Quality of Winchester 70's post 64-pre 92

[mtlucas0311]

I'm considering a trade for a late 80's Winchester model 70 featherweight in .243 Win. Did Winchester have any turbulent time periods where QC wasn't a big priority? Are there some years considered better than others, maybe early v. late? I believe I've read Bart B praise the Winchester actions for their rigidity, with respect to match rifles, so I'm specifically interested in his opinion. To be clear, I'm not interested in re barreling etc. just curious about the action itself. As the title suggests, I'm talking strictly about post 64 rifles up to 92 when they brought back CRF, so all the push feed guns.

Regards,
Mike

 

[jmr40]

Winchester was bought out by a group of investors in 1979 possibly 1980. The guns made between 1964 and 1980 or 81 are spotty. Most are fine, but quality was lacking. The action design however is solid, it was more build quality. When United States Repeating Arms (USRAC) bought the company they made an effort to bring Winchester quality back up. Those rifles tend to be pretty good values. Most shoot well, have good wood, were finished well, and can often be found at value prices.

When they brought back the CRF rifles in 1992 Winchester continued making the PF rifles at the same time, but they were relegated to the budget line, so PF's made after 1992 are a little lower quality. They continued making both PF and CRF until 2006 when the doors were closed. Since coming back in 2008 it has been CRF only.

I wouldn't be afraid to buy anything made in the 1980's or even early 90's.

 

[quartermaster]

I bought a Mod 70 Featherweight in the mid 90's that is a push feed. It has a good stock and good fits to the metal. I know it's not supposed to be good, but it is an awesome shooter.

Every year that I shoot it I am amazed how accurate it is. I can't remember how long it took me to work up a load as I did it so long ago, but for a pencil barrel, it is some shooter.

QM

 

[gunnerh]

I have 3 model 70 made in 1969,1972 and 1975, Not the best looking guns in the safe. They all are very good shooters, I Got them new and I have never had a bit of trouble.

 

[mtlucas0311]

Thanks for the info, I went through with the trade this evening. Rifle was in very nice shape, aside from a few small bumps in the stock it looks near new. For what I gave up I think I did well.