Win Pre-64 model 70 conversion(s) ?

I have a dilemma. I inherited two Win. Pre 64 model 70's, 1 on .308 and one in .30-06 when my father passed away several years ago. Both rifles were purchased by my father in 1958 and 1960 respectively and were shot in high power target matches for years. I even remember shooting them as a kid growing up in the marksmanship programs at our local club. So, there is a significant amount of sentimental value attached to these rifles and parting with them would be unthinkable.

Over the years my personal interests shifted first from target shooting to long range metallic silhouette (sp) matches in the 1980's. Still, no amount of paper punching or metal clanking could compare to knockinig down big game animals in the west. My personal favorite is hunting the deer high in wilderness backcountry of the Sierra Nevada of CA where I reside. Consequesntly, my firearms reflect my main interest "hunting". I typically hunt with one of three rifles. If I plan on a long hike I pack my custom Brown Precision Rem. 721 in .30-06 or my Remington 700 stainless Mountain Rifle in 6mm Rem. If weight is not an issue, and I really need tack driving precision for long(er) range shooting, my customized Rem 700 VS in .308 is my goto rifle. This year I took a pronghorn in WY at 625 yds, another pronghorn in NV at 359 yds, and a Coues deer in AZ at 350 yds with this .308.

Now back to the dilemma. What should I do with the two Win pre 64's????? Both are set up for "target" shooting...and honestly, I'll never use them for this. Call me crazy, but what I really would like to do is "convert" these two rifles into something that I would use. This way they dont just gather dust in the safe, and I still can feel connected to the past memories of my father while actually using them.
I already own two hunting rifles that I am extrememly happy with that are of the same calibers. Having more rifles in these two classic calibers is not a bad thing though. Makes for easy reloading! Cheaper ammo means more shots down range...and I love to practice! Still, part of me would love to play around with some other calibers. I still dont own a magnum caliber rifle...which might be nice if I ever get drawn for a good elk hunt...or decide to head north for moose or ??? up in AK. If I were to "convert" one of these rifles to another caliber, what my options even are is probably the first question. I dont think either of these actions could be used for a "magnum" caliber, right? Obviously a restocking job will be necessary too. I have used both MPI in Oregon and Brown Precision in California for jobs in the past and have been EXTREMELY happy with their work. I'm sure there are other companies out there that do this type of work...are there any that specialize in restocking rifles such as these?
How about the barrels? I'm not sure of the twist on either. Maybe rebarreling would be the best option. Or, would machining the existing barrels be the better choice? One friend suggested I have one turned down and have a carbon wrap installed on it by Christensen Arms. Is that a good idea?

Above all, I want to maintain the accuracy of these two guns while modernizing them enough to where they would be funtional for my needs. Any suggestions you might have would be appreciated.

Here is a photo of the rifles as they are today:

The 30-06 is probably worth too much to mess with, it's worth far more as a Bull Gun than the action is worth, and that's about all you'd realize from a custom gun. the twist is 1-12 .

If the 308 is a real original 308 it's worth a bunch, the 308 was only available by special order and is very collectable. if it's been rebarreled then there is the action you're looking for.

If they're original I'd leave them that way and buy an action . but that's a collector talking.

If it were mine I'd leave them how they are.. What Wilderness in the Sierra's do you pack into?



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BuckSnort, I live in Tuolumne County and pack into the Emmigrant Wilderness. I taken some descent bucks over the years in the Emmigrant...no monsters...but it's still a great hunt in beautiful country.

I think I would leave them as-is and continue to shoot them at targets. You already have some great hunting rifles, and while I don't know much about Winchesters, sounds like those two are worth dollars as well as memories. Shooting them along with your go-to rifles will hone your skills and be great practice. I have some rifles I inherited over the years, and changing them has, at times, been tempting. But, I think the scratched stocks, old scopes and worn blueing belong on them, just like I always remember them. mtmuley

LAST EDITED ON Dec-21-11 AT 07:48PM (MST)[p]>BuckSnort, I live in Tuolumne
>County and pack into the
>Emmigrant Wilderness. I taken
>some descent bucks over the
>years in the Emmigrant...no monsters...but
>it's still a great hunt
>in beautiful country.
>

I was born and raised in the emigrant... still spend 20-30 days a year up there....As far as the guns I agree with Dude, Snort, n Muley.... Please do not mess them up, only so much history left in this world.

