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I am trying to get additional info on the under barrel marking on this Model 70 7mm. Rules’s book indicates the additional numbers may relate to a custom shop order. Everything appears to me to be correct on this rifle but I know there are some very knowledgeable Model 70 experts on this site and your input would be greatly appreciated. I hope the enclosed photos will give you the info you need.
Thanks
Pat
November 5, 2014
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Pat-
Is it possible to attach higher resolution images of the exposed caliber designation stamp (left side) and under barrel markings? These files are too small to see detail.
As it happens, I have a pre-war M70 with a similar 5-digit number (not related to the S/N) stamped in a similar location. It appears to be made up of individual number hand stamps. I have assumed it had something to do with disassembly/repair (factory or otherwise) at some point in time. Rule only described a Letter-Number combination that the Winchester Product Services use in the 1950s and a 4-5 digit number that the Custom Shop used after 1963. Whittaker makes mention of disassembly numbers but doesn’t say anything specific about era/style.
So I’m as curious as you are about what the experts think.
Lou Luttrell
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
I will try to get better close up photos of caliber designation posted but this has been a two day process for me to get these up. I’m definitely not the best computer and typist. Hokie could probably give me lessons typing.
See if this is any better, otherwise I will need to dig gun out and disassemble again
November 5, 2014
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Let’s see what the experts think…
As I recall, that looks very much like the marks on my gun, which has a ’36 barrel date: 5-digits, serif font, assembled from individual number dies, rather wide spacing between the digits… I have the number on mine written down (on paper) somewhere, but I don’t remember it and it’s not in my compeer records – sorry…
You are right that the rest of the under chamber marking look right (7M/M with the ‘M/M’ smaller and ‘superscript’ – triangle-dash inspection – barrel date – index mark).
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
When the Winchester factory received Pre-64 M70s for repair or refinishing that required disassembly, numbers were stamped on certain parts so they would not get mixed with parts from other rifles and everything could get put back together properly. The ones I have examined had 3-digit numbers and were on the underside of small parts like trigger guards and floor plates. As Rule mentioned, if receivers were stamped it was usually inside the left rail.
I have seen one or two barrels stamped like yours but it’s unclear if those are factory markings or not. It’s possible that a previous owner stamped the barrel for positive identification if the rifle was ever stolen.
November 5, 2014
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Pat-
For what it’s worth (which is suspect is nil) the 5-digit number stamped on my rifle is ‘50499’. Nothing to do with the serial number. I can’t get pics just now, but as I recall the font/spacing/location/etc is like your photos.
Best,
Lou
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
Since Lou and I both have 7 mm with an under barrel 5 digit stamping in similar fashion, I don’t believe it would be for personal ID.
I wonder if Vic believes the barrels to be original?
antler1 said
I wonder if Vic believes the barrels to be original?
Can’t really tell from your photos. Plus, the fake barrel makers these days are pretty good–I’d really need to have the barrel in hand to tell.
November 5, 2014
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Pat-
The rifle I have that is similarly marked is not a 7 M/M, it is 220 Swift. Barrel date is ’36.
I have two 7 M/M M70 rifles, neither is so marked.
I’ve assumed the mark on my rifle was a disassembly number applied to a rifle returned for repair/modification. But I do not know what it denotes.
Best,
Lou
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
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