Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles George's dumb question of the day .... Help

How can one tell if he is looking at a pre-64 M70 versus a classic M70? There is one at the local shoppe that seems in pretty nice shape and I was curious if it was a pre-64. The serial number was G with five numbers following (I'm thinking 32xxx or 38xxx can't really rember), not interested in buying it but it was a featherwieght in .270 and the price was about $500 I think, just thought about it and wondered if was pre-64 or not.

Thanx!

Post '64's began with 700,000 , G w/ 6 digits in '69, G w/ 7 digits in '71

There were no G prefixes w/ 5 digits and no G3_____ anythings through to '81

George,

As a general rule, I always look at the extractor. If it has a claw extractor it's a Pre '64. Also, I think the the Post '64 serial #'s stared with 700,000. "G" prefix started in 1969.

Now that we have the Classic actions things are a bit more difficult. If there is a blob on the barrel where the rear sight attaches, it's a dead givaway: 'Pre 64. However, the Pre '64 FWT's didn't have the blob on the barrel.

The bad thing about the Pre'64's is that the stock has a lot of drop at heel. They seem to kick more. Later guns have a more straight stock.

Hope I haven't confused you...the9.3guy

Care to rethink that statement? Or possibly add a word?

George,

No such thing as a dumb question, I ask em all the time. The triggerguard/floorplate outline is different on a pre-64 than a post 64. The pre 64 has a narrower outline at the floorplate's hinge piece. RickBin will know for sure, maybe he can chime in.

MtnHtr

On the Pre-64, on some the rear guard screw hole goes all the way through the tang, the trigger is narrower, the bolt is unknurlled and may be hollow, the magazine box is "krinkled", there is a mauser type bump in the middle of the bolt, the follower is noticeably different from the classic, and both the classic and the pre64 have the claw type extractor.

These are just some quick checks, and if there is a new classic on the rack compare the two. The pre-64 is distinct enough to see the difference.

Chuck

...another dumb question...what are you studying at college station...

He's learning how to be an aggie................. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Isn't that something that penicillin will cure? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Studying Chemistry (the analytical variety).

Hope I never get cured of being an Aggie! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

When did they introduce the classic?

Early 90's. if I recall correctly...

...thanks for responding...and best of luck on your studies...

Now I'm confused. The rifle is a CRF (so its a classic or pre-64 ... correct?), but the G prefix was used in 69 and 71. Weren't rifles produced during those years PF? Were they PF with a claw extractor? I might have to stop over there after work .... gotta kill this curiosity.

George: here's a quote from a book on the pre64 M70 "The Rifleman's Rifle" by Roger Rule; pg 319:

" On August 25, 1971, at serial number 1,028,977, the serial number sequence was given a "G" prefix. This was implemented in compliance with new Federal regulations requiring a letter-coded serial number as an expedient means to manufacturer identification"

I guess the Feds can't tell a M70 from a M700!? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

At any rate, if the rifle in question has a G prefix, it must not be a pre64. In the early 90's Winchester introduced the "Classic" M70, which has a controlled round feed action that is similar, but not identical to, the pre64 model.

Regards, Jim

Well guys ... Thanx for all the input, I just walked over to the local gun shop while I was on a break ... it is indeed a classic action. The S/N was G709xx ... guess I had it pretty wrong. But I'm still kinda confused because 709xx is less than 700,000. But again thanx for all the help.

Any idea of the year of manufactur .... again, I'm not buying it but to put final closure to the whole episode.

Thanx,