Rem 700, Win Mod 70 - Not what they used to be?

GreenCanada said:
I did shoulder a Vanguard Series 2 synthetic, but didn't particularly like the feel of it. Have you noticed any difference between the Series 2 and the Series 2 Backcountry?
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Stock will be pretty much the same shape, but better and stiffer materials. The overall weight will be less.
 
Try the wooden stocked Vanguards, tupperware is for left-overs. The Howa actions are a close copy of an old sako and the high dollar Nosler rifles look like they've been scared by one.
 
"the high dollar Nosler rifles look like they've been scared by one"

Oh that's beautifull, makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. I just bought my fourth vanguard last week....that's four in the last year...
 
Dogleg said:
Try the wooden stocked Vanguards, tupperware is for left-overs. The Howa actions are a close copy of an old sako and the high dollar Nosler rifles look like they've been scared by one.
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This might be too general a question to ask, but since I expect to be using it in sometimes harsh conditions how well would the wooden stock hold up, in your opinion? I take great care of my gear and would likely clean and oil it after each use. What kind of maintenance would you suggest to keep it in tip top shape? I don't mind the occasional beauty mark on the stock, because it will likely be a "forever" purchase and it just adds character.
 
GreenCanada said:
This might be too general a question to ask, but since I expect to be using it in sometimes harsh conditions how well would the wooden stock hold up, in your opinion? I take great care of my gear and would likely clean and oil it after each use. What kind of maintenance would you suggest to keep it in tip top shape? I don't mind the occasional beauty mark on the stock, because it will likely be a "forever" purchase and it just adds character.
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It doesn't seem all that many years ago that both hunting rifles and battle rifles came with wood stocks exclusively. A high quality synthetic has its advantages, but wood does some things better. If you need to adjust the LOP for example, such modifications are easier with a wood stock. If you want to relocate a sling swivel, that simple chore is easier with a wood stock. If the wood stock get dented, a damp rag and a iron will pull the dent, whereas fiberglass needs Bondo and paint. Now wood needs to have specific characteristics to make it suitable for a gun stock, but if the wood is hard with a straight grain, and provided the inletting and bedding done correctly, the stock will be relatively stable with changes in humidity, it will be resilient to hard use and heavy recoil, it will be lighter than fiberglass given equal dimensions, and it will feel better than any synthetic. Keep cleaning solvents and lubricating oils off it, treat the inletting with a good grade of linseed or truoil to seal it, and that stock will last a lifetime. Just keep in mind that your rifle is meant to be used in outdoor environments, which should be harder on it's steel components than on it's wood stock, but the rifle is a precision instrument, and should not be treated like a club or an axe.
 
GreenCanada did you end up making a decision. I ended up picking a 700 CDL in 30-06 over an XCRII. I dont see any quality issues with the higher end CDL. I plan to make it my hunting rifle for deer and moose. I am not worried about the weather. Like yourself I keep my gear clean.
 
I am actually about to purchase a Sako A7 stainless. I had wanted to purchase one sooner, but haven't had the time. I did a lot of research and found myself most comfortable with the feel and quality.
 
I've had a passel of 700's and 70's over the last decade. None of them were older production; the oldest was a 700 of early '90's vintage.

All were excellent. Literally zero issues.

On the Model 70's, one was a "Classic Featherweight" - that being a CRF model made in the last 15 years, but before the FN takeover.

It was one of the best rifles I've owned. It was finicky about powder choice, but once I figured that out, it shot under .75 consistently.

Handle a couple of each model under your consideration, and buy the one you like best with confidence. Keep in mind, that quality firearms in popular configurations lose little value when sold used. If you really regret your choice, onto the EE it goes.

As to your choice of chambering, you will not find a more capable or versatile hunting cartridge than the 30-06. Others are different in the same way that beautiful blondes with brown, blue or green eyes are different.
 
I have purchased several of the new FN/Winchester 70's and think for an "out of the box, regular production" rifle in this price for accuracy and finish you can do no better. Make sure to check barrel channel cap is even and that bolt reccess area in stock is good, but this can be said for any production rifle. Be it my Alaskan, Featherweight, Super-Grade or my 75th Anniversary rifle, I am very satisfied. My .338 Alaskan did required my altering the butt to fit my face better, but that's just me.
Many fine products out there. And remember, "looking is half the fun".....
Geoff
Cheers
 
fortis risk said:
The Belgian made model 70 seem quite good again. Also look at the browning x bolt.
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The "Belgian Model 70" isn't made in Belgium - it is/was made in FN's US plant, as there's been a lot of talk about them moving either production or assembly to Portugal.
 
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