Winchester Collector - Forum: Winchester Rifles

Louis Luttrell on pre-64 Model 70 safety

Wed, 27 May 2026 22:18:23 +0000

Hi Wolfbait-

There are a multitude of reasons why a pre-64 M70 safety will not move. Dried gunk in the bolt sleeve preventing the safety detent plunger from depressing is one... So cleaning is the best/easiest first step... Since it won't move off "FIRE" you can't put it into the middle position, which lets you turn the bolt sleeve/striker/spring assembly out of the bolt body easily. That is annoying but not tragic...

If soaking it doesn't help... Possibilities...

The detent plunger may be "scored" from someone trying to force it to move when it didn't want to. What are supposed to be smooth polished angles now have "grooves" that catch edges... It's an easy fix IF you know how to get the bolt sleeve assembly apart from the rest of the bolt. A little polishing of the plunger (or replacing it) and "Voila!!!"

IF the safety has been replaced, the engagement between the rotating barrel of the safety and the corresponding semi-circular notch in the firing pin/striker may not be aligned. Rotating the safety is supposed to cause the vertical cylindrical part to rotate into a corresponding notch in the striker, pulling the striker back slightly, and taking all pressure off the trigger/sear. It's easier to "show" than to "explain"... But for that to work, a sharp corner on the safety barrel has to pass another sharp corner of the striker. Usually it's a matter of a couple "swipes" with a polishing stone to make it work (that's what the Assemblers did in the factory), but trying to "force" it might bend the safety lever (or even snap it off) if it doesn't want to go... So I wouldn't "get Medieval" on it if soaking doesn't work... Take it apart or give it to someone who can...

I guess this is one reason why Winchester's later Component Parts Catalogs required the gun to be sent back to the factory if you wanted work done on the safety...

Best,

Lou

wolfbait on pre-64 Model 70 safety

Wed, 27 May 2026 21:48:33 +0000

Thanks, I am going to buy it tomorrow. Price sound about right? I am going to sell the excellent condition scope and mount/rings and shoot with open sights.

Chuck on pre-64 Model 70 safety

Wed, 27 May 2026 21:15:56 +0000

Do as these guys say, clean it. Mine would not move. I got a lot of dried junk out of it.

Zebulon on pre-64 Model 70 safety

Wed, 27 May 2026 20:27:19 +0000

wolfbait said
It is not just stiff, it will not move at all.

The safety has three positions. Full forward is off - the bolt is unlocked and the firing pin assembly is not blocked.

Middle position unlocks the bolt, firing pin assembly is blocked.

Rear position locks the bolt. Firing pin assembly is blocked.

Open the action to verify chamber and magazine empty. Close bolt and pull trigger to verify it will fire. If it won't, a gunsmith should be called in.

If it does fire:

Remove the bolt. Then apply a generous amount of Kroil to the post on which the safety rotates.

Inspect the safety tab and post under a bright light for corrosion.

While allowing that to work, disassemble the bolt to remove the firing pin assembly and inspect everything for corrosion.or breakage. Lubricate and replace spring and pin assembly. If you don't know how to disassemble the bolt, consult YouTube.

Reinstall the bolt and try the safety again. If the safety still will.not engage, a gunsmith should diagnose the problem..

450 Fuller on pre-64 Model 70 safety

Wed, 27 May 2026 20:22:34 +0000

I rescued a transition 1949 M 70 in 270 WCF. The safety was very stiff with dried probably original oil. Would not move. I tried this-it worked:

Put some small rags around the safety to catch the folowing:

1. A bit of Kroil, penetrating oil or Hoppes No 9 solvent placed in the safety area where the movement area is visible. Let it soak for hours or overnite.Reapply. Keep solvents AWAY FROM STOCK WOOD. Keep the bolt in the rifle as it gives the safety a secure rest while you work to free it up.

2. Get a rubber mallet with a piece of hardwood dowel. Gently tap the safety toward the rear. If it moves slightly, add more penetrating oil or solvent. Tap-tap and solvent. If it starts to release, tap in BOTH directions. Be patient. Put some penetrating oil in again and come back to the safety.

3. Alternatively, remove the bolt and place it in a jar of gasoline, safety down and jar sealed. Leave it for a few days. Repeat steps 1 and 2. After all of this, and it still refuses to budge, try disassembly of the bolt and detailed cleaning. Still no joy, find a competent riflesmith.

wolfbait on pre-64 Model 70 safety

Wed, 27 May 2026 19:42:39 +0000

It is not just stiff, it will not move at all.

Chuck on pre-64 Model 70 safety

Wed, 27 May 2026 19:03:05 +0000

It may need to be cleaned. My 1951 had the same issue.

wolfbait on pre-64 Model 70 safety

Wed, 27 May 2026 18:56:18 +0000

I have never owned a pre-64 Model 70 and would like one. My gun shop has 1961 30-06 Featherweight. 95% condition, all original, Buehler mount Weaver K4, with original sights. $800.

The problem is the safety does not move. It is in the fire position, and I presume it is supposed to rotate rearward. What would cause this?

Bert H. on Manufacture Date 94AE Question

Wed, 27 May 2026 04:37:05 +0000

blazer652 said
Good evening Bert. I recently inherited a 94AE 44 mag, serial # 56250xx. Could you help with an approx. age for my own interest?

Early 1991.

Bert

blazer652 on Manufacture Date 94AE Question

Wed, 27 May 2026 02:55:57 +0000

Good evening Bert. I recently inherited a 94AE 44 mag, serial # 56250xx. Could you help with an approx. age for my own interest?

Chuck on Winchester 1886 Rifle in .40-82

Mon, 25 May 2026 19:06:48 +0000

If this was an original rifle in about the same condition it would be about a $10K rifle. If the wood was as nice as the metal it may be worth as much as 15K.

TR on Winchester 1886 Rifle in .40-82

Mon, 25 May 2026 18:45:32 +0000

I did a Google search and no hit. Next step I would ask for good photos after the gun was wiped dry including screw heads looking for machine chatter marks. A gun that large if redone would have flaws. What about the wood? What about the price?

At a gun show I would stop look and keep on walking. T/R

Bert H. on Winchester 1892 - mfg. 1906

Mon, 25 May 2026 17:26:14 +0000

What is the serial number? Without it, we can only guess at the date of manufacture.

tim tomlinson on Winchester 1886 Rifle in .40-82

Mon, 25 May 2026 15:57:33 +0000

Folks, I suggest T/R wade in as more than likely, if it did sell through RIA, he has a record of it. If so it would be interesting how its condition was described and what it looked like at that time. Hope I haven't unfairly pointed at Tom. Tim

Zebulon on Winchester 1886 Rifle in .40-82

Mon, 25 May 2026 15:31:30 +0000

Steve, I think we're all agreed the finishes are not original. What is surprising to me is how stupid he thinks his customer base must be.