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I have a Pre-64 Model 70 in 300 H&H Magnum (S/N 437XXX) in overall good condition. Mfg. circa 1958. However, the rubber recoil pad is in very poor condition. I'm sure it's not the original (I think the correct configuration would be a checkered steel buttplate). IF I could determine/find the correct pad or buttplate I would like to replace it. Lately I have been considering selling or trading it and wondering if it would affect the value of the rifle to replace the recoil pad/buttplate with a new one. I don't shoot it ($4-5/round) so I am thinking of the value to a collector/shooter. Should I just leave it alone?

I would leave it original if selling it...so the collectability would not be spoiled.

I think the stock has been cut down. (Not positive) I think that kind of kills the collectability?
The pad on the rifle is not the original. (White Line?) Galavan repro vented pad probably won't make much difference.

OK...your 1st post didn't mention all that.

You answered your own question...good luck with the sale.

My subjective comments. As is or with replacement parts, the gun has little or no collector value. Change whatever makes you happy. Enjoy the gun and don't get side-tracked with collector moods. There are a lot of owners that are not collectors. An owner type could be interested if you decide to sell later.

Yes die hard collectors want originality totally, however, a 1958 Model 70 300 H&H in good condition is still gonna bring a nice value to it even "if" the stock has been cut. Now granted it cuts value tremendously with that being said. Unfortunately the 50's was an era of high powered cartridges and it was common to cut a stock and add a Pachmyer or another brand recoil pad.

If your not gonna shoot it and not gonna hang onto her, list her on one of the various online auction sites. Whatever you do lots of good high quality photos of the entire gun, well lit and detailed as good photos make or break a sale. Put a price you can live with and is in line with where they are going for...what do ya have to loose.

I plan to keep it and shoot it. Since it is a shooter, I don't think a new, modern recoil pad (professionally fitted and install) will detract. The original was so bad it was not shootable and I think devalued the rifle. I think a Pachmayr 990 would be nice.

If this were my holding, I would go with whatever makes me and the gun like each other better. Value down the road will probably change. Who knows, you might add value with the makeover.

Check my guns listed on the website below. Many are early production. Notice the furniture and metal are pleasing while not looking new.

Win Tex I agree with Redryder...do what makes ya happy Brother cause to many times we place shackles upon what we love to do most.

I will admit I am the world's worst at getting so in depth into something I burn out. So, I try not to be as hard upon myself, although, my self claimed OCD kicks in and I want things so-so. I have two shotguns, a Model 1897 and a Model 12 that were my Grandfathers and part of me wants to refinish/reblue, and the other part of me wants them to remain as they are.

Redryder, I click on your link from time to time to reminisce. Lovely collection of so many things. The BB Guns and toy guns, who doesn't love these things?! Well, some youngsters that don't even know what a cap gun is I guess haha. Great collection!

Thanks for the view and comments Grunt.

Thinned the herd over the past year. Those remaining are keepers. Some have family ties while others are just nice to have.

I've decided to have a Pachmayr F325 (black, white line) installed by a gunsmith, later this month. Doing the same to a 1957 M70 30-06 as well. 75 rounds thru this one last weekend convinced me that a new recoil pad is necessary.

Thank you all for the thoughts and opinions.

After a lot of thought and info gathering, I decided to add a Pachmayr F325, black, Whiteline recoil pad. It's a classic looking pad and will make the rifle more "friendly" to shoot. If it detracts for the value or collectiblity, so be it.

The original pad made the rifle unusable, it had collapsed and was coming apart in pieces.

I left it with a gunsmith yesterday afternoon. I plan on taking it feral hog hunting in Feb.

I'll probably update the pad on my 1957 M70 30-06 very soon, as well.

If you are gonna use a pad Pachmeyer white line pads are classic looking and they look good! I for one am "still" waiting to see pics of these 50's era gems!

Still working on making pics fit upload parameters. No website to link them from.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/147769501@N05/shares/0rZwy8

Here's the 30-06

https://flic.kr/p/QT9Zcj

The 300 H&H

Win Tex I looked at the photos you linked. Looks like a few very nice 50's era gems!

Here is a link to place I use. I size them down to 250 and it automatically sizes them. Might be worth a try. Once I have cropped and sized I copy the IMG code and then paste.

freeonlinephotoeditor.com