The recent Winchester Model 70s, particularly the Super Grades, are not only gorgeous, but contain the pluses of the pre-64s. Most of the Super Grades are in the $1300 - $1400 category new. My question to anyone willing to answer is: Why would anyone pay several thousand dollars for a pre- 64, when the current FN/Winchester Model 70s can be had new for much less money?

FYI: I have both and am totally infatuated with the current ones. I don't see myself looking to buy any pre-64s in the future unless the prices come down drastically.

They pay because the pre 64s are collectable and will hold their investment value for years to come.

Paul, In the past I always thought that the idea of the pre-64s being more collectible, therefore more expensive was that they were of a higher quality and had more unique features such as the claw extractor. With the exception of custom or one of a kind pre-64 models, this no longer seems the case. Is it your opinion that the "standard" pre-64 model will retain its value? I am aware that occasionally you can find a pre-64 for less than $1000, but in my experience they are rare and usually in less than desirable condition.

Don't forget that after 64 and before they started producing M70s out of the Custom Shop, around 1980, they started using cast floorplates and cheaper stocks. This is similar to what happened with the M94 after 1964. The Custom Shop M70s had steel floorplates and better internals than the ones produced after 64.