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Advice on Grandfather's 1954 Winchester Model 70 30-06 Springfield
#6676761
02/16/17 02:29 PM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 379
Four Seasons Guide
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 379 |
I've had this gun for several years now and the wood stock of the gun is pretty beat up in a few areas. The barrel and action are in great shape with zero rust.
I would love to kill a deer with it at some point and eventually hand it down to my unborn kids. My question is, would you have the stock repaired or leave it like it is? It has the old silver butt plate so I'm sure it kicks like a mule. Would you put a new recoil pad on it?
Sorry for no pictures. I'll try and upload a few later. It's a cool piece of family history that my hero killed many deer with and I want to preserve it as long as possible and maybe use it a couple of times.
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Re: Advice on Grandfather's 1954 Winchester Model 70 30-06 Springfield
[Re: Four Seasons Guide]
#6676768
02/16/17 02:35 PM
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,161
SouthWestIron
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,161 |
With an heirloom like that I'd say if its only cosmetic leave as is. The scratches and marks on it give it character. The model 70's pre 1964 are sought after. You have an excellent rifle to pass down.
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Re: Advice on Grandfather's 1954 Winchester Model 70 30-06 Springfield
[Re: Four Seasons Guide]
#6676771
02/16/17 02:37 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,287
scalebuster
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,287 |
I would leave it like it is.
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Re: Advice on Grandfather's 1954 Winchester Model 70 30-06 Springfield
[Re: Four Seasons Guide]
#6676776
02/16/17 02:38 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 8,719
cameron00
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
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You can buy recoil pads that slip over the stock and you can buy shirts that have them built in.
I'd leave it as is.
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Re: Advice on Grandfather's 1954 Winchester Model 70 30-06 Springfield
[Re: Four Seasons Guide]
#6676785
02/16/17 02:43 PM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 379
Four Seasons Guide
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 379 |
Thanks for the advice. I'm sure it still shoots fine.
What would you put on the stock to shine it up a bit? It's got an old vintage redfield scope on it that I plan to replace. It hasn't been fired in over 30 years. Would you take it somewhere to be cleaned professionally or just do it yourself?
Last edited by Four Seasons Guide; 02/16/17 02:44 PM.
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Re: Advice on Grandfather's 1954 Winchester Model 70 30-06 Springfield
[Re: Four Seasons Guide]
#6676793
02/16/17 02:49 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 8,719
cameron00
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 8,719 |
I inherited my grandfather's Remington 700 in 7mmag 10 years ago or so.
It was in great condition, but had been sitting in the safe for like 30 years unfired, and all the oil, etc had really gummed it up. Trigger pull was like 30 lbs. Seriously, had to squeeze really hard and the firing pin would actually release about a second after the trigger pull. Scary.
Anyhow, I took it in thinking it needed new everything, and they just ran it into their cleaner that uses vibration in some fashion, and the next day it was like a new firearm. Works flawlessly. So I'd recommend that.
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Re: Advice on Grandfather's 1954 Winchester Model 70 30-06 Springfield
[Re: Four Seasons Guide]
#6676806
02/16/17 02:58 PM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 379
Four Seasons Guide
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 379 |
Perfect. Thanks Cameron00. I'll do that.
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Re: Advice on Grandfather's 1954 Winchester Model 70 30-06 Springfield
[Re: Four Seasons Guide]
#6676913
02/16/17 03:56 PM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 490
Toepuncher
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 490 |
If I was going to put anything on the stock I would use Old West Snake Oil #2.
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Re: Advice on Grandfather's 1954 Winchester Model 70 30-06 Springfield
[Re: Four Seasons Guide]
#6676921
02/16/17 04:00 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,583
redchevy
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,583 |
I wouldn't alter it. Put a slip on recoil pad.
If the old redfield was still serviceable I would leave it on there too. If you do take it off I would make sure to keep it.
Unfortunately I didn't get my grandfathers deer rifle. The family member who did had it refinished, reblued and put a new scope on it... not grandpas gun anymore still makes me mad so I'm gonna quit thinking about it.
It's hell eatin em live
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Re: Advice on Grandfather's 1954 Winchester Model 70 30-06 Springfield
[Re: redchevy]
#6676962
02/16/17 04:30 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 130
HankePanky
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 130 |
I wouldn't alter it. Put a slip on recoil pad. Ditto. If you want it to look pretty, you can always buy an aftermarket stock, with all the bells and whistles, and keep the original one for posterity. But never "fix" or alter an original old gun. For example I had a Winchester 1873, made in 1882, custom ordered with an extra long barrel. It was all original and sold for $3,500. If someone had sanded/repaired scratches or re finished the wood, the value would have dropped to about $950-1000, Even less if it had been re-blued. Take that for whatever it's worth.
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Re: Advice on Grandfather's 1954 Winchester Model 70 30-06 Springfield
[Re: Four Seasons Guide]
#6677019
02/16/17 05:03 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 618
Texasteach
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 618 |
Purchase a good synthetic stock for it. Use it when hunting.
You did what?
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Re: Advice on Grandfather's 1954 Winchester Model 70 30-06 Springfield
[Re: redchevy]
#6677038
02/16/17 05:13 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 11,427
Choctaw
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Posts: 11,427 |
I wouldn't alter it. Put a slip on recoil pad.
If the old redfield was still serviceable I would leave it on there too. If you do take it off I would make sure to keep it.
Unfortunately I didn't get my grandfathers deer rifle. The family member who did had it refinished, reblued and put a new scope on it... not grandpas gun anymore still makes me mad so I'm gonna quit thinking about it. What Redchevy said. I wouldn't even consider altering it unless there is a safety issue. Enjoy that rifle. RC, that sux about your grandfather's rifle. I don't understand the thought process that goes into altering a family heirloom into another run-of-the-mill rifle.
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Re: Advice on Grandfather's 1954 Winchester Model 70 30-06 Springfield
[Re: Four Seasons Guide]
#6677072
02/16/17 05:30 PM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 379
Four Seasons Guide
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 379 |
Thanks for all of the input gentlemen. I think I'll just have it cleaned and bore-sighted and throw a few rounds through it and see how it shoots.
The removable recoil pad is going to happen though. Again, thanks for the advice.
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Re: Advice on Grandfather's 1954 Winchester Model 70 30-06 Springfield
[Re: Four Seasons Guide]
#6677125
02/16/17 06:11 PM
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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,258
Hunt Dog
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,258 |
Treat the wood with finish feeder or linseed oil to keep it nice as it can be. A slip on recoil pad will work but if you leave it on for a long time there will be a line on the stock where it was (kind of like if you take pictures off a wall that hasn't been painted in years). If the Redfield still gets the job done why replace it.
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Re: Advice on Grandfather's 1954 Winchester Model 70 30-06 Springfield
[Re: Four Seasons Guide]
#6677242
02/16/17 07:25 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,909
leswad
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,909 |
I don't know if he does Rifle stocks, but he is considered a master with Colt, Luger, and Smith stocks.
Hugh Clark PO Box 598 Devers, Tx 77538
I believe this to be his email: hhclark@academicplanet.com
I don't think I would do anything to it; other than letting your kids see you shot a deer with it. It will mean more when you pass it down.
FJB
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Re: Advice on Grandfather's 1954 Winchester Model 70 30-06 Springfield
[Re: Four Seasons Guide]
#6677439
02/16/17 09:52 PM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,532
kmon11
junior
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junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,532 |
I would clean it up but not alter it. I would also consider getting a new stock for it and keep the original in original but cleaned up condition. You can always then put the old stock back on when you want and have a spare for making your own character marks on hunting with his gun and without fear of further damage to the stock if it is indeed in bad shape
lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true Mainstream news might be fun to watch
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Re: Advice on Grandfather's 1954 Winchester Model 70 30-06 Springfield
[Re: Four Seasons Guide]
#6677497
02/16/17 10:39 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 22,630
Cast
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 22,630 |
I bought my 70/30-06 used. Fired it three times and replaced the stock adding a decelertator pad. It shoots very well nowwith little recoil. I have the old stock.
Cast I have a short attention spa
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Re: Advice on Grandfather's 1954 Winchester Model 70 30-06 Springfield
[Re: Four Seasons Guide]
#6677502
02/16/17 10:43 PM
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 290
snarkscarbine
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 290 |
I have a 1950-something Paul Jaeger Mauser on an FN action. It's worth over $2k, except that some idiot had it bedded, added checkering, and shortened the stock. I bought it for under $500.
Don't get me wrong, it's worth more than I paid for it, but it's not worth what it should be. Don't "fix" a classic if it ain't broke.
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Re: Advice on Grandfather's 1954 Winchester Model 70 30-06 Springfield
[Re: Four Seasons Guide]
#6677509
02/16/17 10:56 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 334
kk66
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 334 |
I'm kind of of two minds on this. I have my grandfather's guns and use them a couple times a year because they remind me of him, but I cringe every time that i'm going to ding the stock or something. I've been looking around for a replacement stock just to use when I want to take it hunting, it will still wear the old stock the majority of the time and that's the stock it will have on it when its handed down to my son.
As to refinishing, I think the argument against refinishing is that it will destroy collector value but I don't ever plan on selling mine so don't really care about that (and if my kids/grandkids ever do sell it they deserve a hell of a lot worse than a lower sale price) but there are certain blemishes that add character and bring up stories. my grandfather's has a mark on the foreend where he tried to club a dead deer that turned out to not be so dead when he got right up on him. Have always thought that when I get the money it would go to Turnbull or someone to get completly restored before passing it on to my kids, but thinking that mark will be left on and the worn checking won't be recut.
Part of the reason for the refinishing is how he always liked and commented on that gold browning trigger which unfortunately isn't so gold anymore.
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Re: Advice on Grandfather's 1954 Winchester Model 70 30-06 Springfield
[Re: Four Seasons Guide]
#6677567
02/16/17 11:43 PM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,524
RiverRider
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,524 |
I'd leave the original stock alone, other than cleaning it up a bit. I happen to have a spare pre-64 stock that has been altered and has a recoil pad on it. If it was yours, you could put away the original stock and preserve it, and use this stock for hunting and not feel a bit bad if it got dinged---or even mangled. I am not expecting much at all out of it. PM me if you are interested, because I don't need it in here collecting dust.
"Arguing with you always makes me thirsty." -Augustus McRae
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Re: Advice on Grandfather's 1954 Winchester Model 70 30-06 Springfield
[Re: scalebuster]
#6677660
02/17/17 12:39 AM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,270
Texas Dan
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
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Posts: 22,270 |
I would leave it like it is. Keep it as close as you can get to the condition it was in when your grandfather last fired and cleaned it.
"Some people will never like you because your spirit irritates their demons."
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Re: Advice on Grandfather's 1954 Winchester Model 70 30-06 Springfield
[Re: Texas Dan]
#6677731
02/17/17 01:33 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,259
Marc K
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,259 |
I would leave it like it is. Keep it as close as you can get to the condition it was in when your grandfather last fired and cleaned it. From my perspective.....this is the only approach. If you want a new hunting rifle, buy another rifle and use this when the mood strikes.
A Democracy is when two wolves and a lamb vote on the dinner menu. That is why this country was specifically not designed as a Democracy. We are a Constitutional Republic.
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Re: Advice on Grandfather's 1954 Winchester Model 70 30-06 Springfield
[Re: Four Seasons Guide]
#6677829
02/17/17 02:24 AM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 379
Four Seasons Guide
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 379 |
Y'all are awesome. I appreciate all of the experienced advice.
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Re: Advice on Grandfather's 1954 Winchester Model 70 30-06 Springfield
[Re: cameron00]
#6677850
02/17/17 02:36 AM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 367
BIGDOG1956
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 367 |
You can buy recoil pads that slip over the stock and you can buy shirts that have them built in.
I'd leave it as is. Leve it Alone My most treasured possessions are a 1920 vintage falling block 22 and a model 1919 NRA 22 savage rifle. These were my Great Uncles first guns.
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Re: Advice on Grandfather's 1954 Winchester Model 70 30-06 Springfield
[Re: Four Seasons Guide]
#6677901
02/17/17 03:02 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,223
J.G.
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,223 |
Thanks for all of the input gentlemen. I think I'll just have it cleaned and bore-sighted and throw a few rounds through it and see how it shoots.
The removable recoil pad is going to happen though. Again, thanks for the advice. Where are you?
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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