L
lsguns
Guest
I've not heard any kind of feedback on these lately. They don't seem to be selling very fast. I'm considering buying one in .308 Anyone have any experience on this topic?
D
David S
Guest
If I could find one in a store in my area, I would be inclined to buy one. We have 5 or 6 fairly large gun stores in the greater Sacramento area. Only one carries the new M70s from North Carolina and then only in the WSM calibers in the Featherweight models. The WSMs don't seem to be selling and the idiot buyer at the gun store will not order the more popular calibers and models until they sell the WSMs. First off, I am not a fan of the WSM calibers, and not a fan of the Featherweights. If they got in some Sporter or Supergrade models in the standard calibers like 270 Win, 30-06, 7 mag, 300 Win Mag, they might sell some. One of the gun dealers in my area had a 300 WSM made in the old New Haven plant. He tried to tell me it was one of the new ones from North Carolina until I pointed out that "New Haven" was stamped on the barrel. I guess I will never buy anything from him since he felt compelled to lie to me.
I think Winchester made a huge marketing blunder in pushing only the Featherweights in WSM calibers for the first year instead instead a more balanced range of models and calibers.
V
VarmintGuy
Guest
Lsguns: My combination pawn/Gun shop here in Dillon, Montana has had at least 5 of these "new" Winchester Model 70's in and all sold relatively quickly. At least a couple were in caliber 270 Winchester.
I looked them over and they were kind of pleasing to me - fit, finish and feel wise.
I was not pleased enough to buy one though as I have several 270's at home in my gun vaults already.
And alas I did not know any of the folks who purchased them so I can offer no feedback to you from the newish owners.
I would like to see one of these "new" (new, new, new, new) Winchester Model 70's in a Varmint configuration and caliber though - I could be a player for one of those.
Good luck in your search for current info on these Rifles.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy
I looked them over and they were kind of pleasing to me - fit, finish and feel wise.
I was not pleased enough to buy one though as I have several 270's at home in my gun vaults already.
And alas I did not know any of the folks who purchased them so I can offer no feedback to you from the newish owners.
I would like to see one of these "new" (new, new, new, new) Winchester Model 70's in a Varmint configuration and caliber though - I could be a player for one of those.
Good luck in your search for current info on these Rifles.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy
Last edited by a moderator:
M
murphy
Guest
To Varmint Guy
Our distributor in Aurtralia seems to have a plentiful supply in non WSM calibers. They certainly look nice, and the super grade seems like a bargain compared to say the price of a new Sako. Before I were to buy one I would be inclined to clean it thoroughly and have a look at the last inch of bore and crown with a magnifying glass as they just seem too good to be true. If you get one would be very interested to hear how it preforms. Not long ago I bought a CZ 550 sporter in 308 and it is an absolute cracker and by far the most accurate 308 I have ever owned though maybe not quite as pretty as those new Winchesters.
Our distributor in Aurtralia seems to have a plentiful supply in non WSM calibers. They certainly look nice, and the super grade seems like a bargain compared to say the price of a new Sako. Before I were to buy one I would be inclined to clean it thoroughly and have a look at the last inch of bore and crown with a magnifying glass as they just seem too good to be true. If you get one would be very interested to hear how it preforms. Not long ago I bought a CZ 550 sporter in 308 and it is an absolute cracker and by far the most accurate 308 I have ever owned though maybe not quite as pretty as those new Winchesters.
O
Old Gunner
Guest
I had started to ask a few questions about the more recent Model 70's awhileback, but figure I won't be able to afford one anytime soon.
My original plan, one thats been on the back burner for decades, was to look for a really beat up or shot out specimen with an action that was still good or restorable that I could pick up cheaply enough , rebarrel to .280 Remington and make my own stock for it.
I would only be interested in the controlled round versions, owning Enfields has turned me off to the claw extractors.
Since the pre 64 M70 is such a collectors piece these days I'd like to hear how well these most recent Controlled round actions are working out, and just what methods of manufacture are being used. Stuff like how the bolt is made and whether the bolt handles are durable etc.
PS
I recently found that Denmark has issued Winchester model 70's in .30/06 to special troops that patrol in the arctic circle, so it must be a reliable cold weather rifle.
My original plan, one thats been on the back burner for decades, was to look for a really beat up or shot out specimen with an action that was still good or restorable that I could pick up cheaply enough , rebarrel to .280 Remington and make my own stock for it.
I would only be interested in the controlled round versions, owning Enfields has turned me off to the claw extractors.
Since the pre 64 M70 is such a collectors piece these days I'd like to hear how well these most recent Controlled round actions are working out, and just what methods of manufacture are being used. Stuff like how the bolt is made and whether the bolt handles are durable etc.
PS
I recently found that Denmark has issued Winchester model 70's in .30/06 to special troops that patrol in the arctic circle, so it must be a reliable cold weather rifle.
Last edited by a moderator:
jackie schmidt
New member
New Model 70's
I have a friend who bought two, one in 270 WSM, the other I can't remember, but I think it's a 300 WSM.
