Fixin' up my new/old Win. Model 70

[BSUrugger]

I am not, by all means, restoring this rifle but it looks like it's age which is pretty old. I don't know much about this rifle other than it's a Winchester Model 70 Ranger in .30-06 with a push feed. The stock is beat up and appears to be laminate compressed wood (cheap). I have a Boyd's stock coming my way and I plan on Duracoating.

My problem is the barrel is drilled an tapped for peep sights (iron sights). It looks to be factory and I do not have the original sights. I could use some help. I can't decide if I should fill the holes before I Duracoat or replace the sights.

I cannot find original Model 70 sights for the life for me. Can I pick up regular, everyday sights from anywhere like a sporting goods store? If I can, will they "drop in" without requiring any further gunsmithing? I can fill the holes and sand them down no problem, but I'd like to stay away from that as much as possible.

Thanks in advance!

 

[BSUrugger]

Here is a pic of the top of the muzzle showing the holes:

 

[fireball168]

http://media.winchesterguns.com/pdf/parts/2008_winchester_parts_pricelist.pdf

Start on page 44, illustration on page 46.

Order form here:

http://media.winchesterguns.com/pdf/parts/parts_order_form.pdf

Or you can call:

To contact the parts department call: 1-800-322-4626​

 

[BSUrugger]

Ok, so here is an update. I've been working on this rifle for a few weeks now. I have duracoated the rifle and scope in combat black. I just got my Boyd's stock in the mail today and next up is to re-polish the bolt, fill in the drilled and tapped holes for where the iron sights used to be and top er off with one last coat of duracoat.

Here is a before shot, not the best. The blueing was wearing off and had a lot scuff. The scope was pretty beat up too.

Here are some pictures of the first few coats of duracoat:

And now the semi finished product with the new stock from Boyd's, which I highly recommend!!

I'm open to any recommendations for filling the drilled and tapped holes from the iron sights. So far I've gotter JB weld??

 

[Colt556]

Looks pretty nice! I'd try to find the little headless screws(not sure what they are called) to fill the sight holes. You know the type that fit flush when screwed in.

 

[Fordtough25]

Very nice! Way to bring it back to life

 

[BSUrugger]

Looks pretty nice! I'd try to find the little headless screws(not sure what they are called) to fill the sight holes. You know the type that fit flush when screwed in.

Yeah I know what you are talking about. I just dont how I will get the correct size or threading.

 

[Colt556]

Yeah I know what you are talking about. I just dont how I will get the correct size or threading.

Contact Winchester and ask them. Might be able to get an assortment pack from someplace like Midway or Brownells.

 

[fireball168]

I just dont how I will get the correct size or threading.

6-48, you can verify by using one of your scope base mounting screws(or looking at your pictures, likely one of your scope ring screws as well).

Winchester:

U344910560 SCOPE BASE FILLER SCREW (4 REQUIRED) $1.50

Brownells:

BROWNELLS : PLUG SCREW KIT - World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools - BROWNELLS

 

[tradertator]

I would definitely fill the holes with a plug rather than filling them in with an epoxy.

 

[BSUrugger]

I agree. It is sounding a whole lot better to fill with a plug than epoxy. I really want that flush look, but I'll settle for just filling the holes period.