Winchester Model 70 stock and bolt

[forge]

I just inherited a 30-06 Winchester Model 70 Sporter (made in 1965) minus the stock.  Can I just buy a Winchester-made Model 70 Sporter long action stock (wood or synthetic) and drop my barrel assembly into it or will I need a gunsmith to do some work?

On another Model 70 I inherited, the former owner bead-blasted the jeweling off of the bolt.  Does anyone know how much this has affected the value of the rifle?  

Thanks for the help.

[John Traveler]

Forge,

Your post-1964 model 70 Winchesters should be simply drop-in propositions for replacement stocks.  HOWEVER, if the barrel is not the original factory, you may have to fit the barrel channel.  Glas bedding of the action is not difficult and will almost certainly give you a better shooter.

Beadblasting of your jeweled bolt takes the gun out of the "collector  condition" category.  Since post-'64 Winchester M70's are simply shooters anyway, it should not hurt the value.  If it's that important to you, a gunsmith can polish the bolt and re-jewel it too.

[gunnut69]

Being made in '65 the action won't have the anti-bind lug but is an excellant shooter.  The post 64's worst problem was the stock design. Boyds produces laminated stocks that are advertised as drop in.  I've noted that almost any 'drop in' will require a bit of trimming to fit right.  Also as usual JohnT is right about the glass bedding. It is fairly easy to do and will usually make the rifle if not shoot better at least make it a bit more consistant.  You can polish the bolt yourself if you'd like. I've some instructions somewhere that while not terribly detailed are simple to follow.  The materials needed are quite cheap and about the only tools needed is a vise and abrasives..If your interested I'll see if I can find it in this mess I have on the hard drive!!

[forge]

Thanks for the replies, folks.  The rifles are supposed to be shipped out to me soon.  I'll tell you how it goes.