What I need to determine year of manufacture is the first three digits (after the G) and total number of digits in the serial number (six or seven - should be seven).  Since Winchester made more than 789 M70s in each year, the last three digits tell us nothing.

Did you try the serial number lookup function on this website?  It goes through 1982.  You do not need to enter the "G" (you can put it in or not) because the software doesn't see letters, just numerals.  Pre-64 M70s were numbered 1 thru 581,471 and post-63 rifles started at 700,000, so there's no overlap (until you get to the CRF "Classics" in 1996).  By the time they added the "G" the serial numbers were over 1 million...

According to what is published in Roger Rule's M70 book, the "positive" impressed checkering like your rifle was adopted during 1966. The "G" prefix to comply with the Gun Control Act of 1968 was added in 1969. The stock/checkering style was changed again (from impressed to cut) in 1972.  Knurled bolt knobs were added across the product line in 1972.  The "Deluxe" Model 70 had a knurled knob since it was introduced in 1965, but it also had an ebony grip cap with white line spacer and your rifle lacks the spacer, so I'm assuming from the one pic of the butt stock that it is a Standard grade rifle.  If so, it was made between 1969 and 1972, and there is no "controversy".

Maybe this answers your question.  If not, please provide a G123XXX(X) serial number and a clear photo of the whole stock.

Best,

Lou

milboltnut@gmail.com said

Louis Luttrell said
Hi milboltnut-
The serial number (or at least enough of the serial number to establish year of manufacture) might help answer your question.  They made push feed M70s with the "G" prefix in New Haven from 1969 until about 1996.  Changes in checkering and bolt knob didn't necessarily happen simultaneously.
Does the bolt have a serial number that matches the receiver?
Best,
Lou
  

No the bolt does not have a matching serial number. Receiver serial G, last four.. 789
  

The last four are useless... it is the first four digits that will help narrow down the year of manufacture.  Having stated that, there is absolutely no reason not to post the entire serial number.

Bert

Louis Luttrell said
Hi milboltnut-
The serial number (or at least enough of the serial number to establish year of manufacture) might help answer your question.  They made push feed M70s with the "G" prefix in New Haven from 1969 until about 1996.  Changes in checkering and bolt knob didn't necessarily happen simultaneously.
Does the bolt have a serial number that matches the receiver?
Best,
Lou
  

No the bolt does not have a matching serial number. Receiver serial G, last four.. 789

The serial number (or at least enough of the serial number to establish year of manufacture) might help answer your question.  They made push feed M70s with the "G" prefix in New Haven from 1969 until about 1996.  Changes in checkering and bolt knob didn't necessarily happen simultaneously.

Does the bolt have a serial number that matches the receiver?

Best,

Lou

Pistol grip has two piece checking pattern (late 60's?) and smooth bolt handle knob no knurling. (odd?)

Mike

Next TGCA show will be in Denton, April 23-25!

Mike

Mad Max and his drunken pals are sharing I-35 North with you. And they don't like to share.  ,,

Next TGCA show will be in Denton, April 23-25!

Mike

Scott Wagner said
Steve and all Winchester fans!  I've collected Winchester model 12 and 42 shotguns for 45 years, been fortunate to acquire a nice collection.   I look forward to more discussion and contribution of all things Winchester! 
  

Scott, I'd love to hear and see more about your collection, especially the 42s.

Paul