Post by: phildobaggins on February 25, 2023, 09:59:41 AM
I've had this Winchester Model 70 in 7mm Magnum forever. It's killed everything from mule deer, bears, and moose in its current configuration. My dad bought it in the 80's and slapped a Leupold Vari-X II 2-7 on it and it's been like this since then. I have bow hunted and muzzle loaded chronically the last decade or so, but I'm going to be going on some out of state rifle hunts this coming fall and I wanted to get something "new". After essentially remodeling my basement after the cold snap around Christmas time, I've decided I shouldn't spend $3500 on a sweet rifle right now.
Looking for some suggestions on how I can revitalize this old shooter. First thing I'm replacing is the scope. I don't know a ton about this platform, would love to put a trigger in it as well?
Take a look at the pics and let me know what you would do if you had a gun like this you wanted to breathe new life into. It's a good gun, just a bit dated. I shot a bear with it in 2018 and I remember thinking to myself "man, it's time to update this scope" and I put it back in the safe and haven't chased game with it since.
Let me know what you think!
Post by: phildobaggins on February 25, 2023, 10:00:02 AM
Post by: phildobaggins on February 25, 2023, 10:00:25 AM
Post by: bustedoldman on February 25, 2023, 10:05:17 AM
Post by: jrebel on February 25, 2023, 10:07:07 AM
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on February 25, 2023, 10:09:19 AM
Post by: timberfaller on February 25, 2023, 10:23:05 AM
Optic's are more a personal choice. I've got some old $150 scopes that have never failed me, what-so-ever!!
Post by: jay.sharkbait on February 25, 2023, 10:27:09 AM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on February 25, 2023, 10:38:49 AM
If yours shoots keep on keeping on. If you just want to upgrade it new glass or stock are fun to do.
Leupold makes backcountry ring mounts for the scope that are nice.
I think i put an aftermarket trigger spring in mine also.
Post by: boneaddict on February 25, 2023, 10:40:04 AM
Wouldn't change a thing! It shoots and kills.
I'm in this crowd
Post by: Igor on February 25, 2023, 10:40:54 AM
My advice would be a new stock and new scope, and you will have a beautiful classic hunting rifle.
Post by: bobcat on February 25, 2023, 10:47:58 AM
Another really cool option which my brother just recently bought at the Portland Sportsman's Show is the Maven CRS.1 in either the 2-10x40 or the 3-12x40. They're very light and have what Maven calls a Simplified Holdover Reticle. Also very reasonably priced, $450 for the 3-12.
https://mavenbuilt.com/products/crs-1-3-12x40-sfp
I'd probably get a good synthetic stock, and maybe pay a gunsmith to glass bed it. Throw in a good trigger too while you're at it, like a Timney. For a stock I'd probably first look at McMillan, but they're not cheap.
That should be about all you'd need, will be like an entirely different rifle after those three upgrades.
Post by: phildobaggins on February 25, 2023, 10:51:46 AM
I love the idea of putting a whole new stock on it, but I've never replaced a stock. Does a gunsmith need to replace it for me or is it a "bolt on" mod? I'd really like to try and improve this gun with about $1,500, including a scope. So a scope between $800-$1000 sounds good, and then I've got some spare change for ?? I would love a lighter trigger, but I've only replaced triggers on AR platforms. Is it sorta the same gig with bolt guns?
Also, if anyone's got stock ideas, I'm all ears. Just want to improve this gun, I've got a sweet Ruger M77 .270 from the same era that I'm going to keep as my "classic shooter" and not modernize it, but I am tantalized by the thought of modernizing this gun and reloading some sweet loads for it and making it a real slick hunter because I've always shot boxed ammo out of "basic" hunting rifles.
Post by: phildobaggins on February 25, 2023, 10:53:19 AM
Definitely a new scope. But if you're old school like me, you might not want to "dial." I just don't see the need for it, but I won't shoot beyond about 450 yards. I like scopes with holdover style reticles. Leupold has the Boone and Crockett reticle. At least they used to, not 100% sure if they still do. I really like the Leupold Long Range Duples reticle, which is very simple and uncluttered, with only a couple small dots for holdover. I just don't think it's available anymore.
