Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Gunsmithing What to do with a Model 70 push feed?

I have an old Winchester Model 70 push feed in 243, (Long Action) That will not shoot well, never has. Wife's first deer rifle from about 1976. 3"-4" or so is all it will do even thought I have tried about every reloading combo, new stock bedded, different scope, mounts, rings etc. Thinking of a re-barrel, but to what? The magazine, follower etc are blocked and setup for a short action. Perhaps the ejector as well. Not seeing parts to change it over to a long action that are easy to find. Wondering if it is even worth the money to do so. Thinking 6.5X55 or 6.5-06.

All you’ll need aside from a barrel is a mag box and a follower. You can shorten the bolt stop with a hacksaw and a file, ejector is a button and spring in the boltface. Should be less than $50 worth of parts.

Yes, bolt stop.. Confusing the pre and post 70's.. Actually a 270 follower and mag box on fleebay right now.

I'd put a 270 on that baby and rock on. If one is going to own a Winchester bolt, it should be a 270. Besides, ammo is frigging everywhere, even during the Obama shortage.

Are you going to look for a factory barrel or an after-market barrel?

Thinking after market barrel. Then more questions, whom would be best? McGowen, Hart, Shilen etc. I guess PAC-NOR is not an option for awhile. Looking for a one and done, have them put the barrel on chamber, headspace etc. I have a factory 308 barrel lying around, but don't really want a 308.

Lipstick on a pig or sentimental?
All of a sudden you are going to have more into it than you will ever get out ... but that’s rational, and I’ve rarely been accused of such when rifles are involved!

It is a pig, wife is attached to it. Doesn't want me to get rid of it. She has a new rifle and has not used it in 20 years.. It sits in the gun safe. I look at it every now and then, and think I really ought to do something with it. It would be at least $600 for a re-barrel. It might be worth $250 as it sits. It's not a rational thought, just a looney thing.

Oh, I get it!!!
For $800, surprise her with a shooter grade p64 featherweight ... 😊

Well a bit ago I bought a Teslong bore scope, decided to pull the old Win out of the safe and take a look. Terrible looking barrel, deep machine marks everywhere. Also leade looks bad, I know it has been shot a bit trying to find something that would work. Looked at the 308 factory take off I had lying around. it actually looks very good nothing like the other barrel. Might just have that one put on and see if it shoots.

What about a rebore? Not sure JES will start with a .243 diameter though.

I would consider a rebore, but don't think a 243 could be rebored to much else. Thinking putting the 308 barrel that I have already is the best choice. It's not really a valuable rifle, but could be a decent one for a loaner or backup.

Check the Winchester out on the Gunwriter section thread on .250 and .257 Roberts

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbt...sed-250-3000-vs-257-roberts#Post14268511


Mike

I don't know if a rebore from 0.243" to 0.257" would completely remove all of the steel to the bottom of the grooves, but I'm sure that a rebore to 6.5mm or larger would remove all traces of a 0.243" bore.

A 6mm typically has a bore diameter of 0.235" to the tops of the lands and 0.243" to the bottom of the grooves.

A 0.257" typically has a bore diameter of 0.249" to the tops of the lands.

A 6.5mm typically has a bore diameter of 0.256" to the tops of the lands and 0.264" to the bottom of the grooves.

I have had 2 243s rebored to 0.264" and rechambered to 260 REM. I had the original barrels rebored and rechambered because it would have cost more to have replacement barrel cut to the same contours as the rebored/rechambered barrels. The rifles were a Savage 99F that has a barrel boss for the rear sight dovetail and a Ruger 77 RSI.

Yes, they are nice, but would mean a new barrel. I had a pristine pre 64 Model 70 in 257 Roberts, actually mounted a scope for the first time on it and it shot lights out. Could not bring myself to take it hunting. Sold it to a collector, who was very happy to find one that nice.

I like the idea of just using the .308 barrel you have. Won't cost much to do and you don't have to change anything else on the rifle. Ammo is everywhere, usually accurate, and virtually no recoil.

Send it to Redneck.

With your 308 barrel.
Let him tweak everything that needs tweaking.

I keep looking for a cheap M70 to do that with.

You know, get that one rifle that's perfect,

Ha Ha!

I had a Win 70 PF action and located a NOS 7x57 M70 barrel on the bay. Had it barreled up and I dropped into a FW stock for the grandson.