I came across “The Model 70 Winchester 1937-1964” by Dean Whitaker in my dads library a couple months ago In the discussions of M70’s on this forum, the book that is usually mentioned is Roger Rule’s (which I dont currently have). Was wondering if anyone was familiar with Whitaker’s book or if they had any comments or insights regarding the book. Being a novice and new owner of a couple of M70’s Ive been trying to study up on them a bit.
1892takedown @sbcglobal.net ......NRA Endowment Life Member.....WACA Member
"God is great.....beer is good.....and people are crazy"... Billy Currington
November 5, 2014
Hi 1892-
Dean Whitaker’s book predates Roger Rule’s by about four years (1978 versus 1982). It contains a lot of useful information, but I think it is largely based on personal observation and the “common collector wisdom” of the day. Rule’s book is more systematic in its approach, based more on Winchester documents, catalogs and literature, and frankly more accurate. Neither book is “perfect” (books never are) and both are worth having in your library.
I would suggest that if you are thinking of acquiring more M70s that a paperback copy of Rule’s book is worth the investment. If you’re just wanting to know more about M70s than can be gleaned from more general books like Madis, then Whitaker’s book is fine.
Best,
Lou
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
Thanks Lou for the comments. After reading through the introduction and the first chapter or so that was the general impression that was starting to form. Rule’s book is on my list to get, I had hoped to find a copy at the last Tulsa show.
At Tulsa I purchased 2 M70’s, SN 75851 (30-06) and SN 232552 (270). Both were pretty decent guns. I gave my son the 270 for his 15th birthday so he wouldnt have to use dad’s guns and would have a quality hunting rifle of his own. Prior to those purchases I had never entertained the thought of collecting them. Figured I better get schooled so I didnt get schooled the hard way.
1892takedown @sbcglobal.net ......NRA Endowment Life Member.....WACA Member
"God is great.....beer is good.....and people are crazy"... Billy Currington
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