I recently bought a M70 in 270W the action is a 1941 but the barrel is marked 38 do you think this is the way it came or was the barrel replaced at some point?

It's very possible that your rifle was assembled in 1941 with a barrel that had been marked/dated in 1938.

I would say more than just possible, it's most likely probable that it's original.

reelman is on! If you are dis,mispleased with the gun I will take her as is...