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I just accuired a model 70 sn 158525. Under the caliber stamp it is stamped kilborn. I have always liked the k hornet but was wondering if this was done at the factory or at a later date. Perhaps by Mr. kilborn himself. And how does it effect the value?
My bet is that it was done after the fact (not by Winchester), and it negatively reduces the value in the collector market.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thanks
That is what I was thinking but wanted to check. The kilourn stamp appears to be applied with a single stamp vs individual letter stamps.
Gun is in very good condition. Collectors will discount it but prairie dog won’t know the difference.
Oldgrayguns said
Thanks
Collectors will discount it but prairie dog won’t know the difference.
That is a fact! I really like the K-Hornet cartridge a lot, as it has several advantages over the standard Hornet cartridge.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Hi Oldgrayguns-
A bit ‘off topic’, but one thing aspiring M70 collectors need to keep in mind is that many M70s rechambered to Kilbourn Hornet were NOT marked as such anywhere on the barrel. Old gray guys like me already know this of course.
Consider the rifle below, a transition M70 22 HORNET standard grade (S/N 86146) in about 90-95% condition. The barrel is not marked as such, but I promise you it is a K Hornet:
Forgive the poor quality pictures. Point is that you make 22 K Hornet brass by fire forming 22 Hornet ammo, so it is safe to shoot a K Hornet with regular Hornet cartridges. Also, I’m not sure whazzup with this rifle having a type I bolt sleeve/flag safety. It’s been that way as long as I’ve had it and I’ve not chosen to replace the bolt sleeve with a type II bolt sleeve/clamshell safety (and won’t unless I ever decide to put a top mounted scope on the rifle).
So any prospective collector looking at a M70 22 HORNET in person should be carrying a piece of fired K Hornet brass in their pocket to make sure it won’t chamber. Same caveat applies to the 300 H&H Magnum. Not all M70s rechambered to 300 Weatherby were marked either. So better toss a piece of fired 300 Weatherby brass into your pocket as well.
As to impact on value, many collectors would lose interest in a rechambered rifle, marked or not. For me, the collector value of my gun above is $0.00. OTOH, I agree with Bert. If I want one to shoot, I’d prefer to have a K Hornet. So I’d say the “shooter” value is not necessarily affected at all by the rechambering if the prospective buyer is a hand loader. Just that the “shooter” value is only about 50% of the “collector” value.
Just my opinion,
Lou
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
Thanks for the input. I am more of a winchester enjoyer than a collector and much prefer the k hornet mainly because of brass life.
If the weather clears up I hope to shoot it soon. Found a leupold pioneer and a set of rings and bases in a box of stuff i’ve had for years. Looks pretty good stiing on top of the gun.
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