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December 30, 2020
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My friend and I both have Pre War model 70s in 300 Magnum. Mine was made in 1939, his is earlier. Mine was purchased out West, his in Tennessee. Both have the later model safety (right side push). The original owner of his rifle told him that the rifle was sent back to Winchester for safety modification. I have no idea if mine is the original safety. Any thoughts?
July 3, 2020
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Pictures will facilitate accurate responses…
November 5, 2014
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Hi Victorian-
Model 70 safeties were interchangeable between different bolt sleeves. So you could have a pre-war (Version 1) bolt sleeve with a Version 3 (“dogleg”) safety OR the whole bolt sleeve/safety could have been replaced. As Ben said, pictures would allow us to tell you exactly what yoou’ve got…
Please look at the pictures below… First is the pre-war bolt sleeve (flat on top) that went with the original “flag” safety.
Next is the later style bolt sleeve (round on top) that was designed for use with the later style (side swing) safeties.
If you have a later style “dogleg” safety on your pre-war file, then it’s been replaced. The question is whether the bolt sleeve was also replaced. Late M70 safeties will work with all M70 bolt sleeves, and it was common when putting a scope on a pre-war gun to change out either the safety or the bolt/sleeve combination.
Hope this helps,
Lou
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
December 30, 2020
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These are the side swing or later safety, I have other pre-war model 70s with the earlier safety. My question more directly was there any program or policy of returning the rifle to Winchester for safety upgrade? Or were any upgraded as they sat in stock before being shipped out or sold? Were 300 magnums longer on the shelf? Or is it just coincident that two very similar guns were identically modified ? Will try to upload pictures but I am not very IT smart and I do not know any 13 yr olds to do it for me.
VR. JOHN
November 5, 2014
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Hi John-
I am unaware of any formal program for returning pre-war Model 70s to have their bolt sleeve/safety exchanged. Unless a side mount was used, the “conversion” of a pre-war action would also involve drilling at least one hole in the bridge for a scope mount. Usually these modifications were done by the consumer, although I’m sure Winchester would let you send a gun back (for a fee)…
The Version 3 “dogleg” safety came along in 1948, so to have been factory converted before the initial sale would have required the rifle(s) to have sat in inventory for nearly a decade (1939-1948) and be pulled from the warehouse and sent back to assembly. That is unlikely.
It may seem surprising, but the Model 70 300 (H&H) Magnum was fairly popular before WWII. At the time, there was nothing like it on the market (bolt action sporting rifle in a long magnum cartridge) unless you wanted to pony up and buy a custom gun from Britain. Americans seem to have always been “magnum crazy” (the bigger/faster/more powerful the better)!!! According to a factory report, annual “Net Orders Received” between 1936 and 1943, there were (2812) orders for 300 H&H Magnum Model 70s (6% of the total), making it the 5th most popular chambering, behind 30-06 (27,758), 270 WCF (6053), 22 Hornet (3390), and 220 Swift (2997).
If you can provide a single photograph of the right (bolt handle) side of the receiver showing the bolt sleeve and safety, we may be able to give you a little more info. As a WACA “Guest” you cannot post pics directly on the forum. You either have to post to a third-party site and put the link here or you can send the photo to me ([email protected]) and I’ll post it for you.
Good Luck!!!
Lou
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
January 27, 1992
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Just fyi. I have Ser. 18434 chambered in 300 H&H. It has “VER 1B”. I don’t know if this helps or not. RDB
November 5, 2014
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Hi Roger-
Yours has the expected bolt sleeve. The hole in the side for a safety retaining pin (distinguishing Versions 1A and 1B) was added early in 1938 more or less around serial number 14,000. That bolt sleeve was then used for the rest of Type I (pre-war) actions.
Thanks,
Lou
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
January 27, 1992
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That’s what it has. Thanks Lou.
July 3, 2020
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Lou… I am thankful for your willingness to share your vast knowledge! This goes to all the rest of the members (Bert, JWA, Elliot, Rick, Mike, Mark, Denny and many more!) that have put in so much time to gather accurate information regarding this hobby we love. It’s what makes this group so great! Looking forward to seeing you & everyone else in Cody! Travel safe my friends… Ben
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