I have a 1955 model 70 in .30/06 what would u guys recommendations be for a good modern scope under $1500 ? Looking for something you know has enough mounting length to get proper eye relief on pre 64 ! Thanks
If you're RET marines then Leupold does an awesome MIL discount. Like 40%. I'll ask my dad what is on his pre 64 model 70 .30/06 and get back to you though. He still hunts with ours every elk season back in WY. Pretty sure it's got the same scope his grandpa put on it though, might not be too helpful.
Early Model 70's scope mounting requirements are a little different than a modern bolt action. The bolt throw and bolt angle are different. It's hard to get a scope mounted and not have to grind the bolt handle. Below is an example, a pre war ( 1938 ) that my dad bought new. He hunted with it for 10-20 years before he mounted a scope. It is a Unertl Hawk 4x on a Buehler one piece base. As you can see this is not a large diameter scope by modern standards. And it's mounted about as far rearward as you can get it. Dad had to grind the bolt handle. I'm sure at the time he was only thinking about functionality and not collectible value.
For reference below are pics of the pre war Model 70, a Remington 700 and a Savage Axis taken from roughly the same position. You can see the difference in the bolt throw that contributes to the interference with the scope compared to modern bolt action rifles.
1955 Model 70's are good to go with modern scopes. The pre-war(WWII) versions were designed for Unertl type slider scopes. The above rifle that was ground for clearance was also drilled on the rear bridge thus knocking even more value off the rifle.