One, the 270, shoots pretty good, the other shoots terrible, 3+ inch groups with about anything you feed it.
The firing pin strike on that Rifle is so far off center that I am amazed it fires.
They are both quite attractive, though.........jackie
I have a friend who bought two, one in 270 WSM, the other I can't remember, but I think it's a 300 WSM.
One, the 270, shoots pretty good, the other shoots terrible, 3+ inch groups with about anything you feed it.
The firing pin strike on that Rifle is so far off center that I am amazed it fires.
They are both quite attractive, though.........jackie
The 4 I have
I have four of the modern Model 70 Classics.
These four were produced a number of years ago and have the real Winchester Model 70 trigger which is bullet proof and can be adjusted down to a safe 2 pounds if you know what you are doing. Then there is the great safety that locks the firing pin.
Three of these have Krieger barrels and McMillan stocks and shoot 100 yard groups at 5/8 inch. Two of them the .280 Imp and .338 have the same weight barrels and same stocks.
BTW the two piece trigger guard and floor plate were no big deal if all is properly bedded. The center screw is for looks only.
Now with all that said I did have a Pre-War Model 70 Super Grade in 30 Government and it was pretty slick; most likely because it had been hunted hard for 50 years.
I don't think there is any value difference to the big game hunter between what I have and what a collector wants sitting in his safe.
I like the new one piece floor plates; but I am sad to see a different trigger on the new models. Like why change it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will not ever own one and have enough Remingtons.
I have four of the modern Model 70 Classics.
These four were produced a number of years ago and have the real Winchester Model 70 trigger which is bullet proof and can be adjusted down to a safe 2 pounds if you know what you are doing. Then there is the great safety that locks the firing pin.
Three of these have Krieger barrels and McMillan stocks and shoot 100 yard groups at 5/8 inch. Two of them the .280 Imp and .338 have the same weight barrels and same stocks.
BTW the two piece trigger guard and floor plate were no big deal if all is properly bedded. The center screw is for looks only.
Now with all that said I did have a Pre-War Model 70 Super Grade in 30 Government and it was pretty slick; most likely because it had been hunted hard for 50 years.
I don't think there is any value difference to the big game hunter between what I have and what a collector wants sitting in his safe.
I like the new one piece floor plates; but I am sad to see a different trigger on the new models. Like why change it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will not ever own one and have enough Remingtons.
O
Old Gunner
Guest
I always figured the Military went with the Remington action rather than the model 70 for sniper rifles due to manufacturing shortcuts that made it easier for Remington to ensure ontime delivery in quantity rather than any real advantage of the Remington actions compared to the Winchesters.
Not that theres anything wrong with the Remingtons, they have certainly proven themselves in the field.
Not that theres anything wrong with the Remingtons, they have certainly proven themselves in the field.
S
Snowwolfe
Guest
Pretty sure the gent asking the question wants to know about the "New" Win 70's that are now being produced when they reopened the plant in the new location. Most of the folks I know that have bought one say they shoot really well and the fit and finish is better than on the older ones last built about 3 years ago. Also claim the trigger is better. But I wished they would of left the trigger design alone.
Last edited by a moderator:
C
CWPINST
Guest
Columbia, South Carolina........NOT NC !!!!
B
Big Al
Guest
The U.S. Army bought a great number of pre 64 Model -70's all in 300 Winmag and the largest number in .30-06. Some of the individual companies bought a number in .300H&H for hunting rifles for the companie's own personnel here in Alaska. Yes the U.S Army had a long history with the pre 64 Model-70.
V
vicvanb
Guest
Pre 64 M70s in 300 Win Mag were only made one year--1963.
The army bought hunting rifles for personal use by soldiers?
D
David S
Guest
Sorry about that. I don't know where my head was when I wrote that. I knew better.
S
SaltyDog
Guest
Also interested
My favorite rifle is a M70 30-06. I bought my M70 in '94 when they came back out with the "Pre-64" classic action. It was also offered with a BOSS which was also brand new at the time. The nice thing about that rifle is that if you load your bullets for consistant velocity and the concentricity is good you adjust the BOSS for accuracy. It is quite a tack driver. I will be working up loads for it real soon.
When I first bought it I purchased a bunch of Federal ammunition that were loaded with 165 grain Speer Grand Slams. Once that BOSS was adjusted I could put 3 bullets through the same hole at 100 yards. The first time I did it I couldn't even tell that the original hole got bigger. I had to put some masking tape behind the bullseye and shoot again. Sure as I am typing this that bullet went through the same hole. I adjusted it 3" high at 100. That rifle got shot twice a year after that. Once for a scope check and once at a deer. I just ran out of bullets and I decided to create my own hand loads for next season. Now all I need is my Christmas present to come early. I'm getting a beta master. I got a good 'ol lady.
