The best Winchester Model 70?

[andrewdl007]

I have been reading a lot about Winchester Model 70's lately and you all have convinced me that I need about a dozen of them. So the big question is which era is the best and which should I get? Of course the pre-64 rifles are considered the best, but I have read a review of the new FN produced rifles that say they are the best Win 70s ever made. What you yall think? And pictures would just liven up this thread. Thanks.

 

[P.B.Walsh]

The new FN ones are excellent, I have a Stealth model and the machining sets it apart from other factory rifle, the smoothness of the action is also like it has already been cycled a fe hundred times. I highly recommend the new Model 70, in fact, I am going to do my best to build a custom rifle on the new FN actions next year.

Bottom line, pick one and buy it and love it.

 

[Geno]

I can't speak as an expert, but I have owned Winchester M70s from the mid-1980s, one from the early to mid-2000s, and I own several (5 five) current M70s. Of those that I have owned, without question, I prefer my current ones. It doesn't have anything to do with push-feed or controlled-feed. All of them had wonderful actions, slick-as-butter, but the current M70s have awesome triggers.

Unfortunately I have never owned one of the pre-64 M70s. Of the people I know who have owned those, they are split down the middle. Some say the pre-64 was the god of rifles. Others claim it's purely the romance of owning a rifle machined, then fit by hand, and that today's M70s are superior. I like my 5 (five) current production M70s, (2 Stealths, 2 Ultimate Shadows and a Super Grade) and would never sell or trade them. Would I ever buy a push-feed M70? Sure, if the price and cartridge were right. Would I like a pre-64 M70? Sure, purely for the romance of days-gone-by, especially something like a pre-64, M70 in .300 H&H Mag. Dang!

Cool thread you started here. I'm looking forward to reading the answers from people who can contribute more factual-based answers than I can. Thanks for the thread!!

Geno

 

[3212]

If the consensus is that the new ones are even better,go for it! I have a 1958model 70 in .243.I've had it 22 years and put at least 1,000 rounds through it.I'm at least the third owner and have no idea how many total rounds have been fired.It's been a great deer rifle.It still shoots less than 2 inch groups with the occasional figure 8.A good cleaning would probably improve that.

 

[jmr40]

If you want a shooter the pre-64's are highly over rated, not bad at all, just over rated. SOME have a little interest to collectors if they are in rare chamberings or configurations. If I had one with some family history I'd never part with it, but I wouldn't pay any more for most standard pre-64's than I would any other 50+ year old used rifle in similar condition. The 1960's and 1970's made rifles are probably the least desireable. Quality was down and they were the 1st of the push feed rifles.

By about 1980-2000 Winchester got their act together and were making very good rifles. Guns from this era are good guns and are often undervalued on the used market. Many don't like the pushfeed versions. I prefer a controlled round feed rifle, but conceed for most people it is a non-issue, and the Winchester PF rifles are among the best.

Winchester brought back CRF actions with the "Classic" line of rifles introduced in 1994-2006. These were a copy of the pre-64's with better quality. I consider these to be the best of the Winchesters. You get the pre-64 design, but with modern quality control and the benefit of CNC machining, better barrels etc. Winchester continued making budget rifles with PF actions after 1994, but the top end Classics were all CRF.

Quality started to slip sometime after about 2000 and some rifles, even the Clasics made 2000-2006 may have some minor issues. I've never seen one that a gunsmith couldn't tweak and make right though.

The new FN made rifles are probably the best made out of the box, and I'd highly recommend them. I still prefer the older Classic only because it uses the traditional model 70 trigger. It does not have the best out of the box pull. But a more rugged, simple design has never been made. Most need a little attention to get a great trigger pull, but it is worth the trouble to me. The FN made gun uses a different trigger. It is GREAT out of the box, but is a more complex design. I just prefer the proven design of the older guns.

 

[USSR]

I've got, let's see, five Model 70's from various years. Three are pushfeeds, and two have CRF actions. Great rifles, and like jmr40, I prefer the original trigger which is bulletproof and easily adjustable for a light, crisp trigger pull. However, would have no problem going with the new FN produced Winchesters.

Don

 

[Welding Rod]

I have a FN built 30-06 Sporter that i like very much. Good trigger, floated, accurate, holds POI even for 10 shot groups, it is easy to load quickly, nice recoil pad, and the bolt is smooth.

My only omplaint is I don't like the cheek bump on the stock. I prefer a stock without. I might sand it off someday.

 

[MrBorland]

I still prefer the older Classic only because it uses the traditional model 70 trigger...a more rugged, simple design has never been made...The FN made gun uses a different trigger. It is GREAT out of the box, but is a more complex design. I just prefer the proven design of the older guns.

like jmr40, I prefer the original trigger which is bulletproof and easily adjustable for a light, crisp trigger pull.