Another really cool option which my brother just recently bought at the Portland Sportsman's Show is the Maven CRS.1 in either the 2-10x40 or the 3-12x40. They're very light and have what Maven calls a Simplified Holdover Reticle. Also very reasonably priced, $450 for the 3-12.
https://mavenbuilt.com/products/crs-1-3-12x40-sfp
I'd probably get a good synthetic stock, and maybe pay a gunsmith to glass bed it. Throw in a good trigger too while you're at it, like a Timney. For a stock I'd probably first look at McMillan, but they're not cheap.
That should be about all you'd need, will be like an entirely different rifle after those three upgrades.
I was eyeing Maven a while ago, but heard that their binocular's had a narrow FOV compared to other brands and I kinda stopped looking into their optics. Prove me wrong, I'd love a great scope at that price.
Post by: phildobaggins on February 25, 2023, 10:54:37 AM
Post by: RB on February 25, 2023, 10:54:40 AM
Post by: bobcat on February 25, 2023, 10:57:21 AM
Post by: phildobaggins on February 25, 2023, 11:05:54 AM
Gunsmith recommendations around Entiat/Wenatchee? If I keep this project under $1800 I won’t feel like I should’ve just yolo’d on a CA Ridgeline like I wanted 😂
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on February 25, 2023, 11:47:01 AM
Agree with everyone about new stock and glass, only thing I would do different is have a gunsmith nock the iron sights off and re-blue the barrel. Did that with an old Mauser 30-06 and made it look really nice with the new composite stock. :twocents:
As a hunting rifle I'd leave the iron sights on for the instance one falls on scope and you have reliable back up sights. :twocents:
Post by: BULLBLASTER on February 25, 2023, 11:47:40 AM
Post by: jrebel on February 25, 2023, 12:37:37 PM
If you buy a replacement stock, just make sure you torque the action screws to the appropriate torque specs (go buy a fat wrench and add it to the gun bench....best money you will spend in the venture). Before I paid a smith to bed it, I would shoot it without having it bedded to see how it shoots. Some rifles shoot very well without bedding in the aftermarket stocks these days. Just my two cents.
Also...it is a super rewarding feeling knowing you did the work yourself. Give it a whirl.
Post by: Skillet on February 25, 2023, 12:42:17 PM
If anything, a stock would be a good upgrade. Or refinish in satin? Those press-checkered M70 stocks weren't my favorite, and they sure flaked off the finish.
Don't take off those irons either, imho. Functional as backups, and a classic look that honors the gun's history. I wish more guns were offered with irons these days.
:twocents:
Post by: b23 on February 25, 2023, 02:12:48 PM
Hey folks,Before you do anything I'd start by deciding the max you are willing to spend and write it down at the top of your list. Next, I would write down your "must haves" with the most important at the top. It sounds like a new scope, one that you can accurately and reliably dial with, is highest on your list of wants. For me, keeping cost in mind, I would look for a nice used NF NXS 3.5-15 or 5.5-22. They are as solid a performer as you can get and if you search around you can usually pick up a good clean used one for 1100 +/- but don't forget you'll need good rings/mount and that'll set you back another couple hundred bucks on top of the scope price. If dialing is something you want to do and you want to be successful at it, do not, skimp on the scope.
I've had this Winchester Model 70 in 7mm Magnum forever. It's killed everything from mule deer, bears, and moose in its current configuration. My dad bought it in the 80's and slapped a Leupold Vari-X II 2-7 on it and it's been like this since then.
Looking for some suggestions on how I can revitalize this old shooter. First thing I'm replacing is the scope. I don't know a ton about this platform, would love to put a trigger in it as well?
Take a look at the pics and let me know what you would do if you had a gun like this you wanted to breathe new life into. It's a good gun, just a bit dated. I shot a bear with it in 2018 and I remember thinking to myself "man, it's time to update this scope" and I put it back in the safe and haven't chased game with it since.
Let me know what you think!
You didn't quite say but do you want to replace the stock or reuse the one you have? If you want to replace it do you want to stay wood or go with a synthetic type stock and do you have a $$$ range you want to stay in if you do decide to replace it?
Cost wise, a Boyd's laminated will probably be your best choice and when it comes to wood stocks I highly recommend having pillars installed and the action bed by a professional. If it's not something you are already proficient in, this would not be the rifle I'd make my first attempt on. Boyd's + pillars and bed by a smith probably be somewhere in the $450 +/- range.
