overpriced pre-64 Model 70?

I have a chance to buy a pre-'64 Winchester Model 70 30-06 for $1099. That seems a bit high to me. Any thought?

My personal opinion, having owned 3 of them, is they aren't all that special. At the time, they were a decided step above their competition, but compared to today's off the shelf factory rifles, they're ok at best. Accuracy is unspectacular by today's standards.

I would possibly buy one if I needed a really slick handling action for a medium range game rifle, but do so planning to have a lot of expensive gunsmithing done to get the action into accurate shooting shape.

In general, if you want it as a collector piece, maybe there's something special enough about that rifle to warrant it. I have my doubts. As a shooter, in general, if you want a model 70, I'd try to steer you towards one of the new 'Classic' model 70s which has both CRF and the advantages of CNC manufacturing.

If it is still in the original box and paperwork, unfired, etc, etc, it may be worth that much for a collector. If you intend to shoot the gun it is way overpriced no matter how nice it is. There are guns that are equal to the M-70 of that vintage a lot cheaper. Ol Shy & Bashful

I admit straight off I have never fired one but have handled several at gun shows and auctions. I cannot see what the fuss is about. To me they are slightly heavy and ungainly and I would choose a Mauser '98 any day. If you want a Winchester why not get a Featherweight Classic which to my mind is the best looking rifle Winchester have ever made and has the vaunted 'controlled feed' into the bargain.

Ken -

I assume this is in response to my reply. If so, reread it because this is exactly what I was saying. They were a good rifle in their day, head and shoulders above their competition, but compared to todays rifles they are nothing special. Hopefully there is nothing unclear about that statement.

I owned 3 pre-64s. All were problem rifles in one way or another.

I also like the Classic Featherweight quite a bit, but I wanted an old gun with iron sights on it. At any rate, I bought this old 1961 M70, probably just because it reminds me of when I was seventeen. It's obviously no virgin, and the price was wrong, but don't we all buy into fantasy now and then...? Maybe someday, it'll be worth something. Meanwhile, it's a step up.

Speaking of fantasies. Last year I met a guy at our range who was shooting an old M-70 .270 that looked like it just came out of the box. He has a business of renovating old houses and was re-doing the interior of one for a guy who had bought it from an estate. He found it on a shelf in the back of a closet. When he asked the owner what he would take for the rifle the owner said, 'Would $50 be too much ? Bill Van Houten (USA Ret) 'No matter how hard you try, you can't throw a potato chip very far.'

Bill,

I'd say $50 wasn't too much. BUT, I don't know how anyone in good conscience could have bought that gun for $50 from someone who didn't have a clue as to it's real worth.

IMO, that would come very close to stealing.

Pretty fantastic, at that. If it weren't for fantasy, nobody would buy

Well good for you Dave. I hope you enjoy shooting your 'new' rifle. When all is said and done if you are happy with your purchase then it was a good deal. Regards,