PRE 64 M70 vs NEW M70???

According to some reviewers the new 70 is actually an upgrade of the pre 64 model. See Chuck Hawks comments for example. It's the interim years one wants to avoid apparently. While having never handled a pre 64, I did fondle a new 70 last week, in stainless with synthetic stock, and I had a tough time leaving it behind in the store. I have never cycled a smoother action in an unused gun in my life. If accuracy claims are correct, and I'm sure they are, I'd be happy with the new one.
 
The Pre '64's are classic. That said I just saw one of the new M70 super grades and they are spectacular, too, though.

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NAA.
 
The trigger is the main difference. It is totally new and best described as an "enclosed" style where the original M70 (and Classic) was a beautifully simple design with a minimal number of moving parts (2). There were some differences between the Pre64 and the Classic with regard to the bolt stop but as a whole they were quite similar. The main difference is the cachet you get with a Pre64 as they were essentially hand made and fitted whereas with the advent of CNC machining there is less hand fitting. Apparently lots of people think that rifles with inferior finish and visible tooling marks are better than today's sanitized rifles. And I'm one of them. No logical reason for it but there it is.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a new M70 if I was in the market for a new rifle. I wish that they hadn't dicked with the trigger but perhaps time will show that it wasn't a bad thing.
 
I think the new 70's are superior to the pre 64's in some regards but I wish they had left the trigger alone, if it ain't broke don't fix it. The old 70 trigger had everything out in the open unlike the Rem 700. When you adjusted it you could see what was happening and why.
 
I got these deals going right now....

1. Sako Hunter -$2250 out the door mounted with a VX2 3-9x50 with a #4

2. M70 Super D -$1900 out the door mounted with a VX2 3-9x50 with a #4

3. M70 Sport -$1570 out the door mounted with a VX2 3-9x50 with a #4

4. Pre 64 M70 - $1560 out the door mounted with a VX2 3-9x50 with a #4


Which one? I haven't seen the pre 64 but the guy says its nice so that isn't a total foresure deal. I like the looks of the new M70 and all the review but I have shot many a Sako rifles and definately know what I'm getting. For the extra I should probally get the Sako. This is a big decision....
 
sharp shooter said:
I got these deals going right now....

1. Sako Hunter -$2250 out the door mounted with a VX2 3-9x50 with a #4

2. M70 Super D -$1900 out the door mounted with a VX2 3-9x50 with a #4

3. M70 Sport -$1570 out the door mounted with a VX2 3-9x50 with a #4

4. Pre 64 M70 - $1560 out the door mounted with a VX2 3-9x50 with a #4


Which one? I haven't seen the pre 64 but the guy says its nice so that isn't a total foresure deal. I like the looks of the new M70 and all the review but I have shot many a Sako rifles and definately know what I'm getting. For the extra I should probally get the Sako. This is a big decision....
Click to expand...

What are they chambered in? It makes a difference.
 
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Qc BearHunter,

can you direct me to better deals. all of the research I've done tells me that that sako is a good deal. where else can I get that sako package cheaper??????

Demonical,
I don't understand what you are saying.
 
sharp shooter said:
4. Pre 64 M70 - $1560 out the door mounted with a VX2 3-9x50 with a #4
Click to expand...
You can get a very nice pre64 M70 on the EE for under $1K. Lots of good deals on Leupolds as well. You could do a lot better than $1560 there and hunting season is not till next fall, so lots of time to look.

You might want to pass on the huge x50 scope too. The EE is full of them, offered up after the buyer realizes that those Hubel scopes are too big and clunky for good handling and light weight. You would be much happier in the long run with a VXIII 2.5x8.

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SuperCub said:
You can get a very nice pre64 M70 on the EE for under $1K. Lots of good deals on Leupolds as well. You could do a lot better than $1560 there and hunting season is not till next fall, so lots of time to look.

You might want to pass on the huge x50 scope too. The EE is full of them, offered up after the buyer realizes that those Hubel scopes are too big and clunky for good handling and light weight. You would be much happier in the long run with a VXIII 2.5x8.

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Ya, well if that pre 64 is all original and chambered in anything other than .270, .308 or 30-06, I would love to hear from him and probably gladly buy it if it is in the shape he says it is in.

Please send me the links if you find something like I described above SC, especially at that price.
 
My Father had a pre64 M70 in 30.06, and I shot a M70 featherweight that was new in about 1980, in the same caliber. I've used my every season for 30 years with flawless operation. I'm not sure what my Father did with his, he's gone now. I think they're a nice accurate rifle with a very forgiving action for reloaders. I also find that the full barrel rifles give better accuracy at a distance than do the carbines, but not everyone needs to take 500 yard shots, so get what suits your hunting needs. Like i say, after 30 years of shooting, it looks and operates like brand new. As for early models vs late models? there is nothing that jumps out at me that makes one operate better than the other.
 
I would think a shooter grade pre64 in 270 or 30-06 would be easy to find on the EE at that price and be the one to look for if you not a collector.

I don't recall the OP mentioning that he was going to get into collecting.

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SuperCub said:
I would think a shooter grade pre64 in 270 or 30-06 would be easy to find on the EE at that price and be the one to look for if you not a collector.

I don't recall the OP mentioning that he was going to get into collecting.

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The op also never said he wanted a .270 or a 30-06, did he? Sounds like he is looking for a nice rifle ie. Supergrade, not some beat up $600 clunker...
 
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