For a synthetic stock, unless you can find a good used one, if you have to buy new a B&C is probably going to be you best option. Even though the B&C stocks come with the Aluminum bedding block they don't always match up perfectly to the underside of the action which causes pressure points as well as those alum. bedding blocks aren't always straight in the stock and the barrel won't sit centered in the barrel channel. I always have everything with alum. bedding blocks skim bed, it'll create a perfect mating surface to the action eliminating pressure points and whoever does it can also fix any alignment issues if there are any. B&C + skim bed probably around $500 +/- range.
Another stock option is to refinish the one that's on it yourself. The biggest PITA with those factory gloss finished stocks is stripping that gloss coating off. I don't know about the Winchester stocks but getting that gloss finish off a factory Remington BDL stock is a real chore.
Replacing the trigger spring in the trigger you have won't cost much and is pretty straight forward. Even if you completely replace the trigger with an aftermarket one that too is a pretty straight forward job that you can most likely do yourself.
If this particular rifle has sentimental value to you, understandable if it does, maybe just leaving it "as is" is what you should do. If you think something is broken internally on your scope, take it off and send it to Leupold for repair. Leupold is usually pretty good about fixing their stuff.
As an option, instead of updating something with sentimental value that you possibly want to preserve instead of making it look completely different than what it currently does, maybe, consider buying a new rifle. Something like a Tikka that are known for shooting extremely well right out of the box that won't cost a whole lot more than the stock swap on your current rifle and use that as your platform to put a scope you dial with on not to mention something like a Tikka gives you lots of customizable build options down the road.
Post by: jeffro on February 25, 2023, 04:27:55 PM
Post by: Ingwe on February 25, 2023, 07:25:25 PM
Post by: Ridgeratt on February 25, 2023, 07:30:31 PM
Tuff to beat the price.
Post by: Westside88 on February 25, 2023, 08:48:27 PM
I appreciate everyone's insights here. I'm 100% changing the scope first and foremost, it's lived a good life but I'd like to be able to dial my elevation, and there is something loose inside this glass, but the bullets still hit the mark :tung: I just need to be able to trust my optic when I'm out hunting and don't want funky business when I'm hundreds of miles from home.
I love the idea of putting a whole new stock on it, but I've never replaced a stock. Does a gunsmith need to replace it for me or is it a "bolt on" mod? I'd really like to try and improve this gun with about $1,500, including a scope. So a scope between $800-$1000 sounds good, and then I've got some spare change for ?? I would love a lighter trigger, but I've only replaced triggers on AR platforms. Is it sorta the same gig with bolt guns?
Also, if anyone's got stock ideas, I'm all ears. Just want to improve this gun, I've got a sweet Ruger M77 .270 from the same era that I'm going to keep as my "classic shooter" and not modernize it, but I am tantalized by the thought of modernizing this gun and reloading some sweet loads for it and making it a real slick hunter because I've always shot boxed ammo out of "basic" hunting rifles.
I’d probably go with like a 4-12 power scope on that rifle. I’d definitely send that Leupold in and have them work it over though. It’ll be good as new and worth keeping.
Post by: Alchase on February 25, 2023, 09:53:30 PM
Post by: RB on February 25, 2023, 10:00:47 PM
If you are looking to upgrade your scope, take a look at the Leupold Firedot options. I have six Firedots, and hey are great for aging eyes like mine :tup:
:yeah:
Have one and will be getting more!
Post by: 300rum on February 26, 2023, 06:58:33 AM
I went with the new fandangle once and never again. When it's time, I reach for the 1960 something model 700 that has the blueing worn off, stock all nicked up. The animals don't care for it, I know that.
Let me know what you think!
Post by: Wingin it on February 26, 2023, 07:16:50 AM
Post by: buckfvr on February 26, 2023, 09:31:19 AM
How far you want to shoot with it should tell you what scope, and if you really need to dial. You can shoot hash mark hold overs out to 500 yards pretty easy, or with a CDS, and its an old rifle that was NOT designed for LR accuracy so you may be tapped out in the 4-500 yard range anyway.
Good luck, progress and completion pics. :tup:
Post by: dreadi on February 26, 2023, 10:19:00 AM
BLACK HAMMER ARMS
07/02 NFA Dealer
http://www.blackhammerarms.com
http://www.facebook.com/blackhammerarms
https://www.instagram.com/blackhammerarms
Post by: buckfvr on February 26, 2023, 10:59:48 AM
You could buy a whole gun and scope for $1800 instead.
