Any difference between M70 FWT and EW

Sitkaspruce

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With the FWT being a stainless and having a wood stock.

I am looking to pick up another gun to go with my old push feed M70 FWT in .270.

I have shouldered both and really like the fit and finish of a Winchester, the FWT more so, as I find the stock on the EW a little thick, especially on the fore stock, but it is something I could live with.

I live in the wetcoast of Vancouver Island, so the stainless is much more prefered than blued.

I know the EW comes with a B&C stock, the FWT with a nice piece of wood. I would replace the wood stock with a light weight stock down the road.

I replaced the wood on my old one with a B&C stock and it has lasted well, through many sheep, caribou and mt. goat hunts.

Any thought on differences that would lead you to one or the other, or are they basically the same gun (other than barrel) in a different stock??

Caliber is a SA in 7mm-08 or 270 WSM.

Cheers

SS
 
The EW has a thicker barrel profile, balances a little more forward, say front of magazine.

I love them both and would find it hard to choose. The EW is newer to me and I am really digging it. Maybe the thicker barrel won't move as much...
 
I thought that I could live with the chunky stock of the EW too, so I bought one. Once I took it to the range and carried it a round a little bit, I decided that I couldn't.

But on the other hand, I don't think a wood stock would suit the wetcoast very well at all.

Tough call, but I still think I'd go with the Featherweight and get a nice synthetic stock. Like a McMillan if you have the $.
 
I think chunky stocks ride the bags better than Schnabel tips. Also, I mentioned the heavier barrel profile which may or may not be important to you. Weighs the same as a Featherweight so the ergos are more a matter of preference. I find the FW points nicer and the EW holds perhaps a little steadier.

It IS a tough call.
 
If the OP switches to a synthetic stock on the FW it will likely be lighter than the EW. The synthetic stock will also likely shift the balance point forward a bit.
 
I have the featherweight in .243 and have been very pleased with it thus far. I shot a couple deer with it this fall and now we are working on coyotes. I took a serious look at the M-70 coyote light but the heavier feel and wide forend I didn't like. Plus it was more dollars. The featherweight will put 5 shots into a loonie sized hole at 100 yds, thats good to me and I don't really think the coyote is going to improve the accuracy that much for the extra dollars.

Also I tend not to get to caught up in all this synthetic stock hype. Yes they have to be more impervious to the elements. But for years I have been hunting in all sorts wet weather. I always take care of my gun at the end of the day and have never had any issues with blued metal and wood.

I have never been the type to store my guns outside leaning up against the barn so I have never had need for stainless and plastic. Being more of a traditionalist I like the look and feel of blued metal and wood.
 
Tough call, I would say. I am a fan of both, and say you should go with your hearts desire. Wood survived on the coast before plastic did, but you could sell the B&C stock and get a Wildcat if your handy.....
 
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