won't be original of course, but usable.
Funny thing happened while in the Gun Library. After looking at the M70, I walked over to look at some guns in another cabinet, came back in just a few minutes and the M70 was gone. Kinda scratched my head wondering how I missed it's departure. About then a salesman walked by and I asked him if they just sold it and he said "sorta, we're packing it up to ship to another store". I replied "You're welcome".
I think you will be more than happy with your purchase.
Good luck,
Steve
