Pre '64 .270 Winchester

[Vince]

I found a pre-'64 .270 for sale in decent shape, not great, but looks to have honest "dings" from hunting/use, made in the 1950's, going for $950, IIRC, at my local gunshop.

I don't have plans to buy it, have no idea how it shoots, but was wondering if that was a fair price? If anyone is interested in it I'll give you the shops name/number in a PM. I like the new Winchesters from a functionality standpoint but understand that some folks like the pre 1964 Model 70's for some reason.

Vince

 

[DrMike]

If it is in decent shape, I would imagine that the rifle will bring that. I passed on one in reasonable shape this past spring. It was priced at $750. I didn't want to cannibalize it for a build I was planning. Likely, it was a mistake on my part to pass on it.

 

[Vince]

What is it that makes the pre 64's so desired?

I like the new ones they are currently producing as I think they are the best they've ever put out. My Gunsmith agrees as he told me when he went into my 25-06 that there was nothing he could do to it to make it better and it shoots 0.5" groups all day long with loads it likes. He said it has, "a very tight throat and is almost match grade."

 

[bobnob]

What is it that makes the pre 64's so desired?

They don't make 'em like that any more!

Truly that is a good question from an objective point of view. Do they deliver anything a modern version cannot?

 

[DrMike]

What is it that makes the pre 64's so desired?

They don't make 'em like that any more!

Truly that is a good question from an objective point of view. Do they deliver anything a modern version cannot?

They truly don't make 'em like that any more. The laborious assembly and attention to detail would be too expensive today. Do they deliver anything a modern version cannot? The short answer is, "No." It is the mystique of age and touching an age that is now past that drives many to own the pre-64 Winchesters. It would be difficult to imagine that without attention from a capable gunsmith they will shoot any better than those rifles being produced today.

 

[Kodiak]

In days gone by, I have bought, sold, collected and traded well over 100 pre '64 Winchesters. This took place over about 40 years of the joy of owning Winchester 70s.

They are all gone now for the most part, save a couple of well used ones.

 

[Oldtrader3]

Kodiak, my more than several old (Pre 64) Model 70's are gone now also but I really like the new ones and would like to have a modern Super Grade someday.

 

[EOD Diver]

Guys,
I agree that the new Super Grades are beautiful and typically shoot very well. My daughter has one in (what else) .270 Win that has incredible wood and I'm always looking for another with pretty wood for my boy to match hers. The new triggers are easy to tune once you remove all of the epoxy covering the adjustment screws. That said, the older trigger is an absolute work of art when properly adjusted and stoned. I don't think there is another out there as simple, rugged, or reliable. The new triggers are good, but I surely don't think they're better than those of old. Though I guess it's pretty hard to improve on perfection! I guess what separates pre-64s from modern M70s is somewhat elusive, but handle, hunt, or load for one and what makes it so special becomes a little less abstract. It's kind of like what makes a '70 BOSS 302 or '68 GT500 special. To double tap the Doc, they really don't make 'em like they used to!

Joe

 

[EOD Diver]

Guys,
I agree that the new Super Grades are beautiful and typically shoot very well. My daughter has one in (what else) .270 Win that has incredible wood and I'm always looking for another with pretty wood for my boy to match hers. The new triggers are easy to tune once you remove all of the epoxy covering the adjustment screws. That said, the older trigger is an absolute work of art when properly adjusted and stoned. I don't think there is another out there as simple, rugged, or reliable. The new triggers are good, but I surely don't think they're better than those of old. Though I guess it's pretty hard to improve on perfection! I guess what separates pre-64s from modern M70s is somewhat elusive, but handle, hunt, or load for one and what makes it so special becomes a little less abstract. It's kind of like what makes a '70 BOSS 302 or '68 GT500 special. To double tap the Doc, they really don't make 'em like they used to!

Joe

 

[Kodiak]

Charlie,

A .270 Win. Super Grade is very near the top of my list, it may very well be #1.

I'm lookin', 8) !

 

[Oldtrader3]

I am getting a little worried about mine. Sixty four years at 40-50 rounds per year is getting up there but so far, so good.

 

[Hegland]

Guys,
I agree that the new Super Grades are beautiful and typically shoot very well. My daughter has one in (what else) .270 Win that has incredible wood and I'm always looking for another with pretty wood for my boy to match hers. The new triggers are easy to tune once you remove all of the epoxy covering the adjustment screws. That said, the older trigger is an absolute work of art when properly adjusted and stoned. I don't think there is another out there as simple, rugged, or reliable. The new triggers are good, but I surely don't think they're better than those of old. Though I guess it's pretty hard to improve on perfection! I guess what separates pre-64s from modern M70s is somewhat elusive, but handle, hunt, or load for one and what makes it so special becomes a little less abstract. It's kind of like what makes a '70 BOSS 302 or '68 GT500 special. To double tap the Doc, they really don't make 'em like they used to!

Joe

Spot on, sir. I have a pair of Featherweights, built exactly 50 years apart. An FN production .270 and a 1959 .30-06. They have to be my favorites.

 

[Oldtrader3]

I have up-graded my .30-06, 1995, USRAC, Mod 70 to nearly match my 1949, .270 Super Grade. So, I have a pair of old and new Model 70 Sporter's as well and both shoot sub MOA groups.

 

[SJB358]

I am not sure what it is about them, but once you get one, more seems like a good idea..







I know my old 338 has a beautiful trigger and shoots very well. Can't say it is "better" than any of my new Model 70's, but I do like it more.

 

[DrMike]

Those pre '64s must be valuable if they require a guard dog for them! :shock:

 

[Kodiak]

Scotty's .338 is one of the classic med-wt. rifles of all time!

Those guard-dog(s) must be pretty tough, wearin' PINK collars ... ya gotta be kindin' me!!!!!!!!

 

[DrMike]

Those guard-dog(s) must be pretty tough, wearin' PINK collars ... ya gotta be kindin' me!!!!!!!!

Ladies with a bite, Jim. :mrgreen:

 

[Oldtrader3]

Hah, Scotty! You got the bug! You are going to end up like me owning (12) Model 70 variations and (15) Model 94 variations. The disease has propagated!

 

[SJB358]

Guys, I can't put into words how much I love that rifle. I pretty much always take it to the range with me, if only to shoot a group or two. I'm having alot of luck with 210 PTs at 3075. Pretty much decided to use that combo again this Fall for elk. With the Swaro on top, it's even better yet.

To me, it's about as perfect an elk rifle as there is. It's not light but its not a tank, balances really well in my hands and seems to put rounds where I want them. I could be very happy with that rifle, for all my time if I had too. Plus, when the stock is all waxed up nice, it looks pretty danged sharp!

Oh, and thank you all for the comments. Means a ton.

Those two pups are alot bigger now. Buttercup is still sporting the pink collar though. My daughter won't let me change that!