FN's SPR (a hunting rifle in tactical clothing) has the best of both - newer M70 action and the classic trigger. I was fortunate to find someone selling a custom hunting rifle built on an SPR (short) action. The trigger was tuned and is very nice.

 

[MCMXI]

I have a couple of the new Model 70s and overall I think they're well made and accurate rifles that are worth the asking price. Both of mine are Extreme Weather SS models, one chambered for .308 Win and the other for .300 Win Mag.

Since you asked for pictures ...

 

[Bio-Chem]

Whatever you do get the wood stock. I seriously think the model 70 in wood is the prettiest rifle with classic lines out there that there is.

 

[USSR]

FN's SPR (a hunting rifle in tactical clothing) has the best of both - newer M70 action and the classic trigger.

That is one of my five Winchesters. It's the 1st Gen. model that was made in New Haven, CT prior to the closing of the plant. Sent it to George Gardner at GAP, and he installed one of 12 pre-production McMillan A-5 stocks that I tested and evaluated for McMillans about 10 years ago.

Don

 

[andrewdl007]

Do the FN produced Model 70s have the FN marking on them? Despite differences in the rifles themselves how would I know if the rifle is one of the current line in production?

 

[Robert]

My new Safari Express does not have FN stamped anywhere on it, at least not that I have seen. It is stamped Winchester everywhere I can find.

 

[skoro]

My FNs have BACO Morgan, Utah stamped into the barrels. I'm not sure, but I think that refers to Browning, which is made by FN. Just a guess, though.

 

[BigBore44]

When my father bought my brother and I rifles for our birthdays many years ago he bought a Rem 700 ADL for my brother and a 70 CSLT for me. I was initially jealous that my brother got a Remington. I had no idea how mistaken I was for that jealousy. My 70 has the smoothest action of any bolt gun I've ever held. No catches, snags, grinding or friction of any kind. And its 3/4 MOA accurate. I'm not sure what year it was made. Actually I'm gonna email Winchester tonight and try to find out. 1995-2000 probably. But I know I got a great gun. I find myself just opening the custom Winchester hardcase and just staring at it sometimes.

 

[40-82]

The early ones made before 1941 are the most finely fitted. If you want to use a telescope on your rifle, you'll probably be happier with one from the late forties or early fifties. Some people say the new ones are good. I have no idea. In general sometimes newer guns have advancements in engineering or design, but they rarely equal the workmanship of the earlier generations.

 

[ErieLurker]

When I bought my FN-made one, the only other Model 70 on the rack that day was a pre-64 in a striking custom stock, with very beautiful, soft, old bluing. But I'd concede the only thing better on that pre-64 was probably the trigger; the new-type trigger does irk me some, nice as it does feel. I had no regrets walking out the door with the Model 70 I did.

 

[Lloyd Smale]

I have to agree with others here. The 70s made today are the best ever. Youd have to go along way to find a nicer 70 then one of the supergrades out there now.

 

[KC45]

I have a Model 70 Featherweight in 6.6x55mm Swede that I purchased from LGS around 1999. It is the most beautiful rifle I own and it shoots and feels as nice as it looks. With my handload it will keep 1" group all day as long as I do my part behind the trigger. The bolt is butter soft and trigger is very crisp. It's a great shooting rifle in great caliber and does everything I need done.

 

[3212]

Okay,define Minute of Angle.Is it the same as a 1 inch center to center 3 shot group at 100 yards?

 

[Robert]

MOA:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minute_of_angle

 

[KC45]

1" at 100 yards is pretty close. To be exact it's 1.047" at 100 yards.
As for number of shots in a group, everybody has their ideas but for me it's 3 shots using "sporter" barrel rifle but 5 shots for heavy target barrel or handguns. My brother shoots 4 and 6 shots but uses only the best 3 and 5 shots to measure the group and discards the worst shot to eliminate the "shooter error".

 

[BullfrogKen]

Define best.


Best for what?

 

[DRYHUMOR]

I have 7. Well, 6 Winchesters and one FN action.

They are worth having, however, the aftermarket accessories market is more geared toward the Remingtons.

I have both classic and push feeds, either or, both work fine.

I have one newer FN M70 with the MOA trigger. It's OK, I just prefer the old style trigger. They have less parts involved and are pretty much fool proof. I have 2 Kepplinger set trigger M70 rifles, super nice and well worth it.

Pic is of the FN action. If you want to start from scratch, these FN actions turn up from time to time.....

 

[CountGlockulla]

I am much more impressed with my FN made Model 70 that I have been with some of my older versions that were push feed.