I've wanted to add a Pre-64 Model 70 to my collection for a while now but am not a knowledgeable collector of the rifles.
I'm looking at a model 70 built in 1942 and chambered in 300H&H. It's been drilled and tapped for a scope mount but looks to otherwise be all original. I'd rate the rifle between 90-95 percent condition, worn bluing on bolt nob and especially on the floor plate but otherwise strong, no cracks in the stock and nice factory checkering but numerous small scratches and dent in the wood from handling. What would you more knowledgeable fans and collectors consider to be a fair price range?

1500-2000 if it’s the original finish

Thanks for the information. I thought that it was a 1942 model but apparently it was made in 1947 would that significantly affect value?

No

I think $1500 would be a fair price from what you've described.

If it's was made in 47, it was drilled and tapped at the factory.

Per Rule pp. 132-133, “the H&H magnum actions were not drilled at first. Due to the enlarged loading port, these actions could not be adapted to existing telescope bases, so were not drilled on a routine basis until Nov. 28, 1950”.

Personally, I could never get past the extra holes and would pass on the gun. Ymmv....

Yes, pre-wars are more valuable, especially in a magnum chambering.

Good catch, Pocono!

My first question is, are you looking for a collector grade rifle or a "shooter"??? Keep in mind, that rifle will NOT have a recoil pad as well. I'm wondering exactly how "original" the rifle in question is? Obviously the rear bridge of the receiver has been drilled and tapped. Even If it was done properly/professionally, it would take away from the value of the rifle. However, it would add to its usefulness (if you are looking for a shooter). My next question: Is it a true H&H magnum action??? Yes, you can build an H&H chambered rifle on a standard rifle action: I've seen it done. However, That grossly reduces the value of the rifle. In the description above, I'm having a hard time believing the rifle is "90-95 percent condition". I'd also keep in mind the rifle is considered a "transition" rifle and I'd expect to see that style of safety on it as well... I hate to say this, but I for one, need a little more description on this rifle to be sure of it's exact condition. No way to place a value on the rifle, based on the ops description..

Sounds like a $1,000 rifle.

As always, BSA has added some excellent points. The drilled receiver is a value killer, with some variation on how much, depending on how and where it was drilled. Expertly drilled in the rear bridge is completely different than butchered for a side-mount.

We buy and sell hundreds of pre-64 rifles every year through our business. While BSA likes to (correctly) point out that we buy at wholesale, I do get a pretty good sense of retail pricing on everything from $400 parts rifles to impeccable $25,000 collector rifles.

For a complete and good condition "shooter" rifle in 300 H&H magnum, prices start around $900-$1000. If the rifle is nicely restored so it looks fantastic, but is not original (and therefore has lost its collector appeal), prices are likely more in the $1400-$1800 range. A neatly drilled rear bridge probably knocks $200-$300 off of the value compared to an unmodified rifle. Drilled for a side-mount could knock $300-$500 off of the value. A aftermarket recoil pad will knock another $200-$300 off of the value. Obviously, as these detractors begin to accumulate, their cumulative affect on value adds up to less than the sum of their individual impact. But suffice to say, a non-collector .300 H&H standard rifle can vary in value by nearly $1000, depending on condition and modifications.

Based on the description given in the OP, Pal probably is pretty close to a fair retail value. The rifle has noteworthy bluing wear, handling wear on the stock, and a modified receiver, which would put it at the low end of shooter value. If it has a good bore and no mechanical issues (i.e. it's a good shooter), it is probably worth in the neighborhood of $900-$1200.

Good luck, but don't overpay!

Justin

Thanks for all of the replies. I've been in talks with the owner and finally got the year straight based on serial number it's defenitly a 1957 model not 42' or 47' so the scope holes are original. The owner is an elderly man that bought it years ago and doesn't know a lot about it. I'm looking for a fair price for both of us. I'm unable to post pictures on this site. Would it be possible for me to email a few pictures of the rifle to one of you? The owner believes the bluing to be original but to me it seems to close to new compared to the stock and old scope which both show more signs of wear. Having said that the bluing looks original to me but I'm not expearenced in identifying original from unoriginal and am going off pictures.

I'd be glad to take a look.

You can email me at [email protected].

If I get a chance, and if you wish, I will repost the photos here for others.

As with a lot of guys on this forum, I always enjoy reading Justin's posts. I was damn happy when you joined this place. You add a ton of insight, from both a collectors prospective and also from a buyers/sellers standpoint... This kind of info is extremely valuable...

Thanks to Justin and everyone else that helped me up come with a price for the rifle.

Thanks BSA.

For what it's worth, Mittenman sent me photos of the rifle and it is actually pretty nice. A great rifle to take out and shoot. Some honest wear, but no abuse, and no evident modifications. A Balavar scope setup with external adjustment (a good scope, but not much value). I'd be more than happy to use it as-is. A really good looking mid-grade shooter that's been left mostly original (looks like a vintage boiled linseed oil finish on the stock). Definitely not a the bottom of the value scale.