New haven guns

[btoeps74]

I bought this gun on consignment last year and from there it has been sitting in the original box in the closet. Pulled it out today to look at it and noticed that it was made in New Haven. Seeing as their not made there any more, is it worth hanging onto or use it for trade material or maybe have it re-barreled to something more interesting like 35 Whelen,9.3x62 or something along that line. I tried looking up the serial number (G83972) but couldn't find anything. It's a Model 70 30-06, classic stainless with a walnut stock. Doesn't look to be fired. Scope mount holes still have the tiny screws still in place. Anybody know what it's worth about out of curiosity?
Thanks,
Bill

 

[DrMike]

In the latter days of the New Haven factory, the workmanship was pretty rough. However, that doesn't mean the rifles didn't shoot. I have a 7mm WSM and a 325 WSM that came out of there at the very last. Either rifle gives me ~0.25 to 0.50 inch groups with a variety of loads. I picked up several other New Haven rifles, and all shot MOA or better. It won't have any more value because of where it was made, and some may consider it to be of less value now that the Florence factory is producing a product recognised to be quite good. The action is identical to those you would buy from Florence, so if you are seriously considering a build, that would be an excellent action to use. Again, the barrel has some value should someone be looking for a Winchester 30 calibre barrel. Were I living in the States, I'd likely take it off your hands for a build. Being the long action, it would work perfectly for either the 35 Whelen or 9.3X62 build. I was forced to buy one of the Florence built Sporters in 30-06 in order to build my 9.3X64. I would have been pleased to find a rifle like yours at that time. If I had it here, it would undoubtedly be turned into a 35 Whelen.

 

[btoeps74]

In the latter days of the New Haven factory, the workmanship was pretty rough. However, that doesn't mean the rifles didn't shoot. I have a 7mm WSM and a 325 WSM that came out of there at the very last. Either rifle gives me ~0.25 to 0.50 inch groups with a variety of loads. I picked up several other New Haven rifles, and all shot MOA or better. It won't have any more value because of where it was made, and some may consider it to be of less value now that the Florence factory is producing a product recognised to be quite good. The action is identical to those you would buy from Florence, so if you are seriously considering a build, that would be an excellent action to use. Again, the barrel has some value should someone be looking for a Winchester 30 calibre barrel. Were I living in the States, I'd likely take it off your hands for a build. Being the long action, it would work perfectly for either the 35 Whelen or 9.3X62 build. I was forced to buy one of the Florence built Sporters in 30-06 in order to build my 9.3X64. I would have been pleased to find a rifle like yours at that time. If I had it here, it would undoubtedly be turned into a 35 Whelen.

Thanks for the info. How do you like your 9.3x64? That would be the Breneke correct?

 

[DrMike]

I think I'm going to like it very much. Unfortunately, the project has been held up. The rifle is built and test fired (it goes "BANG!"). The extractor groove was cut, and I should have it shortly. I'm waiting for the stock to be pinned and pillar bedded. It will be wearing a Swarovski 1.7-10X42. I believe it will be a hammer. Consequently, the 9.3X62 is an excellent cartridge, that has been highly underrated in North America.

 

[btoeps74]

I think I'm going to like it very much. Unfortunately, the project has been held up. The rifle is built and test fired (it goes "BANG!"). The extractor groove was cut, and I should have it shortly. I'm waiting for the stock to be pinned and pillar bedded. It will be wearing a Swarovski 1.7-10X42. I believe it will be a hammer. Consequently, the 9.3X62 is an excellent cartridge, that has been highly underrated in North America.

Seems to be easier to find factory ammo for as well. (Don't reload yet)

 

[DrMike]

9.3X62 ammunition is relatively common compared to 9.3X64, which is available only from RWS. Either is a great cartridge that will work very well for the type of game I encounter here in the north.

 

[SJB358]

I bought this gun on consignment last year and from there it has been sitting in the original box in the closet. Pulled it out today to look at it and noticed that it was made in New Haven. Seeing as their not made there any more, is it worth hanging onto or use it for trade material or maybe have it re-barreled to something more interesting like 35 Whelen,9.3x62 or something along that line. I tried looking up the serial number (G83972) but couldn't find anything. It's a Model 70 30-06, classic stainless with a walnut stock. Doesn't look to be fired. Scope mount holes still have the tiny screws still in place. Anybody know what it's worth about out of curiosity?
Thanks,
Bill

Man, some of us spend our days and nights looking for a builder and here you have one in your closet! That would be a great builder and like Mike, just about all my M70's are New Haven rifles and they have all shot really well. Really well to be honest. I would take any of the New Haven rifles to this day. The newer M70's do have the one piece floor plate, but that is about the only advantage I see. I like the MOA trigger system, but not anymore than the old M70 trigger.

