What to do with Pre-64 model 70

[username]

So I was just given a Pre-64 winchester model 70 in 30-06. It has sentimental value (father to son to son). Now, the blueing is worn almost completely away on the muzzle end of the barrel. The stock is pretty good (nick here or there.)

So my internal debate is whether to reblue or cerakote the barell and action.

I am thinking I will never sell it, and would rather protect it vs rust. I do intend to use it some then pass to my first born.

Other hand is whether I destroy the value for my kid, in case he was forced to sell it. Or is the thought of cerakoting it plain blasphemous to start with.

[bluelund79]

I'd leave it as is, bluing wear on that particular gun keeps its character.

[PondPopper]

Re-blue and keep as original as possible. That is what I would do. It's a classic!!

[PondPopper]

I'd leave it as is, bluing wear on that particular gun keeps its character.

Or this^^

[BBReezen]

IMO, cerakote would be a kick in the nads to that rifle. Don't know how much re-bluing would devalue it but as close as original would be my choice on a passed down gun like that. My Gma has a m70 pre64 243 and that dude is a fine peice of equipment.

[bobc]

Leave it alone.

[Double-Drop]

Leave it.

[Limbwalker]

Your family put those wear marks on that rifle. Let your kids, and their kids, see them.

[Keith]

I am in the same boat, I inherited my dad's pre-64 Winchester Model 70 in .270. He carried his for the first 10+ years in a gun rack in his truck, which wore the blueing off the barrel in several places. I will probably never sell his either. I will be watching of the recommendations for the Green Screen.

[marceco]

Leave it original ; all the wear on it is " Family History " . . .

[hully1029]

leave it, change it.. whatever you think is best is the best decision..

i just wanna see it!!!!!!

[Capt Glenn]

Leave it alone. Don't reblue, don't cerakote.

I have some pre'64 model 70's and I wouldn't even consider refinishing any of them. They get cleaned and oiled and taken out and shot or hunted with here and there.

[Capt Glenn]

Leave it original ; all the wear on it is " Family History " . . .

Exactly. Likely 50 to 60 years of hunts to put that wear on there. No telling the stories it could tell.

[Dale Moser]

I have the same rifle in featherweight, or dad does. Dad shot his 1st deer with it a LOONG time ago and I carried it for a few years about 20 years ago and shot a couple deer with it. I don't guess it's had more than 3 or 4 boxes shot through it, stock is great, and the action is tighter than any other rifle we own.

I definitely wouldn't cerakote it. Maybe have the bluing touched up, or just keep a little oil on it as is.

[Gummi Bear]

Just keep it oiled, and leave the finish alone.

Find a cool vintage scope to put on it if it doesn't already have one. Maybe an old Leupold or Redfield, in gloss. Putting a matte scope on that rifle is indeed blasphemous.