The new 70 Classics coming out of South Carolina are some fine rifles, Colt. I snagged on in .25-06 a couple of years ago and I love it. If I could get one in .280, one of my Mausers would be looking for a new home. If I could get one in .35 Whelen, another one would be right behind it.

I have been keeping my eye open for one in something like a 300 Win Mag. I would like a dedicated Elk gun. Until then, my 308 will have to suffice. The local Sportsmans Warehouse had a Featherweight in 308 and a Super Grade 30-06. I was seriously tempted to take one home.

I have a Mod. 70 Super Grade (FN) in .270 Win. that's one of my all time favorites.

I saw a new Jack O Connor super grade the other day. It was a good looking rifle for sure.

FWIW, the markings should be R. Famage, which was a company that imported and sporterized a bunch of the old Mausers. A lot of them started life as 7x57's that were rebored into .30 caliber guns, but most were chambered for .30-06 instead of .308. There are a number of telling factors that may help you track down the origin, but it will be a lot harder without the original stock and sights. Are there any markings on the left receiver wall just above the wood line?

Thanks for the info.

The same gentleman built my brother a rifle as well, and it was 30-06. We also have some old 7x57 shells laying around, but I have no idea where they came from.

On my rifle,

Yes, I can faintly make out the R. in front of the FAM AGE. I thought it was some pitting, but on closer inspection, I can see its just been buffed down or something.

The left side of the receiver, on the front half

F. 20743

Dang, I KNEW I should have kept that mauser I had. Now I hear it's shooting dime groups at 200 with a 25-06. I think when I'm done paying for the Tikka build, an old Mauser will be in the works.

I've been inspired!

Lets try self etching primer and VHT Caliper Paint in Satin...




The caliper paint looks promising. Its more of a "coating" than a paint.
3 step application (light coat, wait 10 mins, light coat, wait 10 mins, lay it on THICK till it starts to want to drip).
I will report back when it fully cures. May take a month! I mean, its Russian-storage-coating thick...

I have used epoxy enamel with success

Timney trigger came in the mail today. Even got a sucker.



I bought two types of ammo, Winchester Super X 150 grains and Remington Core Lokt 150 grains.

I just wanted to get the gun sighted in today, I wasn't really trying to shoot for groups. I didn't let the barrel cool off between shots or anything. Shot about 40 rounds in 35 minutes. 5 at close range to get sighted in, then the rest I was just enjoying shooting my rifle. It has been out of commission for a while.

100 yards

Winchester - Best 3 shot group was about 1 1/4"



Remington 3 shot group - .892"

...unfortunately with this weather, it will probably take a month for my paint to cure!

You could try spraying a bolt, and baking it, to see if that accelerates the process.

I like to bake dura coat and epoxy enamel. That way its dried and cured out completely within a few hours.

I hate waiting for paint to dry. I use nitrocellulose lacquer on the guitars I build, and it can take 6 weeks to dry.

Looks like a Tele, Colt. Can you make it sound like one?

Not very well, no.



However, I got some Nashville type friends who can make my guitars sound like they should

"Here's some kind of a da**, swampy deal..."

Love it.

There is no telling what will come out of Patrick's mouth. haha