Winchester Model 70 7WSM - Couple Questions

[BigHutch]

Just picked up a Winchester model 70 in 7WSM and have a couple of questions. I picked it up used so there are a couple of things I'm unsure of.

1) The serial number is G2424xxx can anyone tell me how to find the MFG date?

2) The safety on it seems a bit "stiff". When moving the safety from fire to safe it is VERY VERY hard to do. Almost hard enough to think about tapping it with a hammer. What could be the cause?

Thanks in advance! :)

[Wasper]

Had to fix one a while back with a similar issue. Had to deburr the safety, safety plunger and inside surface of the bolt shroud. Many of the Post-64 M70's I've dealt with seem to be somewhat lacking in the quality control area.

For the serial number try here: http://oldguns.net/sn_php/windateslookup.php?file=winxx70.dat

[BigHutch]

Thanks, I was a little concerned that I'd made a bad purchase. I'll check that out, or have a smith do it.

It seems this rifle is 1992 - 2006 model (Post 1992, New Haven CT), so it's not listed in the link you provided.

[jmr40]

I'm not aware of any websites that will give dates on most any Winchester made after the 1970's.