I’ve wanted a pre 64 model 70 for a few years now but never got around to getting one. Today my best friend was cleaning out the safe. He had a user model 70 standard in 30-06 that belonged to is granddad. He mentioned selling most of the rifles and keeping the shotguns. I told him to let me know before he sold the mod 70. He called me later today and told me to come get the rifle. I was happy to say the least.

It appears it was made in 1956 from what I can find on the internet. The stock is in decent shape with normal bumps and bruises but no cracks. The buttpad appears to be the original metal and the hood is still on the front sight. It does have some wear in the bluing on the barrel but not bad at all. It has an old bushnell scope and leather sling. The action is a little sticky from sitting up all the years but I am sure it’ll be smooth as ever once cleaned.

I know this probably isn’t the cream of the crop as far as collecting (at all really)but I am excited to have such a rifle and the fact it was given to me by such a good friend makes it worth even more.

I think I am going to rescope it and keep it like it is. My plans have always been to get one and put it in a mcwoody but I may leave this one be.

Smiling here! Leave that one be. She’s got soul. Enjoy her.

I've had a bunch but have sold most of them.
I think you will be pleased with the '06.
donsm70

I do have a fondness for the 30-06. Best all around caliber imo and i have plenty of ammo.

Enjoy, the real classic american rifle!

Very cool. The old std. wt 30-06 that I used to own was one of my most accurate pre 64's. Sounds like the op got a good one. Hang on to it and hunt it and take good care of that one. If you want to put it in a mcmillan, you won't hurt the value one bit. Just be sure to save the old stock in a good place, because the old model 70 will just keep collecting value and you will want to keep the stock looking good. If it is your first pre 64, you'll soon find out why most of us here cherish these things..

Just to add to the back story. The original owner, my buddy’s granddad is turning 98 this year on 12/26. He still hunts, lives by himself, drives, and can make one of the best caramel pies I’ve ever had. In fact he took a trip to Africa last year. Seems like he is just as tough as this rifle. I’m honored to have it. Thanks for the kind words gentleman.

Congratulations! Whatever you do, don't cut the butt for a pad. Also, as BSA suggests, if you change stocks hang onto the original.

As far as I'm concerned, the standard grade .30-06 and .270 rifles are the ones that made the Pre-64's reputation. That's the rifle Joe Lunchbucket saved a bit extra for so he could have the Winchester. Yah they are a tad heavy, but they are all steel and walnut.

I hope you can take it hunting. If so, and if you fill a tag, take a choice cut or similar to your friend, and especially his Grandfather! I promise you it will be rewarding.

That sounds like a perfect rifle to me!

Congratulations - sounds like you found the perfect Pre-64 M70. My last to go will be my 93%(+/-) 1961 M70 30-06 SPRG - used just enough when I got it 25 years ago to keep on using it in the field, but nice enough to get comments.

That’s how this one is. Used just enough to keep using it but not too much to justify changing anything.

Beware they are VERY addictive!!!! I thought one was enough. Boy was I wrong!

1 is never enough. However, it may take a few to learn what you really like..

Congrats! You got a good one. 30'06 will do anything you need to do. If you're not loading for it yet, try the Blue Box 150's, for starters. You just might be amazed. Nice that the butt pad and front sight hood are still original, too.

Have fun!

My feelings as well. Enjoyed reading your post, good story.

They multiply....started with a '57 270 and now have a '52 featherweight 308, '61 264 WM and a '51 30-06. Unfortunately, the 30-06 has a corroded barrel and didn't have the correct stock. This one will be a custom built 280 AI.

Kansan

Here are my pre-war Model 70's, vintage scopes add to the pleasure of owning them. Both of those scopes are pretty low power, but I also have the same vintage mounting system on my older Sakos. They have Bausch and Lomb 2 .5-8 scopes with Bausch and Lomb/Kuharsky bases that work well and fit the vintage of those rifles.

I have a couple Bausch and Lomb 2.8-8 scopes and I am sure I have a base for a model 70 if you are interested in getting a vintage scope and mounting system for your rifle. The pleasure of owning these rifles exceeds all the misplaced affection for plastic/stainless guns that seem to prevail today...

Some cool rifles and scopes Shrapnel... Ihave a B & L 2.5-8 on my grandfathers model 54, never hear much about these anymore, but when I started hunting they were the best!!!!

Thanks for all the words of advice. Shrapnel, thank you. I believe I am going to go with something a little more modern at least at first anyway. You have some fine rifles.

You have the gold standard by which all rifles before and since have been judged. Clean it up, upgrade the glass if you wish, and hunt the heck out of it.

IMO there is nothing that cries out "America" more than a pre-64 M70 '06 (although M94's, Marlin 336's, and Savage 99's are a darn close second)!

Well said.