Help identifying year of manufacture of passed down rifle

[GregMcFadden]

So I just was surprised with a hand me down from my grandfather...  a Winchester model 70 featherweight in 30-06.  I think it was purchased sometime in the 1959 timeframe, but I have been unable to verify.  Anyone got any good insight as to how to identify the date of manufacture?

as an aside, since it might be quite old, I've been looking for a new stock for it (the standard one is in wonderful shape, but the butt pad is a skosh on the rock solid side) and rather than modify the stock (although it appears to have been bedded all those years ago), I'd rather stick the original in a corner in the safe and buy a new one.  I've seen quite a few nice stocks for the post 64 model 70's, but I haven't seen anything for the pre (assuming this is pre 1964) the rifling looks good as far as I can tell, but we will see when I get some ammo to shoot it.

thanks
Greg

[brush hunter]

serial number

[Ridgeratt]

here is a link to manufacture dates on Winchester's

http://armscollectors.com/sn/windates.htm

[halflife65]

I have a Model 70 .30-06 from 1948 that my Grandfather gave to me.  I took it to Federal Way Guns and they looked up the serial number for me.

I put a new stock and scope on it and that same year shot my biggest buck (4x4 + double eyeguards) and the guy I was with had rifle trouble and used mine to shoot a nice 4 point a day later.  That gun is good luck.  

[Coasthunterjay]

serial number will be the only way to tell...on a winchester it will be between certain numbers to determine your year...i know mine is in the 70,000 area and is a 1967...i have a winchester mdl 70 also...

tell us what the first three numbers of the serial number are and get yah a better time frame.

[Raul Duke]

here is a link to manufacture dates on Winchester's

http://armscollectors.com/sn/windates.htm

that link sent me back to the same link? 

I wanted to look up the year of my Model 70  .308

[Ridgeratt]

ok so lets try this one!!!


http://armscollectors.com/

[GregMcFadden]

the first three numbers of the serial are 359  and it is a 6 digit number

[GregMcFadden]

http://www.rifleshootermag.com/featured_rifles/RS_Model70WO_200803/

if that list is right, it would make it somewhere in the 1955 range.  that being said, anyone have a source for new stocks (I just can't in good conscience bring my self to modify the original)

as a random aside, it has a very old looking redfield 4x power scope on it, serial a40433.   not sure when that was purchased but it has been on there a very long time.

thanks all!

_Greg

[ML_Hunter]

I just looked it up 359,000 to 359,999 and that range of serial number for Winchester Model 70's was manufactured in 1955.  Also if you want to know the value of your rifle I was estimate the rifle to be in the $1100 price range if the rifle is in "very good" condition and this also leave room for if the gun had been padded.  If you replace the stock you will drop the price of the gun to about $600, so if you want to replace the stock go for it, just keep the original stock as well.  Below is a rough breakdown of the value of the rifle.

100%  $1300
98%    $1150
95%   $950
90%   $800
80%   $650
70%   $500

I may be a little off on the numbers but this should get you in the ball park and give you an idea of how much you would want to play with it.  These values are also referring to the gun in its original condition, so any modifications made to the rifle would also detract the value of the rifle.

Hope this helps 

[GregMcFadden]

thanks!  yes, I was going to put a new stock on it  (and probably a new scope) and leave the original in the gun safe.  I hate making permanent modifications to old firearms...

[JackOfAllTrades]

Thing is, if the original stock has been glass bedded, then it is already de-valued.  I say, get it appraised as is, put a rider policy on your home owners insurance and go hunt with it the way it is. If you're willing to take the barreled action in a new stock into the woods, you're willing to take the original stock. Why not?  Curse and cry when you give it your version of a beauty mark, then look to the heavens from that ridge and say, 'sorry gramps, I'll try to be more carefull'. 'Thankyou for teaching dad to hunt. He's taught me well'.

Then go shoot a nice buck with that family hunting rifle!

-Steve

[ML_Hunter]

Yea I missed the part where you said it was bedded...its up to you if you want to change the stock or not.  Pending on what it looked like i may keep it on or switch it up.  When looking at stocks, make sure they will fit the pre 64 model.  Most of the times you can get away with a post 64 stock, but there is just enough of a differnce to drive one crazy at times 

[GregMcFadden]

I think it might be bedded, I need to take it apart to verify.  My main problem with the stock is that the butt pad may as well be made from carbon steel, it is so freakin hard.