BLACK HAMMER ARMS
07/02 NFA Dealer
http://www.blackhammerarms.com
http://www.facebook.com/blackhammerarms
https://www.instagram.com/blackhammerarms
:yeah:
Post by: b23 on February 26, 2023, 11:18:04 AM
You could buy a whole gun and scope for $1800 instead.
This was my suggestion as well. If wanting to get in to the LR game was the goal I'd look at something like a Tikka in 7 Rem mag, 300 WSM, or 300 Win mag then top it with a NF NXS. If you searched around for good clean used you could probably do it for close to that 1800 but if you wanted all new you'll be a little over that but at least you'd be starting with stuff that is more geared toward LR.
If the OP felt comfortable taking it on he could refinish the stock himself, put it back on and call it good. I'm sure it would look much better with the stock refinished and everything would still be original about the gun.
At the least, I'd send the scope back to Leupold for repair.
Post by: M_ray on February 26, 2023, 11:25:53 AM
P.s. I like battle scars! ;)
Post by: salish on February 26, 2023, 11:39:09 AM
Post by: phildobaggins on February 27, 2023, 07:03:33 PM
Are any of you guys experienced M70 people who can help me out? Looked up the serial, and it looks like it was manufactured in 1975.
Post by: Ridgeratt on February 27, 2023, 07:17:34 PM
Post by: Wingin it on February 27, 2023, 08:54:48 PM
Post by: b23 on February 28, 2023, 12:48:12 AM
I appreciate everyone's opinions here. I'm still mulling over what I want to do with this thing, but first things first are trying to figure out "which" M70 I have.
Are any of you guys experienced M70 people who can help me out? Looked up the serial, and it looks like it was manufactured in 1975.
That would make it a push feed action Model 70, similar in design to a Rem 700.
Post by: jasnt on February 28, 2023, 02:23:12 AM
Post by: Alchase on February 28, 2023, 07:29:42 AM
Like others have said I wouldn’t change a thing especially if my dad put it together as well as it sounds like a good shooter as is. I’d wait till I could afford a different set up before I’d consider changing that one. :twocents:
P.s. I like battle scars! ;)
:yeah:
The more I think about it, I would leave this one as is, and give this one a place of honor on the wall.
Then buy a new rifle. I am partial to Sakos so I would probably buy another Sako Finnlight in 270 Win. I do not have a 270 Win version yet. :tup:
Post by: bobcat on February 28, 2023, 08:15:01 AM
Post by: phildobaggins on February 28, 2023, 08:49:23 AM
As much as I'd like to honor the guns heritage by leaving it heavy and battle scarred, it will still always be the gun that my dad gave me, even after I modify it. I'm just not convinced I want to spend $900 on a McMillan stock ;)
Also, I don't know if it's normal, but I feel like the bolt handle has some up/down play when it's in battery... I don't think I ever noticed this before but it bothers me. Is this common? Perhaps something worn in the bolt?
Post by: phildobaggins on February 28, 2023, 08:53:00 AM
I’ve re done a few m70’s. Glass bed, aluminum pillars, trigger spring kit, and they shoot great. I’d leave the stock as is for finish myself. If you do the work yourself it leaves a lot of budget for scope.
I know nothing about bedding rifles, what are aluminum pillars?
Post by: b23 on February 28, 2023, 09:28:49 AM
I’ve re done a few m70’s. Glass bed, aluminum pillars, trigger spring kit, and they shoot great. I’d leave the stock as is for finish myself. If you do the work yourself it leaves a lot of budget for scope.
I know nothing about bedding rifles, what are aluminum pillars?
Just Google how to install pillars in a rifle stock and you'll find allll kinds of how to videos.
Wood stocks in particular I always go with pillars and a full action bed but a good argument can be made you don't necessarily need to bed the action in the stock if pillars have been properly installed.
Post by: BULLBLASTER on February 28, 2023, 10:14:59 AM
Yea, I'm going to do the trigger spring kit for sure. Watched a Youtube video on it last night and looks easy to do and should make it lighter and a lot more consistent.What do you mean it has some up down play? It can be opened? Where is the safety at when you experience this?
