Win pre 64 gibbs rifles

WWP2012 · Mar 13, 2019

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

Turnbolt53 · Mar 13, 2019

Ok, so take the 300H&H off the list, because the magnum bolt face won't work for the 280AI (and besides, it is the most valuable barreled action of the three).

I would rebarrel the 270 Gibbs, because I think the 30 Gibbs would most likely be sold more easily than the 270. But depending on the condition of the barreled actions, I could easily go the other way.

The Husky in 240 Gibbs will probably sell as well, if the twist is right.

Message me when you set the price on them. I might be interested.

WWP2012 · Mar 13, 2019

Turnbolt53 said:
Ok, so take the 300H&H off the list, because the magnum bolt face won't work for the 280AI (and besides, it is the most valuable barreled action of the three).

I would rebarrel the 270 Gibbs, because I think the 30 Gibbs would most likely be sold more easily than the 270. But depending on the condition of the barreled actions, I could easily go the other way.

The Husky in 240 Gibbs will probably sell as well, if the twist is right.

Message me when you set the price on them. I might be interested.

Thanks
That's kinda of what we are thinking too, I will let you know what he decides for a price.

Mustang72 · Mar 13, 2019

Maybe I am more sentimental than a lot of people,but why not just keep one like it is? Not trying to change your friends mind but it seems like he s just splitting hairs between a 270 gibbs,280 ai,and a 30gibbs. As much as I don't care for any 270 there is very little on game difference between the 3. I would guess that his grandfather was a reloader as well,so there is probably a set of dies for all of them. Just because something isn't the most modern gee wizz wonder cartridge doesn't mean it's not just as capable. Not trying to change his mind,just food for thought. I would at least use as is until I ran out of ammo and loading supplies.

therifleman556 · Mar 13, 2019

Isn't 270 Gibbs basically an AI that's been a little more improved? I would think that would be a pretty hot stepping round with today's powders. I'ma gonna go with Mustang on this one...

Turnbolt53 · Mar 13, 2019

Mustang72 said:
Maybe I am more sentimental than a lot of people,but why not just keep one like it is? Not trying to change your friends mind but it seems like he s just splitting hairs between a 270 gibbs,280 ai,and a 30gibbs. As much as I don't care for any 270 there is very little on game difference between the 3. I would guess that his grandfather was a reloader as well,so there is probably a set of dies for all of them. Just because something isn't the most modern gee wizz wonder cartridge doesn't mean it's not just as capable. Not trying to change his mind,just food for thought. I would at least use as is until I ran out of ammo and loading supplies.

If the owner is an accomplished reloader, then there is no strong reason to go from 270 Gibbs to 280AI.

But the Gibbs cartridges all have the shoulder blown forward, and a very short neck. Properly forming the brass from 270Win brass requires necking up (usually 2 calibers), and then partially necking down to form a false shoulder to headspace on. Then the case is fireformed to set the shoulder forward to it's new location.

It's a fair amount of work, but results in a cartridge that has maximum case capacity for the 270 case.

The advantage of the 280AI is that you can buy 280AI factory ammo, or else fire 280Rem factory ammo in a pinch.

And of course, you get the high BC 7mm bullets with a 280AI. Twist it 8.

WWP2012 · Mar 14, 2019

I reload 7mm already and have all the components for a 280AI on the shelf. I don't want to mess with making Gibbs brass and it isn't commercially available. If need be he can still buy loaded ammo.

Plus, for sentimental reasons we are going with a 280AI as it was originally a wildcat just like the Gibbs. I also doubt my friend is ever going to shoot it past 300.

just country · Mar 14, 2019

morning, u have ur GF's arms, the arms were good enough
for ur GF??!!!! do not b foolish, leave these works of art
alone. these r family airlooms. sp. leave them alone. use
and cherish what ur GF built. justme gbot tum

WWP2012 · Mar 14, 2019

I suppose I should mention that the Grandson is 50 years old. He has had these guns for the last 20 years in the safe. He is to the point of his life he is a grandfather and he wants to use them. He took one of them on a elk trip recently and didn't enjoy hunting with them as they currently are. He actually left his at camp and took mine L.A.W rifle. I support his decision to do this and it is his decision to make. Not any of ours. I am simply seeking advice on how to best do it as I don't want to screw it up.

Mustang72 · Mar 14, 2019

Wasn't saying he shouldn't change one to make better suited for him,just wanted to point out that performance wise your splitting hairs between a 270 gibbs and a 280ai. Personally if I was going to change i would simply have a new barrel put on the 270,since it is the closest in performance and probably the least desired for resale. That is a relatively inexpensive job that any decent gunsmith can do. He could keep the rest to pass down to his grandkids. The sale of just the 30gibbs should cover the cost and he would still have the 300h&h if he ever wanted something bigger that he could shoot factory ammo through.