I would have to say that the rifle probably had a front sight silver soldered on at some time and am asuming the flat spot you are referring to is a dovetail cut into the barrel for the original rear sight which is now missing. Makes me wonder if it has been reblued since removing the front site leaves a bare spot. Doubt if the recoil pad is original on a 270. A 98% original would fetch around $1500, but if it isn't original that figure would be cut in half.
dan
Yeah - beginning to wonder myself. It's not a dovetail but more of a platform, soldered to the barrel for the rear sight. I can't see anything left over so if it was removed it was done well. Blueing looks original because the letter are so clear, but it could be a fake. The bummer is I just want a good solid hunting rifle, I really like the feel of the M70 and I really like this one in particular - it's just retarded that I have to be concerned about a fake because it's a pre 64...jeeze....
