Older winchester model 70

I recently inherited an older model 70 Winchester in .270 from my grandfather and have a couple of questions for the more knowledgeable. I have done a little research and found that the rifle was manufactured in 1965.
My first question is whether to remove the iron sights. As of now, it is mounted with an older Weaver fixed power scope, but still has the original iron sight. Would it hurt its value to remove these? (I have no intention of ever selling this rifle, but still?)
Also, it has a very thin plastic butt plate on the end of the stock, I was thinking of replacing this with a better recoil pad, any suggestions?
I would also like to replace the scope, any thoughts on this? I have been using Vortex scopes with my other rifles, so I may do the same.
Thanks for helping me out.

The Winchester model 70's that have collector value is the pre-64. You have a post 64 if made in 1965. It's value is more as a shooter, so go ahead and make your changes to make it one of your favorite hunting rifles. I prefer the Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad. Some guys like the Limbsaver.

RELH

I agree do what you want it isn't going to change the value.
















Stay thirsty my friends

LAST EDITED ON May-09-14 AT 07:56AM (MST)[p]Definitely re-do the gun to you liking.

I inherited my uncles pre-64 M70 in .243 (1959) and made the same changes you're considering ANYWAY. It makes a nice antelope rifle. I don't plan to sell it and get more personal value out of using it!

Put a high power Redfield 50mm objective on it; replaced the hard plastic butt plate w/a Pachmyr Decelerator; refinished the stock myself and free-floated the barrel at the same time; finally had the trigger ajusted to ~3lbs by a smith.

No regrets!

I left mine on. I don't notice them. Scope goes ##### up you still have sights. Nothing wrong with a little redundancy.