 

[btoeps74]

Man, some of us spend our days and nights looking for a builder and here you have one in your closet! That would be a great builder and like Mike, just about all my M70's are New Haven rifles and they have all shot really well. Really well to be honest. I would take any of the New Haven rifles to this day. The newer M70's do have the one piece floor plate, but that is about the only advantage I see. I like the MOA trigger system, but not anymore than the old M70 trigger.

Like I said, bought it off a consignment rack. Wasn't really looking to buy it then. Just thought it was a good deal for any Winchester. Only paid $450 for it if I remember correctly. Think I'd like it better as a builder rifle if it was blued rather than in it's stainless form.

 

[DrMike]

I've had quite a few New Haven rifles other than the two I listed (7X57 (yes, I let it get away), 2 - 280s, 7mm RM, etc.). All were acceptable. As I've already stated, I'd sure use that action in a heartbeat as a donor for a build. The 9.3X62 or the 35 Whelen would surely be a fine cartridge to grace the Winchester action.

 

[SJB358]

Like I said, bought it off a consignment rack. Wasn't really looking to buy it then. Just thought it was a good deal for any Winchester. Only paid $450 for it if I remember correctly. Think I'd like it better as a builder rifle if it was blued rather than in it's stainless form.

Jeeze Bill, if that was the case, we should have swapped across the board when we did the Weatherby deal! I would have badgered you non stop about it! 450 was a steal for that rifle.

 

[btoeps74]

Like I said, bought it off a consignment rack. Wasn't really looking to buy it then. Just thought it was a good deal for any Winchester. Only paid $450 for it if I remember correctly. Think I'd like it better as a builder rifle if it was blued rather than in it's stainless form.

Jeeze Bill, if that was the case, we should have swapped across the board when we did the Weatherby deal! I would have badgered you non stop about it! 450 was a steal for that rifle.

Snooze ya loose,lol. Maybe trade for your whelen though,lol. Muah ha ha haaaa

 

[SJB358]

Like I said, bought it off a consignment rack. Wasn't really looking to buy it then. Just thought it was a good deal for any Winchester. Only paid $450 for it if I remember correctly. Think I'd like it better as a builder rifle if it was blued rather than in it's stainless form.

Jeeze Bill, if that was the case, we should have swapped across the board when we did the Weatherby deal! I would have badgered you non stop about it! 450 was a steal for that rifle.

Snooze ya loose,lol. Maybe trade for your whelen though,lol. Muah ha ha haaaa

Man, you know how to beat a guy down!

Do you have any pictures of the rifle?

 

[DrMike]

Now, there is a deal if ever there was one. I'm watching this with real interest.

 

[BK]

This is just me talking, but I'd just use it as-is. I don't think there were that many SS-Sporters made, and I'm becoming more fond of the combo. $450 is a heck of a deal. Let me know if you want to move it, I'll give you a tidy $50 profit on it! :mrgreen:

 

[DrMike]

Kurt, I'd surely bid against you on that rifle were I living in the States.

 

[SJB358]

This is just me talking, but I'd just use it as-is. I don't think there were that many SS-Sporters made, and I'm becoming more fond of the combo. $450 is a heck of a deal. Let me know if you want to move it, I'll give you a tidy $50 profit on it! :mrgreen:

Kurt, you darned rifle hawk! I knew it wouldn't be too long before you were here! Just kidding buddy. I am living vicariously through you right now!!!!

 

[BK]

Wait 'til next weekend, my man!

 

[SJB358]

Wait 'til next weekend, my man!

I am scared and excited all at the same time!

 

[FOTIS]

This is just me talking, but I'd just use it as-is. I don't think there were that many SS-Sporters made, and I'm becoming more fond of the combo. $450 is a heck of a deal. Let me know if you want to move it, I'll give you a tidy $50 profit on it! :mrgreen:

Me too if it does not sell to whomever!!!!!!!!!! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: