Winchester 70 in 30-06, needs work.

[hawkeye]

I guess now was the wrong time to purchase a project gun.

I've always wanted a Winchester 70 since finding out it was my deceased grandfather's choice of hunting rifle. Even better, someone I knew was offering it up for about $300 for a pre-64 1949 30-06. Even better I thought, I told him to hold it for me and started the transfer after barely seeing it. It definitely needs some work including: Getting a new sight hood, scope rings for my Lo-Pro Redfield 6x scope, and rebelling the entire thing since theres little to no bluing left.

Got everything ordered, minus the sight hood and original sling swivels since Numrich ain't shipping nuthin.

Anybody else restore a 70? Any suggestions and hints that would have made your lives easier?

Sorry for the terrible pictures... moved back to an older phone.

[Elgatodeacero]

If the bore is good and action locks up properly, I would clean it gently and use it as is.

[hawkeye]

Bore and action are good. I have no plans for selling, I just want it to have a more classic look.

[elk hunter]

The wear shows honest use, your 1949 date is exactly what I looked for. Enjoy that rifle.

[edgerly779]

Keep it clean and oiled and enjoy it. Bluing will cost min 100 -200 bucks.

[Spyder]

Dang, I woulda loved to grab that up! Nice score!

Is that heavy corrosion on the barrel near/under the wood?

[baih777]

All the above are correct.

[splithoof]

I am lucky enough to own a very early Model 70 in .30-06, that has considerable finish wear (no rust) and handling marks from many decades of hunting all over the country. No way I would ever consider refinishing it, as it's wear is earned the old fashioned way. It belonged to a rancher I had the fortune of working for when I was much younger, and has considerable history behind it.
Something to consider for your treasure.

[pennstater]

Man, that is NICE! Me, I'd clean it up a bit and leave it alone. I'm sure it's good to shoot, so have at it. A '49? Is it D/T for scope mounting? Great rifle you have there.

[JackEllis]

Keep it oiled, keep it out of the rain and dew, immediately deal with any signs of rust and don't change anything else.

[wolfmann]

I would have jumped on that in a heartbeat.
Good score

[sigstroker]

The wear shows honest use, your 1949 date is exactly what I looked for. Enjoy that rifle.

Keep it clean and oiled and enjoy it. Bluing will cost min 100 -200 bucks.

Re-bluing will be visible, and I think most people would rather see it as it is. A rifle that's done a lot of work for its owner(s). A new barrel could never get that original rollmarking on it. My CMP Garand came with almost no finish on the barrel and that's the way it will stay.

[hogbody74]

Model 70

Hate to say but re blueing will ruin the the history of that beauty.

[HUTCH 7.62]

As others have said leave it be.

[THBailey]

Do not reblue that gun. It will be worth more in the long run without it. Just wipe the metal down with lightly oiled rag. Repeat every time you handle it. And I would probably give the stock a good rub with a little boiled linseed oil. No sandpaper on the stock. In the final analysis, you are not really the owner of that gun. Rather, you are its temporary custodian. The day will come when it will move on to its next custodian. Until then, do no harm.