Difference between new model 70 and classic?

"...the last year model..." The last Winchester made year or last year's model? Should be pretty much the same either way.
 
I bought the classic last year from wholesale sports it was the model 70 classic syn/ stain they had on sale before the new model 70 extreme weather ss came in. The new extreme weather looks similiar on there webpage to mine but I don't know if there is a difference?
 
The new Model 70's built by FN Herstal in thier Columbia S.C. plant have a new trigger design. Don't know why they changed it, the original trigger was great. They still have the Classic CRF action......
 
All model 70's now come with a new 'improved' trigger. (Nothing wrong with the old one) They also have a Pachmyer pad standard, and a different synthetic stock and stainless barrels for the coyote and Extreme weather models. (Lighter contour fluted) Most importantly they have done away with the old crew with #### union. Apparantly the quality control has improved greatly. The last new old M70 I looked at was a RMEF Supergrade stainless. What should have been a beautiful rifle with a gorgeous piece of wood had the worst fit and finish I have ever seen on any Winchester, especially a Supergrade. I'm in the market for a new rifle and the Model 70 is in the to spot so I'll be test fitting some in the next week or two. I'm really hoping to see the quality back in the product.
 
A few years ago, FN closed the old plant where the M70s were being made, temporarily ending the line. They tooled up again at the Columbia plant for 2008. The new trigger is supposedly better than the old. Also, the workmanship is back up to par for Winchester, and they've traded in the post-64 push-feed action for the older controlled-feed style.

Disclaimer: apparently the work at the old shop wasn't universally bad, it was just uneven.

For the 2008 series, they used fancier wood, but for 2009 on, the wood is more in line with what you'd find on a sweet rifle that just about kisses the $1000 mark.

That being said, I was under the impression that the Classic was a controlled-feed variant they launched sometime in the '90s. Anyone know if I'm right?

I can't tell you if the MOA trigger is any better than the old one, as my 2008 M70 is my first rifle. I can tell you it's a fabulous piece of work.
 
The new trigger is lawyer proof, hence the changes. The "Classic" was introduced in the 90's, what with all the magazine writers clamoring for controlled feed. For the vast majority of hunters/shooters, it really doesn't make any difference. The quality out of the FN plant is certainly more even then the last years from New Haven, some of what they pushed out the door was just sad. - dan
 
I got one of the mid 90's classics in .30-06 and I have to say "fit and finish" is awesome. Inletting is near perfect, she shoots like a dream, and I have not got one complaint. It does have the true CRF (not just mauser claw extactor) meaning it controls feeding and extraction. I consider this gun to be one of my best deals I ever got. I handled a "new" model 70 about 3 weeks ago, and after going over it with a fine toothed comb (just to see if there was any difference) I really don't see any.
I am sure that the old plant/workers had "hangover mondays and pre-party fridays" where you were getting a lemon - similar to vehicle plants. But these days, with the cnc machining employed, there is no reason to get crappy rifles.
I am getting 1.25" groups with regular winchester power point factory ammo, I haven't even bothered reloading for this yet. My hunting needs aren't in the 1/2 MOA area and probably never will be.
I got mine in mint condition off the EE for 550 shipped.
 
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