Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles What to do with an old model 70

I have a pre 64 70 standard that I had re bored to .35 Whelen some time ago. Long story short, I no longer enjoy shooting it. It's still as accurate as ever, but a shoulder/ neck/ back issue ensures that I get hurt when I shoot it. As I see it, I've got three possibilities:

1) cut the stock and install a pad. It's been refinished, so losing the originality of the stock isn't an issue. It'll still kick though.
2) buy a barrel in a smaller caliber. I have a decent line on an original .30-06 barrel, which is what the gun originally was. I have an 06 FWT that I really like.
Whatever barrel I'd put on, it will have to be the original profile, sights and all.
3) sell the gun and use the funds to buy a smaller caliber. I'm looking at a Bob or trying to find a .250-3000.

I'm leaning toward 2 or 3, but am looking for others thought. Some of you may have an argument for one way or another I haven't thought of. COAs 2 and three will free up a lot of Whelen reloading stuff for sale.

Thanks,

Old70

Sell it and buy a Bob or a .250 Savage.

Rebarrel to a 7x57, .270, or 25-06

+1

I already have one in .270, so no need for two, and if I keep this gun, I want to keep the original barrel profile, sights and all. I appreciate the suggestions.

Put the pad on it and keep the great old Whelen.

6.5 x 55

Rebarrel to 7x64

#1 is out, it will still kick!
Sounds like you want to put on an 06 barrel (original), which should be simple and not too expensive.
Guess it depends on whether the rifle has some history with you and you don't want to move it on.

Quite a few years ago my FIL had Pre 64 FWT that he had left in a camper trailer that leaked. It was totally rusted. I was able to purchase a used barrel from Numrich pretty cheap and it was just a screw off m screw on, test head space( which was OK) deal.

Sell the whole rifle and buy a 243.

Just re-barrel it or buy a new rifle. Totally up to you, your budget, and sentiment.

I saw the answer to your question last nite in a friends gun safe. His 35 Whelen was made out of a M98 Mauser and the barrel was a medium heavy. I asked him about the recoil and he replied it didn't kick much which made me think about how much my 35 Whelen in a M77RS kicks,It will get anyones attention. Then I read your whole thread.

In this order I would explore the options:
1. If the current stock works for you check into a mercury recoil reducer installation in the butt they work and this would leave the stock appearing as is.
2. cut the butt and install a Limbsaver recoil pad on it.
3. Hornady makes a spire pointed 358 cal 200 gr bullet called the FTX for the 35 Remington , use reduced loads and keep the velocity around 2100-2200 fps.Your rifle will weigh more than any 35 Rem ever made further reducing recoil. Doesn't take a genius to figure out for the price of a box of Flex tip Hornady's and a pound of different powder you might keep your gun of memories and still be well prepared for Mich whitetails and Black bears.
So a mercury recoil reducer,a Limbsaver pad, and reduced loads all together is still cheaper than most all the other ideas submitted and if you still aren't happy you can still do the other suggestions. Magnum Man

I am going to second the 6.5x55 suggestion. It diesnt have the recoil of the 270. Using 39grs of Varget behind a 120grn BT I get some really tight groups at around 2700 fps. My 270 at about a pound lighter shoot harder with a 130grn at around 3200 fps. And the Sweed will do the same as the 270 in my area with those ballistics.

If you don't reload Sweed ammo is about twice as much as 270 ammo. In that case rebarrel for a 7mm-08. You'll be using a long action for a SA cartridge which should not be an issue.

HaYen

I will preface this by giving my prejudices. I like the Whelan. I hate the P64 M70 stock. (I know blasphemy, flame, flame).
So if it was me I would put it in a McMillan or similar stock that has a good pad and put the original stock in the back of the vault in case you ever want it.

Appreciate the suggestions guys, even those outside the original parameters. I just took it to the range to fire the last 12rounds I had loaded, prior to making a decision. As a result, I'm into the a level and flexoril. I've also pretty much decided to sell. It shoots too well to change, and I have no real sentiment toward the gun, so I'll be offering it here soon, followed by the reloading gear.

Thanks,

Old70

Heck, even if I bought it, I'd probably turn it into a 7x57...with a full length stock.

If I had the money,I would buy it and leave it as is. Then go forth and kill elk,bear or whatever else I could use it on.

I would send it to Pacnor for rebarreling. They will turn the new barrel to match the old pre '64 profile in any caliber you want, I would choose their beautiful matte blue finish.
Calibers you might like: 25-06. 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser, or how about the wildcat 6mm/06.

I would have bought a beater pre-64 stock with monte carlo, put a thick recoil pad on it, and swapped it into the stock.