Difference between Winchester Model 70 Rifles

[scotlfs]

Ok, so here is the long version of the question. The winchester model 70 rifle seems to have many versions, there is the featherweight and featherweight deluxe, there is the sporter and the sporter deluxe, there is the Coyote Light, etc etc etc...

My question is, between the Sporter; Sporter Deluxe; Featherweight and Featherweight Deluxe...what is the difference? They sure come with a broad range of price tags, but they "seem" to be much the same rifle. By the Winchester's own discriptions for these rifles, I can't seem to find any differences really. Can someone who knows these rifles clue me in?

Thanks...

 

[DRYHUMOR]

Kind of like many other mfrs, barrel length, thickness, stock configuration and type.

From a 2006 catalog-
Featherweight 22-24"
Supergrade 24-26"
Sporter 24-26"
Coyote 24" medium heavy
Shadow 22-24"
Stealth ll 26" heavy

more info: On the 2008-9 rifles on the website, there are less selections than before they went out of business in New Haven.

 

[mudstud]

The type of action is of major importance as well. There are, of course, "pre-64's" (CRF), "post-64's" (a term usually used for push-feeds), but which includes as well, Classics (CRF), and CRPF (controlled round push feed), as well as PF (push-feed).

 

[jmr40]

If you are talking about current production guns the action will be the same. The major difference is the quality and style of the stock. The Featherweight versoins have a slightly thinner barrel to reduce weight as well as a more trim stock.

Over the years the action has changed. From its introduction through 1963 all were controlled round feed. In 1964 until the early 90's Winchester used a push feed action that many do not like as well. They are actually good guns that do not get the premium prices that the pre 64's bring.

After about 1994 or so Winchester broought back the controlled round feed on their premium models. These are known as the Winchester Classic Models. They still offered the push feed on the budget guns. Some of the short magnums had feeding issues with the controled round feeding so Winchester developed a hybrid "controled round push feed" that worked better with these rounds.

These early Classic models are highly sought after because they are some of the best Winchester made. By about 2004 Winchester quality started to tank and the Classics made during the last 2 or 3 years of production was spotty at best.

Winchester closed the doors on its Conneticut factory in the spring of 2006 causing a spike in the prices of all Winchesters. FN bought the rights to produce Winchester rifles and has only began shipping a few rifles in the last few months. They are selling for around $800 and reports on quality and accuracy are mixed.

There is a wide range of prices depending on when they were made, the action type, and how rare or desireable that particular version is.