As much as I'd like to honor the guns heritage by leaving it heavy and battle scarred, it will still always be the gun that my dad gave me, even after I modify it. I'm just not convinced I want to spend $900 on a McMillan stock ;)
Also, I don't know if it's normal, but I feel like the bolt handle has some up/down play when it's in battery... I don't think I ever noticed this before but it bothers me. Is this common? Perhaps something worn in the bolt?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on February 28, 2023, 10:16:43 AM
At min new scope, rings/bases, and trigger spring. Continue from there if need be. Me personally I'd be ditching the wood stock into the back of the safe. I LOVE the look and feel of a classic wood stock but I don't love how wood can behave. For a bomb proof mountain gun I want composite. Just personal preference, no need for the wood guys to tell me why I'm wrong :chuckle:
Post by: Karl Blanchard on February 28, 2023, 10:20:00 AM
Post by: Jpmiller on February 28, 2023, 11:25:44 AM
If it were mine I'd buy a new one and keep that one as is as long as function isn't an issue.
Post by: dreadi on February 28, 2023, 03:29:06 PM
Post by: Alchase on February 28, 2023, 09:01:21 PM
You know, I could have you into a Bergara B-14 Wilderness Ridge Rifle 7mm Rem Mag, Trijicon Huron 3-12x40, and a Silencer Co Harvester Evo for $2052 before base, rings, and taxes.
OK that is almost cruel, :chuckle:
Sweet setup!
Post by: bod on March 01, 2023, 04:19:38 AM
Post by: JakeLand on March 01, 2023, 04:46:28 AM
outfit it with a new scope....maybe a zeis v4 4-16 so you have the ability to dial elevation with confidence. Then pull the stock, strip and refinish it. Put it back together and it will be good for another 100K miles.X2
Post by: phildobaggins on March 02, 2023, 09:45:40 AM
I really wanted a Leupold VX-5HD with the firedot. The CDS turret sounds super slick to have, but I heard a few complaints about the scopes not tracking.... they return to zero fine, but that was a little bit heartbreaking to read... now I'm leaning towards a Nightforce SHV... if anyone has a gently used Nightforce SHV they want to sell hit me up :chuckle:
Post by: bustedoldman on March 02, 2023, 11:14:40 AM
First thing I'm buying is a scope, because if I change my mind and want to get a different rifle, I won't have spare parts ;)
I really wanted a Leupold VX-5HD with the firedot. The CDS turret sounds super slick to have, but I heard a few complaints about the scopes not tracking.... they return to zero fine, but that was a little bit heartbreaking to read... now I'm leaning towards a Nightforce SHV... if anyone has a gently used Nightforce SHV they want to sell hit me up :chuckle:
I have 2 VX-6HD's (6.5PRC & 300WM) and 4 VX-5HD's (.270, 6.5CM, 300PRC, 338LM), 2 VX-3HD's (.22LR & .22 Mag) all w/CDS..........I have ZERO issues with tracking or otherwise. I would feel 100% comfortable buying one.
Post by: phildobaggins on March 03, 2023, 06:43:25 AM
First thing I'm buying is a scope, because if I change my mind and want to get a different rifle, I won't have spare parts ;)
I really wanted a Leupold VX-5HD with the firedot. The CDS turret sounds super slick to have, but I heard a few complaints about the scopes not tracking.... they return to zero fine, but that was a little bit heartbreaking to read... now I'm leaning towards a Nightforce SHV... if anyone has a gently used Nightforce SHV they want to sell hit me up :chuckle:
I have 2 VX-6HD's (6.5PRC & 300WM) and 4 VX-5HD's (.270, 6.5CM, 300PRC, 338LM), 2 VX-3HD's (.22LR & .22 Mag) all w/CDS..........I have ZERO issues with tracking or otherwise. I would feel 100% comfortable buying one.
Really good to know, thanks for the feedback! I would just die if I dialed on a nice animal and missed :tung:
Post by: NW SURVEYOR on March 03, 2023, 07:43:09 AM
It might be more than you need, but?
I also have a Leopold VX 5HD with the Boone and Crocket reticle on a 7MM Tika Superlight.
This is a lights out setup.
NOT for sale.
Good luck on your project.
Rob.
Post by: phildobaggins on April 19, 2023, 02:56:24 PM
I put in an MCARBO trigger spring. The trigger is EXCELLENT, I like it more than the Timney I have in my other gun.
I also ordered a new VX5-HD for it. On the fence about whether or not I am going to put a stock on it or keep it as is, but this thing is going to be a peach in no time.