Today I came across this rifle and I'm thinking about buying it. The metal looks new and the stock is so nice I at first thought it had been very nicely refinished, but after examining it for an hour I now think it may in fact be original...aluminum butt plate with most of the black paint on it,correct sling swivels and all. It is missing the front sight hood.
Here's the unusual part...it also comes with an extra .243 barrel.
I have not seen the extra barrel yet, the LGS said it's in their safe and I'd have to come back tomorrow to see it. It's really in "safe queen" condition, but I'd like to hunt with it. Barrel is stamped M70 Featherweight .308. Serial number 2599xx

What would you pay for this rifle?

Thanks for your help...

Original finish and a 'safe queen' - $1,200.00 -$1,400.00....

That looks right to me.

donsm70

If it's in collectable condition (meaning "all original"), it has a market value of $1200-$1,400.00 as mentioned. However, I'd try to get it for less. The one I bought a couple years ago, in the same condition, cost me $825.00 and I later sold it for $1,200.00. Good luck with it and let us know what you decide and how much he wants for it. I'd also probably try to sell the 243 barrel on ebay for a couple hundred bucks, to recoup some of the cost of the rifle...

Thanks you guys, that price range was what I was thinking too.

Another question...Did the "bolt throw" change at all over the years on the pre 64's? What I mean is, did the height of the bolt in it's "up" position ever change to a "lower" position through the years?
I'm wondering about scope clearance working the bolt.

Thanks again...

pre War bolts had less clearance due to not being relieved. A 1953 bolt is as low as they come. Pre 64 bolt clearance is possibly a bit less than post 64.

That extra 243 barrel is trade/sell fodder. It would not be proper on a 1953 as the 243 is a 1955 creation.

pre War bolts had less clearance due to not being relieved. A 1953 bolt is as low as they come. Pre 64 bolt clearance is possibly a bit less than post 64.

That extra 243 barrel is trade/sell fodder. It would not be proper on a 1953 as the 243 is a 1955 creation.

sbrmike-thanks for that info! Those are two questions I hoped to figure out.

What twist is the 243 barrel?

If factory, it should be a 6 groove 1 in 10 twist rate...

Thanks. 95 grain bullets fine in a 10 twist winchester?

Yep, should work just fine. I used to run 95 gr. partitions in a 10 twist. A 10 twist should stabilize a 100gr. partition or similar shaped bullet...

My pre 64 fwt 243 has seen nothing but 100 gr Partitions in almost 20 years.

Generally yes, but it can depend on which 95. Berger recommends a tighter twist for their 95 VLD for example.

No one uses the VLD anymore anyway mathman... When you learn to load partitions and make those accurate in your rifle, you'll know you've then mastered the sport of handloading, shooting and all that is right in the world... Hint.....

Yeah, sure, I've just got to get with the program.

That explains the calmness in my universe

Can't wait to kill a deer with a Berger VLD out of my FW 243...

I got a 1953 M70 featherweight 308 for $400 in 2012 at Lynnwood Guns.

The rifle is nearly new, except for the broken stock wrist that has been very poorly repaired.

I bought this stock in 2013 for $350 to fix it:
http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/7894868/

"Safe Queen" factory original condition would be valued around $1600. The extra barrel isn't worth much because it has be be fitted to receiver by gunsmith. In modern state of the art modular rifle like Sauer 404 the extra barrel would be worth substantial amount.