Win pre 64 gibbs rifles

All in all considering 60+ years old it is in remarkably good shape. I could only find 3 spots that need a little attention. The small rust on the end of the barrel, sight, and the slight wear in the bluing over the Winchester stamp. If someone has or could get a high grade stock they could have a 90%+ gun.
 
I'm a big 280AI fan, and I think he would be happy going that route.

But since you're getting lots of suggestions, I'll throw one out too

I would consider putting the 300H&H in a nice McMillan stock (or Echols Legend) for a all around go anywhere one-gun solution. The brass is a little pricey, but not rediculous, and there's not much you can't do with a Super 30.

I wouldn't go looking for a pre-64 stock. The price of a good one is ridiculous, and the stocks are designed for use with open sights; not scopes.

Then keep another one (probably the 270) and rebarrel it later if he still wants a 280AI
 
Last edited:
A McMillan stock / Echols Legend is what he has been gravitating too. The site says he is out of stock on the McMillan. They sure are nice though.

On keeping the 300, he has shot it once and he said that was one too many. There is a reason that stayed gun stayed in a case for 44 years.
 
I understand, but the 300 might (probably would) feel a lot different with a stock that didn't have so much drop. The H&H is equivalent to the 300WSM, so shouldn't kick too much worse than. 30-06.
 
Hello everyone, I have a friend who inherited his grandfather's gun collection. He wants to build one of them into a modern rifle for himself in 280ai.

The question comes in which action to use and which ones to sell to finance it.

He has: 3 early 50' pre 64 Winchesters with custom stocks. The stocks are more art than practical that his grandfather made. He will be keeping those and selling barreled actions.

1. 270 Gibbs
2. 30 Gibbs
3. 300 H&H ( considering finding a used original stock to sell with)

And he also has a Husquavra 240 Gibbs that we don't know much about.

His grandfather was quite the hunter and actually used one of the Gibbs to take the Wyoming state record elk back in the 60's.

So this build is going to as much of a sentimental build as practical. Using the 280AI and Win Action keeps his Grandfather's wildcat feeling going but allows the gun to be fit for the Grandsons needs.

Thanks Tony

For me if my grandfather left me a pre-64 model 70 with a work-of-art stock that he made and I was looking at a .280 AI build, I would be looking at rechambering the .270 Gibbs to a .270 AI, or to a .270 Sherman. With the exception of bullet selection, there's not going to be too much difference or any difference between the .280AI and the .270 AI, and less performance than what you will get from the .270 Sherman; elkaholic (on this forum) would help you with the build if you were interested. You could also rebarrel with a contoured barrel chambered in .280AI that will drop in to the stock that the .270 Gibbs is in if that is a must for you. I am nostalgic what I'm thinking is keep one of the rifles original or as close to original, sell the other two and make a nice build with the money that you got for the other two rifles. I have a Remington 700ADL in 30-06 that I bought new for my father (who is now deceased) in the late 60's, it is not a show piece or safe princess by any means, but it is priceless!! As for used Winchester 70 stocks I suggest looking on eBay or Guns International, be patient and be diligent in checking the ads daily and you will find one reasonably. I needed a stock for a Ruger 77 tang safety, long action, after two or three months I found one that was very reasonable and in excellent condition.
 
If you think that is expensive brass, check out what it will cost you for .280 AI and that's if you can find it; $87 for 50 pieces for Nosler on Brownells.

You might want to do the math:

QC 30 Gibbs = $39.59 for 20 = $1.98 ea
Nosler 280AI = $81.99 for 50 = $1.64 ea (in stock at Midway)

Or buy Hornady 280AI = 46.99 for 50 = $.94 ea (in stock at Midway)
 
Not to mention the cost of rebarreling it. If he doesn't shoot much a hundred rounds of brass would probably last a lifetime. Boyds sells pretty nice laminated stocks for 150-200. Sounds like he is pretty decided on the 280ai and if that's what makes him enjoy the rifle more than go for it. Best of luck
 
I will do load development for him and then load up a hundred. That will likely last him the next 10 years.

I'm becoming a fan of Nosler brass and that cost spread out over 10 years of hunts is nominal.
 
As long as he saves his brass he can get 5-10 loadings depending how hot you run them. At that rate he will never recover the cost of spending a little extra on gibbs brass----but different strokes for different folks. It doesn't have to make financial or performance sense. If that's what he wants then go for it and enjoy.
 
Warning! This thread is more than 6 years ago old.
It's likely that no further discussion is required, in which case we recommend starting a new thread. If however you feel your response is required you can still do so.

Recent Posts

Top