Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Custom Rifles & Wildcats Gunsmith for Model 70 Build

I have finally obtained all of the parts for my build. The idea was to build one lightweight, all-weather rifle to do everything within reason. This rifle will serve me both in the field and in the classroom and range where I teach rifleman skills.

Parts acquired:

Winchester 70 Classic Stainless Featherweight 30-06
Legendary Arms Works (Bansner, High-Tech Specialties) Stock
1" Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad
PTG Aluminum 1-piece Bottom Metal (I can't get Williams anymore)
NECG Masterpiece Banded Front Sight Base
NECG Patridge Front Sight
Talley QD 1" Low Rings
Talley Bases
Talley Removable Peep Sight
Andy's Leather Ching Sling
Leupold Vari-X III 1.75-6x32 Duplex

Years ago I had John Galllagher build a very similar rifle in 308. My 15 year old son has begun lusting after that rifle having killed his two biggest bucks with it. I would like to give him the rifle for his graduation gift and need to build a replacement before doing so. Unfortunately, John passed away earlier this year and the industry lost a true artist.
I am looking for a gunsmith that specializes in the Model 70 that is willing and capable of accomplishing the following:

Install banded front sight
Install recoil pad, bed and paint the stock
Install 3rd swivel stud forward of front action screw for the Ching Sling
Fit the bottom metal
Cerakote all metal, including bottom metal, peep sight, rings and bases without affecting action smoothness
Tune trigger to 3.0 lbs
In order to mount the peep sight on the rear base, the rear recoil lug on the base needs to be machined off. I also have a spare front base that I need this done to also, so that it can be attached to a leather cartridge slide to carry the peep when not in use.

I know that Redneck has a stellar reputation when it comes to the model 70 and, based on the universal consensus of opinion here and other places, I would completely trust him for this build but am unsure as to whether or not he works with Cerakote and I really would like to have the rifle Cerakoted as I want it very weather resistant and do not particularly care for a stainless finish. I do not baby my guns and hunt in all weather and environments. Could anyone (or Mr Christianson himself) advise whether or not he can apply Cerakote?

Thanks in advance,
Tennessean

There’s this great thing we have here on the Fire, it’s called a PM.

True. Maybe I should've been more clear in that I was asking for additional recommendations for 'smiths and am seeking opinions as well.

Lee Christianson (Redneck) will hook you up with Cerakote.

When he worked a 25-06 Model 70 for me he sent the rifle off to get the Cerakote done.

I highly recommend Lee for any gunsmith work.

Lee is a great option.

Mark Penrod of Penrod Precision built my M70, .300 Wby Mag.
Krieger barrel, Blackburn bottom metal and magazine box, McMillan Echols pattern stock and Tally mounts.
It holds four down instead of the usual three and feeds slicker than anything else I own.

Penrod Precision
312 E College Ave
North Manchester, IN 46962

(260) 982-8385

Redneck did a M70 for me several years ago and sent it out for Cerakote.

Yep, he built a 7MM Mashburn for me on a 375 length pre-64 magnum action, damn good shooting rifle, cerakote and caliber stamping is second to NONE, I highly recommend.

Some M70 smiths...

Lee Christianson
Mark Penrod
Gene Simillion
D'Arcy Echols
Jim Kobe
Kevin Weaver
MNR Custom
Roger Ferrell

and the list goes on and on. Talk to a bunch of them, pick one you feel comfortable with.

Thank you all gentlemen!

Lee’s reputation is stellar....

Shaen Magan (Shaen Rifles) is very good also!!

depends on your price point and if you want engraving and the bells and whistles..for me taking everything into account including flawless every single time feeding mark penrod for me.no flies on any of the others mentioned.

I send the coating out to Eddie Fosnaugh.. I do not paint stocks, and have no recommendation except to NOT send it to Cal at riflestockpainting.com.

As to the job itself, at this time I'm booked up fairly solid this fall and would have to pass.. But I appreciate the kind words from all here.. Thank you all.

I would add Dennis Olson to the list. I would also highly recommend nitride over cerakote.

Talk to Eddie Fosnaugh, he has done a fine job on a complete build for me and last I knew, he had a reasonable time for completion.


http://www.fosnaughcustoms.com/our-services.html

Kevin is top of my list, but he's local for me.

Same here and he’s not local to me, but he’s fair on pricing and worth the shipping.

Kevin Weaver has built several rifles for me, pre64 and classics. Great work and they shoot better than I can.

http://weaverrifles.com/

Kevin has built 3 for me, all came out great. Nice guy to deal with, and likes to work on Winchesters.

Yeah, he’s got a lot of business from us lately. He’s got a 300 Win on a SS Classic that’s been waiting on a Legend for quite awhile he should be shipping soon. He does great work and if he has all the materials needed is pretty danged quick.