Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Winchester Collectors Old School Varmint Target

I recently got an older HV rifle with a Winchester Mod 70 Action. The builder seems to be HG Baucher. The receiver has been set up to shoot 222 Rem. What I am asking about is the serial number 42XXXA . I think it is truly an older receiver but what is the letter suffix A meaning? Is that possibly something added by the builder? I think it is a 50's or 60's vintage rifle with a low mileage Hart barrel and custom trigger by the builder that is really nice. just beginning to work up loads but showing promise.

Pics would be very helpful.

I'll bet it is a Model 54 not a 70.

to Mike or Jack, I can't figure out How to post photos. If either of you would give me your email I can send some from my iphone. PM me Regards

It might be a 1941 vintage Model 70 .22 Hornet that was converted to .222 Remington. I have one and it works perfectly. When the .222 Remington first came out about 1950, Griffin & Howe did a good business converting those beautiful Hornets (thus ruining the high value) to .222 Remington. My guess about the "A" is that the rifle builder added it. Did he mark the barrel with the .222 Rem. caliber?

Believe Mike hit the nail on the head as an A suffix serial # was assigned to M54’s with the improved extractor.

Thanks Pocono Jack. I learned something about this rifle. Lots of knowledge here.

Thanks for pics. It is a model 54 action. It was originally a 22 Hornet. I figured it was a 54 with the A and with a custom trigger. M70 triggers are fine the way they are. That extra hole in front of the receiver sight holes on the left side of the receiver is for a set screw that is the bolt stop. What kind of Safety is on it?

ETA: The original M54 trigger is a lot like your common Marlin 22 rifle. It acted as the bolt stop too, just like a 22. The cut on the bottom of the bolt is what would engage the sear as the bolt stop. It is in different places on the bolt body for the various cartidge lengths.

ETA: After finally getting pictures enlarged, I see what looks like a 1946-1948 Winchester 70 (Transition, Clam Shell Safety). Also I missed the part about the Stop Screw in your pics. That corrosion is no big deal. I would do something about the washer on the bottom metal! Perhaps get it welded up if the hole is damaged or too big; shorten the screw if that is the issue.

Font bolt is too long. Theer was temp fix. stuff about the rifle;

Fejen stock

Hart barrel with very low milage according to seller. 150 rounds

Custom trigger that is really nice.

I think it is going to be a sweet shooter