If you had a pre-64 model 70 30-06 would you...

[huntsville]

If you had a pre-64 (1952) Winchester Model 70, 30-06 that was tapped for a scope but had the original metal butt plate would you put a nice cushy pad on it? Would you get rings and scope it? Would you then go ahead and start hunting with it? BTW, it's not in pristine condition but it is original, functional and still looks decent (not a museum piece by any stretch of the imagination but still decent).

 

[sloughfoot]

I would not put a cushy pad on it. I might scope it. Maybe not. I would shoot the snot out of it. I would shoot everything legal to shoot with it.

I would feel sorry for all who don't own my rifle.

I would hold it in my lap while I watch tv every night. I love real rifles....

 

[giovani]

I wouldn't alter the gun in any way that couldn't be reversed, but heck yea put a scope on it and hunt with it.

 

[palerider0485]

i wouldnt be afraid to shoot it or make changes that suite your needs. im a fan of the pre 64's. i enjoy them most when shooting them.

 

[kalboy]

Scope or not to suit your intended purposes, for an '06 I'd say yes. As for the cushy pad, might consider an easily removed slip on or lace on, esp if the gun's LOP isn't already too long for you. The Kick Killer by Kick Eeze isn't too thick but still would help. Not as good looking as a permanent installation but easily removable with no change to the gun.
You could also consider a shoulder pad ( that is worn, not attached to the gun) and this would be useful with any shoulder smackers you have.
Kick Killer® Recoil Pads

 

[TJ Kackowski]

From what you've described, you're not going to be able to retire off the profits when you decide to sell this rifle ... it's a shooter, so shoot it. People get all hung up on this notion that somehow a gun can't be modified ... add a scope, a recoil pad, have the action slicked up, carve mermaids into the stock ... do whatever you want to do to the rifle to make it more enjoyable for you to shoot it, then go out and shoot it.

Heck, even if this rifle was factory fresh, you won't be retiring off the profits when you sell it ... modify to suit your needs and shoot it.

If you can't bring yourself to do anything to this gun, then maybe it's time to sell it and buy something that will bring you joy when you do take it out and shoot it.

 

[halfmileharry]

Heck, I like recoil. I know I'm shooting a real caliber. The .06 is for real and a pleasure to hear and feel the rush.
IF the gun fits now I'd be worried about the extra length from a pad hindering the handling of the rifle. IF you're going to put a pad on it do it right.
The Model 70s are a beautiful rifle. I have one in .243 and it's my most accurate rifle for hunting. It's not stock anymore and proudly displays it's no safe queen. It's a real shooter. That's why it was built, modified, and worked as intended.

 

[huntsville]

thanks guys. good stuff here.

retire on it? not even close. respect for the riflle, it's heritage and being able to use it is really what i'm looking for. it's recoil isn't like my sluggo 12 gage shotty so i'm not going to cry shooting it. i might consider a lace on recoil pad or otherwise non life altering or non permanent modification but for now not.

now to start shopping for glass

 

[huntsville]

I would not put a cushy pad on it. I might scope it. Maybe not. I would shoot the snot out of it. I would shoot everything legal to shoot with it.

I would feel sorry for all who don't own my rifle.

I would hold it in my lap while I watch tv every night. I love real rifles....

LOVE this one! Funny!!

 

[TJ Kackowski]

now to start shopping for glass

Talk with Alan (INGO handle - 42769vette) ... he'll get you fixed up with the correct scope.

 

[sheltowee]

Scope it...... If bothered by the recoil use a slip on recoil pad.

 

[huntsville]

I have a shooting vest that has a nice pad on the shoulder. Also if I'm hunting with it I'll be wearing a parka which should help too. I'll probably leave it alone until i turn into a wuss.

Now then, I have a classic model 70 from 2009 that is a beauty. I'm going back and forth on keeping both or just going with the pre. Oh decisions. The front site has that round cover on it which I think can easily slide off (and be placed in an envelope labeled appropriately of course).

 

[hrearden]

Shoot it. Suck the stock in tight so it doesnt kick you. Use your sighting method of choice.

 

[Dirty Steve]

Shoot it. My hunting buddy has a pre-64 in .264 win mag that he has used to kill darn never every big game animal that walks on North American soil. Rams, elk, all moose species, deer, caribou, cats, goats, antelope, etc...It is a real beater now after spending many days in a saddle scabbard and lashed to pack. In the end, it's a rifle with slick action. Nothing more, nothing less. It won't make you rich, so use it for it's intended purpose.

Dirty Steve

 

[PGRChaplain]

Choot Em! You know we are all drooling over your Rifle. +1 on the Scope. Make it a family heirloom!

 

[churchmouse]

If you put the cushy pad on it you can most likely return it to to the original butt plate as the holes may line up. If not the new ones would be covered with the original butt plate.

I put a pad on my 30-06 because it kicks like a pissed off mule when shooting my round of choice.

 

[Win52C]

Even better. Shop around and put some vintage quality glass on it. Old Texas Weaver comes to mind. Make it classy. Period correct. And then shoot the crap out of it .

 

[traderdan]

Even better. Shop around and put some vintage quality glass on it. Old Texas Weaver comes to mind. Make it classy. Period correct. And then shoot the crap out of it .

Good advice.I like to see old rifles with old scopes.You would be surprised how cheap you can buy them at gun shows sometimes.I bought a Lyman Wolverine for $30 one time. More Model 70s were made in 30-06 than any other caliber,followed by .270,I believe.Use it!

 

[Leo]

If it is not minty shape and a desired upscale model, shooting it is not going to lose money. Fit a packmeyer pad, and a good scope and rings. Enjoy it.

 

[cedarthicket]

Another thing to consider is to find a replacement stock to substitute for your original one if you plan to use the rifle for some serious hunting (as in western states for big game under possibly adverse weather and handling conditions). If so, you could save the original stock in case you ever plan to sell the rifle. If you do not plan to do such hunting you could just leave the rifle as is and only shoot it on nice days at your favorite range, or even to pop a few ground hogs under nice weather conditions. Using the rifle as such, topped with a vintage scope, is something that appeals to me. However, it is your rifle to enjoy as you see fit. Happy shooting with your pre-64 classic!!