Model 70 Stock/Barrel Reduction?

[Jont770]

Hello,

I picked up a Winchester Model 70 .243 in a trade the other day - from the serial number it appears to be an XTR from the late 1970s. It's not in bad shape at all, but is definitely showing its age a little bit.

I have two young boys and a small framed wife and am considering bringing it to a gunsmith to knock 3-4 inches off the barrel and 1-2 inches off the stock attempting to essentially make it a youth/woman's rifle. Primary use would be deer hunting with 40 - 200 yard shots in southwest Georgia where I'm moving next year.

I wanted to ask around to see if anybody had any experience with a similar project with regards to cost and satisfaction with the finished project. I have two other .243's in the safe so not looking to spend a ton and will likely leave it alone or sell it off if its going to be pricey.

Thanks, Jon

[LynnJr]

Shortening the barrel is the cost of a recrowning job.
The stock would be the cost of a recoil pad so go on the various gunsmiths websites and get an idea if it fits your budget.

[Jont770]

LynnJr - I appreciate the response. Will look around to see how much this could run.

Thanks, Jon

[theduracellbigd]

I hunt Arkansas and Mississippi whitetail deer most every year except this year due to Covid. I have used both longer 24 inch and shorter 20 inch rifles and seen hunters contemplate your choice. Shorter Barrel will make it lighter by a bit, and obviously shorter so getting in and out of various stands especially tree stands easier. Most southern whitetail hunting does not involve long walks or carrying of rifle (unless you drive deer, but most do not anymore these days) so weight reduction is not a big plus for carry and quick snappy shots. Only negative to your plan is probably cost and maybe the muzzle blast being a tad bit closer. if your current barrel is 22, I would let it be. I would not shorten to less than 20 due to muzzle blast and velocity loss and it would just look kind silly in my book and future trade would be highly limited. The boys will one day be men and would much prefer a model 70 in stock condition, so also ask yourself how often your wife will actually deer hunt with it and more than likely sitting in that stand with a chair and rest that gun will not be too big for her and the bigger it is will mitigates recoil and blast more effective. My son and daughter both started killing deer at 12 years of age carrying and shooting a sporter model 70, 24 inch barrel in 30-06. My son used factory 150 grainers but my daughter where 125 grainers.

[divingin]

Duracell makes some valid points, but you should also consider that a barrel and a stock (especially if restoring to factory condition) are not particularly expensive items.

[RNE228]

Considering you have a couple 243's already cutting down this rifle would be an OK idea. As others have mentioned, I would cut the barrel past the 22" range.

For the boys, I would be tempted to keep the stock, and look for a used one to cut down. When the boys grow, you could put the standard length stock back on.

If your wife will be primary user, the cut barrel and stock down and let her keep it when the boys get bigger.

[Jont770]

Gentlemen - thanks for the feedback.

I picked the rifle up today after the 10 day waiting period and spoke with a gunsmith. The project would be in my budget, but upon closer inspection the rifle is too nice modify, would still be longer then one of my other .243's, and you guys made some great points above.

Thanks again, Jon