Questions for pre 64 M70 afficianados.

[nolongcolt]

I see quite a few pre 64 model 70 rifles for sale with a receiver serial number in a certain year range chambered for rounds that came after that range. Example a rifle in .338 Win mag which was introduced in '58 and according to some sources not actually chambered in a model 70 until '59, but the receiver number indicating a build year of 56-57. What explains this? Did Win just grab whatever receiver was laying about regardless its build date and screw a barrel on in a caliber not commensurate with the receiver age?

Question two: it appears generally that the bolt would be somehow inscribed with the serial number of the receiver. Was this done 100 percent of the time or just mostly?

Thanks!

[Rimfire69]

I have been checking this for a week now waiting for some answers and nobody is chiming in, so here goes.
As for question 2, I'd say the bolt should match the reciver # 100% of the time.
The serial numbers do not always coincide with shipping, or completion dates. I seem to remember reading years ago (30+) in either Dean H. Whitaker, or Roger C. Rule, that a block or serial range of actions wound be pulled off the line for projects or whatever reason, then when finished would get shipped, chances are that would be later than the before and after numbers on the regular production line.
If that is correct, it could explain the .338 you mention above. My friend has an early .300 H&H that has a serial number indicating a late 1941, but when un-stocked, on the bottom of the barrel in front of the reciver it has 42 stamped as a production date. It would be interesting to know what the barrel date stamp on that .338 is. Please forgive me if my info isn't quite right, its been a long long time since
I had my hands on those books, if you can find them, I think they will answer your questions.

[nolongcolt]

Thanks for the reply rimfire!
Was beginning to think there were NO M70 guys here!
As to the bolt question, one I was looking at had no number on the bolt, at least that the seller could see. Perhaps its there and faded so bad its hard to make out. If it had a different number I would consider that a red flag.
Thanks!

[oger]

As long as the barrel stamp date is before the receiver date you are good. I have some pre war model 70s with 35 barrel dates that are correct.

[thomasmblack]

I have a pre '64 featherweight that does not have the serial number etched on the bolt sleeve like my others.
Tom B.

[nolongcolt]

I have since bought a couple of these. One in .300 Hollands, and a couple of '06's. One I rejected for several issues, no serial on bolt, but it had been obviously buffed off in polishing. The other one I just got has the serial number on the bolt as it should. Unfortunately it also has the previous owners SSI number clumsily engraved on the trigger guard!! Not mentioned in the listing of course, or a pic of it, just an unpleasant surprise. I kept the rifle and its a good shooter and eventually I will find a trigger guard for it without some ham fisted morons SSI or DL number on it.