Gary wanted the rifle fixed up, load development and ammo. He shipped the rifle and the bullets and brass. Chambered in .243 Win. I took it from there. I've known for a long time there was a draw to the Pre-64 Win 70, but I didn't know why. As soon as I took the barreled action out of the stock, I realized why. Integrated 3/8" thick recoil lug and the front of the action is wide, long and flat. The two normal action screws are present, plus a third action screw in front of the trigger guard. Ah ha! No wonder these are so sought after. That is an extremely good way to mate the action to the stock. Plus they had a reputation for good barrels.

First thing I did was clean the barrel. Then free-float the barrel channel. Then made aluminum pillars in the lathe, and a full length bedding job.


As it arrived.


The serial number suggests it was made in 1957. After 65 years of use, there were a few dings in the stock. After close examination, I realized it had to be sanded, but I wouldn't have to get too deep. So, I protected the checkering, applied stripper to remove the varnish and got to cleaning.



A raw stock, but I just had to shoot it. It didn't have a scope base, but low and behold EGW makes a pic rail to fit it, so I ordered that. I know this scope DOES NOT belong on a rifle like this, but it's the best I got, and it allowed me to load test this fine rifle at 300 yards. We learned Trigger Tech does not make a trigger for it, but Timney does. So a Timney capable of 1.5 pounds was installed.



I was shooting in a 10 mph 4 o'clock wind, thus the third shot blown left off paper. Vertical dispersion is what I car about most, and this looked more than satisfactory. It was the sixth and stoutest charge tested.



Gary first mentioned re-bluing. And I said I would find someone to do that, and get all the metal parts to them. Then later that day he thought Cerakote would be a more durable option. He almost went with "Graphite Black" until I learned of a cerakote that would look more appropriate for this rifle "Elite Midnight Blue". It looks like it belongs. Gary wanted an oiled finish, that was not shiny. I couldn't argue with that. The next thing was to strip and clean the checkering without hurting it. So latex gloves, stripper and a brush, rinse lather repeat until the schering was clean. Warmed up boiled linseed oil once a day for three days and I think the stock turned out looking great!







Thank you Gary for the opportunity to work on such a fine piece of American history! I hope you enjoy it for years to come.

Nice work!

Very nice JG

I've seen this rifle up close, JG did a great job on it! Beautiful!

Wow that is a great job

Looks awesome!

Love restore threads. Makes me want to go do another pawn shop rescue. Last one I did was a Savage 20 gauge SXS.

Looks great!

Great job .

Great Job

on a Great rifle

too cool. nice work.

Thanks all!

Labor of love.

Very nice indeed. Pre 64 Win 70 has always been on my bucket list.... one day.

Thanks again Jason I'm more than happy with it.

Very Nice Work!

Yep, the Rifleman's Rifle is one that is definitely worth restoring. Great work!

...

Really love the look of that rifle. My brother has the same gun and other than it has been pillar/glass bedded and barrel floated it looks factory original new.

So, did it shoot 1/2 moa with those noslers? Partitions?

Nosler Solid Base 100 gr. A discontinued bullet that Gary still had some of, and so did I.

Once they're gone we may switch over to 100 gr SGKs.

Ah I see.

Very nice work.

I actively search for what I refer to as orphans... Guns that are a bit rough or need repairs.
keeps me busy and I really get a kick out of bringing them back to life. It really is rewarding if you appreciate older guns.
this is one I did a couple of years ago
it's a pre wwII Marlin Model 90.

Nice work man!!!!

Looks really nice!

Congrats to you for saving some history. I really appreciate that.