My favorite rifle is a M70 30-06. I bought my M70 in '94 when they came back out with the "Pre-64" classic action. It was also offered with a BOSS which was also brand new at the time. The nice thing about that rifle is that if you load your bullets for consistant velocity and the concentricity is good you adjust the BOSS for accuracy. It is quite a tack driver. I will be working up loads for it real soon.
When I first bought it I purchased a bunch of Federal ammunition that were loaded with 165 grain Speer Grand Slams. Once that BOSS was adjusted I could put 3 bullets through the same hole at 100 yards. The first time I did it I couldn't even tell that the original hole got bigger. I had to put some masking tape behind the bullseye and shoot again. Sure as I am typing this that bullet went through the same hole. I adjusted it 3" high at 100. That rifle got shot twice a year after that. Once for a scope check and once at a deer. I just ran out of bullets and I decided to create my own hand loads for next season. Now all I need is my Christmas present to come early. I'm getting a beta master.
I got a good 'ol lady.I don't know about the Army but about 25 years or so the Air Force Outdoor Recreation supply (a place on AF bases where you can rent outdoor equiptment, practically anything to do with outdoor recreation, they rented everything from coolers to camp trailers) at Malmstrom AFB, Montana rented shotguns and rifles. They even had a yearly public auction where they would sell some off occassionaly so they could replace them with newer ones.
I purchased a couple of well used but fully servicable Rem 870's, a Rem 700 in "06 and my first chronograph from an Outdoor Rec auction.
Whether they still do this or not I have no idea. But I am pretty sure that the last time I spent some TDY time at Eilson AFB, in Fairbanks, Alaska, (early 90's)that the service was still available there. As a matter of fact you can apply for a moose hunt on the base itself.
I suppose in this age of political correctness that this service is no longer available.
drover
I purchased a couple of well used but fully servicable Rem 870's, a Rem 700 in "06 and my first chronograph from an Outdoor Rec auction.
Whether they still do this or not I have no idea. But I am pretty sure that the last time I spent some TDY time at Eilson AFB, in Fairbanks, Alaska, (early 90's)that the service was still available there. As a matter of fact you can apply for a moose hunt on the base itself.
I suppose in this age of political correctness that this service is no longer available.
drover
F
frwillia
Guest
I like my '53 Model 70 .30-06 a lot. I've only had it a short time but I shot a nice deer with it during PA senior season this year about a month after I got it. Finally located some sling swivels to fit the Super Grade stock - I'll pick them up this weekend. It's a 1 to 1-1/2 MOA rifle with handloads which is fine for PA deer hunting. I'd expect the new ones to be better than that with handloads.
I've looked at the new ones in the store. They look and feel "really" good. If they ever get in a standard in .270 Win. I'll probably buy it. So far they've only had Featherweights in .308. The trigger on the .308 Featherweight feels like an excellent hunting trigger. I like the design of the new ones with the full floating barrel better than the old ones with the 4th screw into the rear sight boss on the barrel.
I've not shot one of the new ones ... yet ... but that's just a matter of time.
Fitch
I've looked at the new ones in the store. They look and feel "really" good. If they ever get in a standard in .270 Win. I'll probably buy it. So far they've only had Featherweights in .308. The trigger on the .308 Featherweight feels like an excellent hunting trigger. I like the design of the new ones with the full floating barrel better than the old ones with the 4th screw into the rear sight boss on the barrel.
I've not shot one of the new ones ... yet ... but that's just a matter of time.
Fitch
O
Old Gunner
Guest
Sounds reasonable. The US Army has from time to time bought civilian sporting rifles for special purposes, like the .22 Rimfires bought for killing rats, or the .22 Hornet rifles used as survival rifles.
A company I worked for in the early 70's had a large shipment of officers club furniture that had been upholstered with antelope hides from animals culled at an Airforce base, in Turkey I believe, due to their running out in front of aircraft during take offs and landings.
The base closed down before delivery and the furniture was never shipped. It was still stored away last I heard, but thats been many years ago.
I would expect that a .300 Mag would be very useful for handling rogue bear or culling large bodied game that interfered with base operations.
The US military doesn't like to stock soft point ammo in the standard military calibers, due to Hague Convention issues. If animal control is necessary they prefer to use a non military caliber, or as in the case of Denmark an obsolete military caliber not originally a Danish issue military cartridge, the .30/06 being a post WW2 stop gap.
PS
The Danish Model 70's are designated M53 for year of adoption, probably much the same rifle as the one mentioned above.
PPS
Just found that the US Army has ordered nearly 50 Million Dollars worth of .300 Winchester Magnum ammunition for upgraded and rebbarreled M24 rifles chambered for this cartridge for use as ultra long range sniping rifles.
Also found an experimental Advanced Marksmanship Unit Model 70 rifle for sale, it was chambered for an experimental improved version of the .300 Magnum.
Sounds like the Army really liked that cartridge for special purposes.
Last edited by a moderator:
V
vicvanb
Guest
WOW! That should last them until the end of the year!
And my wife thinks I spend a lot a lot on ammo!