Winchester Model 70, a few questions

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Northern Shooter

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So ive decided to buy my father in law a Winchester Model 70 later this year for his 65th Birthday.

This is a rifle I honestly didnt know much about until reading up on it recently. The Model 70 has quite the storied history and a great moniker "the riflemans rifle".

This will suit the FIL just fine as he loves his traditional firearms, already owns a Model 94, and has expressed interest in owning a quality bolt gun.

I like that the Model 70 has returned to the controlled round feed mauser style action and that its offered with nice wooden stocks.

It looks like I'm leaning towards the Featherlight model with the walnut stock in 30-06 as that is what he currently uses for moose.

If i want to keep my search criteria to wood stocks and 30-06, what other models should I consider?

I see that Winchester offers Supergrade rifles that I'm guessing have nicer finishes? These sell for quite the premium over the Featherlight.

Also aside from the Alaskan model do any others come equipped with iron sights or are these meant for scopes?

Lastly, im not seeing too many Model 70s currently in stock, which retailers frequently restock these rifles? The closer to $1,000 the better.

Cheers,
 
Hey,

I had a win m70 sporter (Wood/blue) in 270 On order for the last 2 years and would call up the local gun store and inquire every 8 months or so abouT its expected delivery. I called the other day, dec 30th and was told that they have discontinued the sporter version of the m70 and the store owner said he would not be able to get one in. He said they still were making the featherweight, but I didn’t inquire as to the Alaskan or any other variation. It’s too bad as the sporter was the version I liked the best.

I too have noticed very few retailers have the m70 in stock , not sure why.
 
Most of the current stocks of Winchesters I'm seeing for sporters and featherweights are running around 1399$. The days of new 1000$ dollar M70's are gone. Inflation and demand got the best of the gun market.
 
Smithrod said:
Hey,

I had a win m70 sporter (Wood/blue) in 270 On order for the last 2 years and would call up the local gun store and inquire every 8 months or so abouT its expected delivery. I called the other day, dec 30th and was told that they have discontinued the sporter version of the m70 and the store owner said he would not be able to get one in. He said they still were making the featherweight, but I didn’t inquire as to the Alaskan or any other variation. It’s too bad as the sporter was the version I liked the best.

I too have noticed very few retailers have the m70 in stock , not sure why.
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I was wondering if they had discontinued or paused production on some models due to COVID.

The Supergrade models are mostly what im seeing in stock. CSC seems to have some featherweights but not in 30-06.

This search may be a difficult one.
 
Prophet River has a few up right now.

I got my 375 H&H Model 70 from Triggers and Bows. I found them by systematically searching the websites of Canadian dealers listed on the Winchester website. I suggest that would be a good way to look for Model 70s in stock. They're basically a pretty niche gun these days. Most people want something more affordable.

You could also consider getting a Ruger M77 or Hawkeye. Similar to a Model 70 but not as long a history. You can find them in classic blued steel and walnut.
 
Bittereinder said:
Prophet River has a few up right now.

I got my 375 H&H Model 70 from Triggers and Bows. I found them by systematically searching the websites of Canadian dealers listed on the Winchester website. I suggest that would be a good way to look for Model 70s in stock. They're basically a pretty niche gun these days. Most people want something more affordable.

You could also consider getting a Ruger M77 or Hawkeye. Similar to a Model 70 but not as long a history. You can find them in classic blued steel and walnut.
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Im a Ruger guy myself and was considering going the m77 route but Ruger is pretty...exotic to him.

I feel like the Model 70 would have more value to him as he's an old school Winchester guy. Planning on grabbing a Gunsite Scout or m77 for myself though one day.
 
CZ Lux 557 has nice wood and irons and a slick action, not CRF but nice guns.
Some Browning Xbolts have irons, nice wood, 60 degree bolt throw, also push feed however.
Stick to the M70 if you can find one though, probably the best deal for what you get for the $$.
Unless you are ok with used, a Parker Hale 98 can be found in near new condition for $500 or so, nice guns as well that will last forever. Same with the HVA 1600's, great guns (mediocre trigger) but perfectly fine for a hunting rig, also around $500 in near new condition.
 
Hitzy said:
CZ Lux 557 has nice wood and irons and a slick action, not CRF but nice guns.
Some Browning Xbolts have irons, nice wood, 60 degree bolt throw, also push feed however.
Stick to the M70 if you can find one though, probably the best deal for what you get for the $$.
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Both good choices as well. I'll be picking up my CZ 600 LUX this spring so we'll see what he thinks of that.

Any idea who the Canadian distributer is for Winchester? I could follow up to see what kind of stock they have planned for 2022.
 
I just picked up a M70 Featherweight from Epps, mine is chambered in 308. Originally it was going to be a project gun to rebarrel to 358 Win, and I may still do that down the road, but for now I will enjoy it in it's original form. This is my first CRF Winchester, I owned a push feed some years back and it was a good shooter, but I sold it and have regretted it since.

Good luck with your search, I hope you find the right rifle for your FIL.
 
I bought my Fwt Compact .243 from Prophet River (Uhm, they were in stock so I jumped hard and fast) … I was lurking around Elwood Epps for a long while but nothing in a .243 was popping up.

Valley Firearms is my son’s go - to store in the West Kootenays and he loves it over there. They come well recommended.

You will not be disappointed by these stores I’ve mentioned.

To the OP:

You are a great SIL for considering a Winnie Model 70 for your FIL. God Bless You!! :wave:


Peace Be The Journey!

Cheers, Barney
 
Dear OP,

It’s generally a great rifle, with some avoidable periods.

Several currently on the EE, which isa great way to save a few $$. Not a big fan of the Featerweights, but just my opinion.

I suggest You purchase the rifle You want as any gifted rifle is special and not likely over used.

Lots of silly debate over US vs. Portugal, but they are generally very nice, and more expensive than average rifles.

I hope your Father in Law appreciates it if you follow thru.

Happy 2022!
 
Northern Shooter said:
Im a Ruger guy myself and was considering going the m77 route but Ruger is pretty...exotic to him.

I feel like the Model 70 would have more value to him as he's an old school Winchester guy. Planning on grabbing a Gunsite Scout or m77 for myself though one day.
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If he thinks a ruger is exotic he must think mayonnaise is spicy
 
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