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I've used the exact same fixture to true a up a M70 that I've used to machine R700s. No difference in set up time either.

One of my Model 70's is a push feed, short action, which is currently set up as a silhouette rifle. The action is trued. The threads opened up to 1 1/16". The bolt is bumped to eliminate slop when in battery. This same action is also used as the basis of a Hunter class BR rifle and, in it's third guise, it is a prone rifle. In every configuration, it shoots very well. In the silhouette configuration, it is a 6.5 Creedmoor and comes pretty close to shooting at the 1/2 moa level. This is an 8 3/4 pound rifle. In the HBR stock, in 308, it is very close to a 3/8 rifle. In the prone stock, as a 308, it's good for about 1/2 moa. In every configuration, I feel that it shoots well but I think I could do just a little better with a Remington. Perhaps, I should say, I could do it more easily but the margin is not huge.
By the way, I have built quite a few accuracy rifles on both actions, along with a bunch of custom actions, since 1976 so I have a pretty good handle on it.
By the way, a well-tuned Model 70 trigger is as good as any standard 700 trigger. GD

I assume your not squaring the lug or the bottom flat of the action on the model 70? I also assume your using a mandrel for both the model 70 and 700 to single point everything?

You would be assuming wrong. Cutting the face of the action and the lug abutments perpendicular to the centerline of the bolt bore, single point cutting the threads opening the major diameter up to 1.062" Ø all in a single operation. I only use a mandrel for machining when I'm qualifying the scope mounting holes and installing an aftermarket bolt release (I prefer the Defensive Edge...) on a R700 action.

That indescribable "something" that is the allure of the old M70 and which draws the attention of discerning riflemen is also that which deflects the ministrations of customizers who are giddy about altering 700's to beat the band.

M70's are icons from that era of 1937 to 1964 - working stiffs who dreamt of their ideal rifle usually pictured a M70, but settled for a Remington or Savage as a darned good (and cheaper, and better in some respects) alternative. It was the standard against which the rest were compared though, always. When a M70 was acquired, it was treated as an instant heirloom. A Remington was treated as an efficient tool. (Remingtons of that era are nowadays treated to heirloom status too, but more because of our forebears who used them to put meat on the table and keep the wolf from the door. Their place in our hearts is further cemented by their strength, accuracy, and, er, customize-ability.) The M70, for right or wrong, keeps on exuding that same mystique that drew Gramps to it 70 years ago. Someone who would stick a plastic stock on a pre-64 M70, and then a bipod, and maybe give it a weatherproof coating would be called a two-timing four-flusher in many circles. Do that to a 721/722/700 and you're a man of good taste.

Anyway, that's how I see it.

don't know about this by-gone era thing with M70s. As far as I know, David Miller Co. and Mr. Echols still use M70s exclusively for their clients rifles. As for me, I just got back a pre-64 action with a new douglas barrel in .220 swift for my coyote rifle and another pre-64 in .375 is heading to Alaska on Kodiak Island next year for a brown bear hunt. I just like the way they work out in the game fields.

Darcy just put his LX1 into full build status which is just a straight and darned near perfect close of the Model 70 Classic. Last I spoke with him, he was happy to never have to machine and monkey with another factory Model 70 action. But he created a clone of it with some of the things he does with the old Classics. Pretty nice action too.

I'm going to be testing an LX1 sometime in the next 2-3 months, and am really looking forward to it.

It is a beautiful action for sure.

Me too. Looks like it’s about as perfect a copy of a 70 as I’ve seen, but better

Will he be selling the action seperately?

Yes

The LX1 sounds very intriguing. I didn’t see anything on his website. Anyone have pics or a link to share?

It would probably be best to give D’Arcy a call directly

I had a post on here with pictures but I’ll be darned if I can find it.











It’s for sure got me salivating a bit.

It’s just a dream, wouldn’t want to bother him. Just wanting to window shop for now.

I see your pics now beretzs thank you. That is a piece of art for sure.

Me too! Might be an “affordable” way to build a faux Legend.

Any good guess on price for one of these?

$3300-$3500 ish. Complete with everything you see minus the barrel.