[boltgun71]

I recently acquired a Pre-64 Winchester model 70 that seems to have a unique history. It left the factory as a .243 Winchester in a heavy barrel contour but sometime early in its life it was re-bored and rifled to .25 caliber and chambered in 25-06 Improved (Ackley). I was able to caste the chamber and bore today, confirming a .257 bore, 25-06 Ackley Improved chamber, and measured the twist rate twice at 1 turn in 12". The barrel is stamped 26.06 IMP directly after the factory .243 Winchester marking and underneath the barrel in the same stamp font is the gunsmiths mark/stamp of 25 VP 12. The 25 stands for .25 caliber, the 12 for the twist rate, and I am assuming VP is the gunsmith who performed the work. Now I am just trying to figure out who VP is, are any of you familiar with this gunsmiths markings? The serial number for the receiver is from 1956 and the barrel is stamped 56 from the factory under the barrel as well, confirming the year and that the barrel is original to the rifle. The rifle also has a Canjar 70-1 trigger and Fajen stock. I purchased the rifle in NY from a man who had just recently acquired it himself locally, if the region may be of some assistance. So just trying to piece together the history of this great rifle and would appreciate any help.