Win 670 243 Win

[ExAgoradzo]

I have an opportunity at this rifle
Good shape. Haven’t shot it.

I understand it is an inexpensive M70 from the mid 1970s.

Does anyone have any experience with said model? Opinions?

Thanks,
Greg

 

[jmr40]

Will reply to both you your threads with one post. Yes, the 670 was a budget version of the push feed model 70 and a 1970's manufacturing date sounds about right. The 1960's and 1970's were not the best years for Winchester, but even then most of them shot well enough. By 1980 Winchester turned thinks around and made some very nice rifles in the 1980's and 1990's. Quality again started sliding in the 2000's until they closed the New Haven factory in 2006.

I had that exact rifle in 243 for a while years ago and mine shot fine. It is always a gamble buying a used rifle, and that particular model will have a little better odds of getting a lemon than many others. But if the price is attractive then it will be worth the risk.

In my opinion 243 may well be the ideal deer cartridge and is still versatile enough to be used as a varmint round. While 243 can, and has been used successfully on game larger than deer it is far from ideal on bigger game. You won't be able to shoot some of the heavier bullets with that barrel twist, but most of those aren't hunting bullets anyway.

I no longer own one because I can't find a niche for it with my type of hunting. I prefer a 22 centerfire for varmints, and want a big game cartridge versatile enough to be used on deer and bigger game. But for the guy looking for a deer, or deer size game rifle I do like the round. It is plenty capable for that role.

 

[LoonWulf]

Ive never even seen a 670, but I recently re-barreled a 70s model 70, using a old (like bad Ruger barrel days old) Ruger m77 barrel, and it actually shot really well. If it weren't for the wing safety id be willing to take a risk on a 670 if it is a decent price.

 

[243winxb]

The 1-10 barrel twist is a little slow for best accuracy using long bullet. Winchester started making the model 670 in 1966. Not a great time for the company. Lots of cost cutting. Had one in 30-06 for a short time. Its was ok.

Back in the 1970s, bought a used deluxe M70 1965 vintage in heavy barrel 243 win. Bad barrel. The groove diameter was said to be larger then normal. Took 10 fouling shots to start grouping. Then the scope cross hairs rotated on the Weaver 10 power.
Had a new Douglas barrel installed & glass bedding. Short story, it didnt go well.

Ended up buying a brand new 1976 Remington 40 XB Rangemaster in 243. Most accurate rifle i ever owned. Still shooting it these day, just not as much. Grandson hits eggs with it at 300 yards.

 

[stillquietvoice]

I'll add to the post I'm your other thread that the one I bought was well used as a hunting rifle, worn blueing, scratched stock but very much functional. Paid 200.00 otd I felt like I stole it from theirs shop.

 

[Stan Rosen]

I have read this post, as well as your other post. I do believe the .243 wunchester is a wonderful round for your daughter, but if it were me I would hold off on purchasing the Winchester 670. I'm not saying that it is a horrible rifle, I'm just of the belief that if she does not need the rifle right away you can hold off and make another purchase when she is in need of it. There will never be a shortage if used .243 Winchester chambered rifles out there, and there is no need to jump in on a good deal on a mediocre rifle, better to wait for a great deal on a good rifle.

 

[ExAgoradzo]

That does

I have read this post, as well as your other post. I do believe the .243 wunchester is a wonderful round for your daughter, but if it were me I would hold off on purchasing the Winchester 670. I'm not saying that it is a horrible rifle, I'm just of the belief that if she does not need the rifle right away you can hold off and make another purchase when she is in need of it. There will never be a shortage if used .243 Winchester chambered rifles out there, and there is no need to jump in on a good deal on a mediocre rifle, better to wait for a great deal on a good rifle.

That does make sense. Perhaps in 4-5 years there will be a killer deal on a 6.5 CM as noted above...
Greg

 

[Pivot Dr]

Years ago I bought a brand new 1965 Model 70 270. I must have run 5,000 rounds through it. It was a great shooter even though it was “cheap”. Luckily I traded it for. 1951 vintage Model 70 270. Far better rifle but doesn’t shoot as well as the 1965 version. Go ahead to probably 20 years ago I just happened to be at a consignment auction and 670 chambered in 243 came across the block. I gave less than $150 for it. Wasn’t pretty, but considering my experience with the other old push feed Model 70 I had I gave it a chance. After a good cleaning I did some serious load development with it and surprisingly enough it shoot as good as my ‘72 vintage Sako 243. I have a friend who has a heavy barrel, push feed Model 70 243, it shoots very good too. If you aren’t interested in fancy walnut wood, nice checkering, high polish and finish, the famous Winchester 3 position safety, the push feed Winchesters and the 670 243 in particular that I had, it’s a very serviceable rifle. Mine shot 100 and 80 grain bullets under 1” any time I sat it on bags on a bench. 5 shot groups at 100 yd. probably the best inexpensive rifle ever made, better than the 788 Remington. Fancy it isn’t, serviceable it is. A deer will never know the difference.