Closing this loop for now...I found a stock on Gunbroker that's inlet for my Win LA M70 (post '64) for about $250 before shipping/tax. In order to run a heavier barrel (like the Proof Sendero light) I needed to get a stock that could handle the heavier contour barrel (compared to the Featherweight it's currently outfitted with). Keep in mind if you're going synthetic/laminate there seems to be plenty of options for the M70 LA like Stocky's (who Proof encouraged me to speak with), Boyd's, etc. I know Boyd has wood options, but I'm going to try this route first. Griffin & Howe would be $2K+ for this setup, Lohman's $5K+....needless to say that isn't tenable with what I'm trying to do. But I wanted as close to factory as I could find, and if my setup works, I think the wood stock I bought will be about 1/2 the cost from either of those.
For those who care / are trying to do something similar, here's what I learned:
- In order to run the Sendero Light on a wood stock, you'll need a wood stock similar to the Win M70 varmint series that ran the bull barrel. The contour of the bull barrel they put on those specific M70's is nearly identical to the Sendero Light profile. Smith confirmed the same.
- I'm using a Proof .30 cal blank for my setup (30-06) and will choose between the 20" and 22" - haven't decided yet - but the diameter of the purchased stock barrel channel at the ebony forend tip measures 0.920" - while the Proof Sendero Light is 0.956" 10" from the breech face to the end of the forearm (ie there will have to be some machining to the stock). Spoke to the smith and it's really a TBD on if it'll fit, obviously will need to make sure there's enough room at the forend after machining to ensure some level of integrity of the stock's strength after machining. He seemed reasonably optimistic, but without having it in hand it's too close to call at this point.
I'll say it's pretty nice - if you have measurements on the stock - to just compare with the barrel specs on Proof's site if you're going this route.
I'll follow up once I have an answer from the smith.
