Since I've gotten all involved in restoring my Grandad's old 760 GameMaster, I've started to consider redoing my M70. It currently has a synthetic stock from Winchester, but I want to go to a walnut stock. The problem I'm running into is that most of the stock producers out there make the M70 LA for the hinged bottom plate, versus the top load only model that I have. My question is, could I convert my current M70 to use a single piece hinged floor plate and trigger plate so that it would fit into one of the many quality aftermarket stocks?
Before I get hammered for wanting to switch from a synthetic stock that isn't affected by weather changes as much as a wood/laminate stock, I really like the look of a solid wood or laminated wood stock. And it isn't like I'm gonna be doin a lot of still hunting (walk and stalk) with this gun. It's primarily a tree stand/ground blind gun.
can't help you with the floorplate issue but a woodstock with the right finish can be weatherproof as much as a laminate. my gun guy that builds his own benchrest from wood blanks uses west system epoxy, instead of varnish/urethane or tung oil and sands down in stages ending with an aluminum polish. they are shiny clear and show/highlight all the grain but are impervious to fla weather. I'll try and get the details from him if your interested.
That's because the Post 64 Model 70's are of lesser quality and that's why noone makes factory or aftermarket replacement wood stocks for the nonhinged floor plate models. After 64, Winchesters quality and production was significantly reduced because of costs associated with building guns, that's why the Model 12 Winchester also dissappeared, it cost to much to build. They tried making them in Japan and failed through the 60's, 70's, and early 80's. All the gun manufactures went through it in the 60's, 70's, and into the early 80's. Winchesters problem was they never recovered from it like most of the other gun manufacturers did in the early 70's. Most gun companies were able to keep a few lines of quality firearms while producing other lines of "Garbage" which helped them survive in the gun industry. After seeing the new Model 70's at the NRA convention this year they can keep them, I am not impressed, quality is better but they are priced like they are Pre-64 guns and frankly they are not. This is why a Pre-64 Model 70 in 90% or better condition starts at around $1,200 and go up from there depending upon caliber, stock, and overall condition.
Don't waste your money, you would spend more money than the gun is worth, restocking it with a custom stock, bedding and recoil pad. Sell it and put the money in your shoe box under the bed, then add 20 dollars a week with the $350 you get for the gun you sold, and in about 4-6 months start looking for a deal to pop up on something more "fitting" to your taste and have money left over for some good optics.
I have a nice Winchester Model 70 Pre-64 in 300 Win Mag that I can get my hands on. It's about 95% condition and a beauty. Walnut like you have never seen before. He's asking $4,200.00 but I could probably get it for $3,500.00. It would take abit longer at $20 a week to save for it. It's collector grade, not a hunting gun anymore...
Every once an awhile you can find an "old truck gun" Pre-64 Model 70 for cheap. Then spend a little cash on her as a project to bring it back into usable-bragable condition for hunting and target shooting. I missed one about a month ago for $350, but it was in rough shape. Needed a new stock, reblue, cleaning, and probably some gun smithing to "bring it back".
Finish your 760 before you get your panties ruffled son!!
