FN Winchester Model 70 South Carolina v. Portugal

International Harvester

International Harvester

CGN Regular
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Republic of Saskatchewan
I’m looking at purchasing a South Carolina built FN Winchester M70 Supergrade. Since it’s a South Carolina gun I figure it’s build date is somewhere in the years 2011-2013, afterwards they were assembled in Portugal. Is there any CGN’ers out there who can tell me if there are any appreciable differences between the first USA built guns and the present day Portuguese assembled ones? Has the gun changed at all since this latest FN version of the model 70 started in 2011.

Thanks


IH
 
I know that the first rifles FN were putting out in '09-10 were very nice, great fit and finish and had very nice wood on them. Some of the nicest Model 70's I've seen.
My mentor is a big Winchester fan, and he sold some of his later Model 70's in the WSM's in order to replace with the nicer FN's.
They also shoot very well.
I cannot say if the Portuguese ones are better or not, as I have not played with them.
 
IMO the best Winchesters ever.

And I've had South Carolina, New Haven Conn. and pre-64 rifles too.

The only advantage I give the SC is that for a while they were putting stupid nice cuts of wood on them. Other than that the new rifles (still made in the US btw just assembled in Portugal. I too have no idea why so many find that distasteful) are the best of them all.
 
hometownhero said:
Really don't understand some peoples need to have 100% american rifles. There is a whole world out there that makes higher quality stuff then the usa can.
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I understand it. There is virtually nothing made in the USA and Canada anymore. Ever watch American Pickers? Anything American made is collectible now.
 
Joel said:
IMO the best Winchesters ever.

And I've had South Carolina, New Haven Conn. and pre-64 rifles too.

The only advantage I give the SC is that for a while they were putting stupid nice cuts of wood on them. Other than that the new rifles (still made in the US btw just assembled in Portugal. I too have no idea why so many find that distasteful) are the best of them all.
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This is from winchester

"Winchester Model 70.
It is no secret that Winchester Repeating Arms is part of the greater Herstal Group, with factories all around the world. The best factories are used for each model. Assembly and production of Model 70s has been shifted to our Viana, Portugal plant as indicated on the barrel inscription. Earlier production of USA-made guns are marked as such. For the first seventy years, production was in New Haven, Connecticut, the factory that closed in 2006. After 2006, a number of Model 70 bolt action rifles were produced at a Herstal Group factory (FNM) in South Carolina, U.S.A. over several years.

Production was then moved to one our factory in Viana, Portugal -- a factory which was already part of the Herstal Group (our parent company). Generally, today, key parts are likely sourced worldwide with the rifle made and assembled in Portugal.

Some hunters and shooters have reasons for purchasing only Made In USA firearms. Some hunters only revere "Pre-64" Model 70s. We understand. But it would be incorrect to base your decision whether to buy a new Model 70 made at our Portugal plant due to a fear of poor performance. Model 70s made and/or assembled in Portugal have stellar quality, accuracy and overall performance that matches or exceeds any production Model 70s ever in our history."

To me that sounds like they are now 100% made in Portugal.


Philthy1 said:
I understand it. There is virtually nothing made in the USA and Canada anymore. Ever watch American Pickers? Anything American made is collectible now.
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Because no other country can made a quality product according to most americans. 'Merica
 
I was worried this thread would wind up bashing anyone who prefers “Made in USA” (A national pastime in post Diefenbaker Canada). My intention was to gather insight into whether the original FN 70’s made in SC were of comparable quality to the Portuguese assembled (arguably now manufactured) guns. I myself prefer quality over place of origin in buying goods. That being said any chance I can buy a viable alternative over a Chinese product I take it. That and Quebec, with Bombardier and SNC Lavalin leading the way in incompetence and bribery respectively I avoid anything from la belle provence at all costs. Except cheese, our communist supply management forces me to eat their substandard overpriced cheese.
 
International Harvester said:
I was worried this thread would wind up bashing anyone who prefers “Made in USA” (A national pastime in post Diefenbaker Canada). My intention was to gather insight into whether the original FN 70’s made in SC were of comparable quality to the Portuguese assembled (arguably now manufactured) guns. I myself prefer quality over place of origin in buying goods. That being said any chance I can buy a viable alternative over a Chinese product I take it. That and Quebec, with Bombardier and SNC Lavalin leading the way in incompetence and bribery respectively I avoid anything from la belle provence at all costs. Except cheese, our communist supply management forces me to eat their substandard overpriced cheese.
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I'm assuming this is directed at me. Not bashing anyone. Buy what you want but to say that anything not made in the usa isn't worth buying is foolish. I have made in the use winchester m70 and handled a handful. The new Portugal ones are 10x the gun the others were.
The pre 64's while nice I don't think they are worth the price they are selling for.
 
hometownhero said:
I'm assuming this is directed at me. Not bashing anyone. Buy what you want but to say that anything not made in the usa isn't worth buying is foolish. I have made in the use winchester m70 and handled a handful. The new Portugal ones are 10x the gun the others were.
The pre 64's while nice I don't think they are worth the price they are selling for.
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Agree. Today's Winchester Model 70's are absolutely great, since FN Herstal had taken over in 2005/2006. I purchased one that was manufactured in 2006 and it was an absolute gem. The action was flawless along with fit and finish. As for the pre-64's, I find the prices absurd, to overpriced of what is given. For less money a person can purchase a new model 70 and have a rifle that is better. I haven't handled the Portugal rifles, however the reports are most positive.
 
Having a Model 70 that says made in Portugal on the barrel just doesn't feel right, can't explain it but I couldn't buy one . That being said they probably are better for the money but that person producing them may not get paid much.
 
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