Winchester Model 70 New Haven Serial Numbers
The scope was mounted with Leupold scope mounts and is a Tasco scope. The barrel is stamped with Winchester Model 70-30-06 SPRG Made in New Haven Conn. Winchester proof steel on the left side on the right side is the serial number G1248274. There are no knicks or dings in the stock and. These tables indicate the years of production for the Winchester Model 70 and 94 rifles. Announced that its New haven. Below show serial number range. Bs8888 Drawing Standards Pdf.
About a month ago, I bought a used Model 70 in.300 WSM that looks to be in almost new condition. It has New Haven, Ct on the side of the barrel. This afternoon was the first chance that I had to actually take it out and shoot it. It has the Leupold bases and rings on it that have the adjustment screws on the rear mount. I saw that the previous owner had the rear mount slid as far to the left as it could possibly go.but didn't think much about it. When I shot the rifle at 25 yards (just to make sure it was on paper), it printed about 2 inches high.
I put about 8 clicks down and then backed up to 100 yards. The rifle wouldn't put anything on an 18' x 18' grid target. Thinking that it was me and not being used to the trigger, I fired again.
Nope, nothing. I moved the target back to 50 and nothing there either. Back to 25, and it was lined up vertically but about 7 inches horizonally to the right. I thought that was strange but put a few clicks back to the left. Nothing moved on the target face.and then I ran out of adjustment to the right on the scope.
BTW, the scope is a Leupold Vari-X III 4.5-14x40. Back in the house because I thought that something had possibly shot loose in the base screws and since I hadn't installed them, I was going to check it out. Once I had the rings off, I immediately saw the problem. The tops of the bases were not on the same plane. Either the front is off to the left or the rear is canted off to the right side. That would explain why the rear ring was slid to the left as far as it could go. I believe that if it had Weaver type mounts/rings on it, you would not have been able to mount a scope to it they are that far out.
Ok, so now the dilemma. Is this something that Winchester will make right or did I just get the royal douching? Obviously it is a manufacturing issue from when the holes were drilled and tapped at the factory. Looks like the front mounting holes are off center enough to the left that you might be able to just drill and tap new holes on center without welding up the old ones. Ask a gunsmith.
Near as I can tell from the photo the serial number looks off too,maybe. Like maybe the reciever was not mounted in the jig right when Winchester stamped and drilled the holes. Thats messed up. If a smith can drill and tap holes next to the old ones then you can Lok-Tite or JB Weld filler screws in the old ones. That might be the cheapest way to go, if it would work.
I don't know if anyone makes a base that would compensate for that much off. If so it might make for an uncomfortable hold when you shoulder it to shoot.
Might have to use your left eye if your right handed, if you know what I mean.;D But it looks like it needs new holes from what I can see. Sorry for your troubles.
Note: Smith will have to remove the barrel to drill and tap the holes. I am going to call them tomorrow and see.
Obviously it is a manufacturing mistake and instead of opening up the liability of someone drilling holes in their receiver to make it a right, they would be better served by taking it back and replacing it. The only experience with factory warranty work that I have had has been with Remington. The first was a 700 CDL Classic that always shot to the right when the barrel got hot. The stock finally split at the pistol grip and they replaced it. The second was a pair of 700 ADLs in.22-250 whose finish always showed rusty when you wiped them down. Remington took them back and reparkerized them. Maybe Winchester will have as good customer service as Remington.
As a footnote, this is the second Winchester rifle that I have owned. The first was a 670 in.30-06 that I should have never sold years ago. Athelas Regular Free.