I wouldn't dare to change a thing. Bring em along to a silhouette match. Every time you clank a target you give your old man a nod. You will likely get some envious looks as well.

LAST EDITED ON Dec-21-11 AT 09:27PM (MST)[p]As the proud owner of an immaculate pre 64 30-06 that was passed down to me by my Dad and that just took another mulie in October, please do not change a thing on either one. As the others have stated, you have two very sentimental, valuable firearms there and buggering them up in any way IMHO would be a crime!

Dang, those are some fine looking guns!! No recommendations here other than to enjoy them as they are whenever it is that you can. IMO, if factory, it would be a crime to alter those two. 2 very fine pre-64's!

Joey


"It's all about knowing what your firearms practical limitations are and combining that with your own personal limitations!"

OK...so almost a year has gone by since I made this original post and the last time I laid eyes on the two rifles in the was when I had them out of the safe to shoot the photo. I've spoken to my brother and he feels that rather than having these two fine rifles just sitting in the dark recesses of my gun safe that we should consider finding them a home where they could continue to be appreciated by another deserving sole. I think I'm ready to let them go too. We think dad would agree as well.

So, with that said, can anyone out there provide me any info on fair market value? If you need serial numbers or any other pertinent info please PM me and I'll be happy to get you what you need.


highsierra

Highsierra, it is almost impossible to give you a "accurate" value on the firearms. First as Dude stated, are they original factory models or have they been modified in any way. If complety original the price would skyrocket to a collector.

I would contact Winchester and see if you get any history on them. If that fails, you need to take them to a Winchester expert for examination and possible value estimate.

Asking for advice on value on the internet is like asking a lawyer if he is good. You will get bum advice everytime.

RELH

go to gunbroker.com i was just checking them and they sell for some high dollar. you have some awesome guns in your hands!!

Don't do it, you will be sorry....



Disclaimer:
The poster does not take any responsibility for any hurt or bad feelings. Reading threads poses inherent risks. The poster would like to remind readers to make sure they have a functional sense of humor before they visit any discussion board.

Pre 64 Model 70's do have a lot of collector interest, but only if they are 100% original. Interest in pre 64 Winchesters drop dramatically if the bluing has been redone or the stock has been refinished. And of course, a replacement barrel or stock would lead most serious collectors to turn away.

I'm not enough of an expert on Model 70's to know whether your barrels or stocks came from the factory that way or were reworked by a custom gun shop. However, if you were to post several detailed photos of the rifles including any barrel markings and proof marks on a site such as WinchesterCollector.org they could at least you an honest answer as to what you have by experts in the field. Most of us here are shooters like RELH mentioned and not collectors.

>Pre 64 Model 70's do have
>a lot of collector interest,
>but only if they are
>100% original. Interest in pre
>64 Winchesters drop dramatically if
>the bluing has been redone
>or the stock has been
>refinished. And of course, a
>replacement barrel or stock would
>lead most serious collectors to
>turn away.
>
>I'm not enough of an expert
>on Model 70's to know
>whether your barrels or stocks
>came from the factory that
>way or were reworked by
>a custom gun shop. However,
>if you were to post
>several detailed photos of the
>rifles including any barrel markings
>and proof marks on a
>site such as WinchesterCollector.org they
>could at least you an
>honest answer as to what
>you have by experts in
>the field. Most of us
>here are shooters like RELH
>mentioned and not collectors.

Kevin,
Thanks for your suggestion regarding "winchesterCollector.org" I just registered there and, once approved, I will post an inquiry complete with photos there. I do have some photos of the two rifles I can post here...

R-5 (.308) Year of purchase 1960





R-6 (.30-06) Year of purchase 1958

If you hack up either one of those rifles you will piss off the rifle gods and have bad luck with all your firearms from this point on..... not sure on the hunting gods but they may be upset as well. Put em back in the safe and give them to your kids.

The pictures look like the finish is original. the barrel markings are what's most important on the 308, including the proof mark.












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