What's everybody's opinions of the two rifles? Overall quality, accuracy, smoothness of the bolt. Have a 1600 that I like, looking for another bolt gun in 30.06. Haven't had a Mod 70 yet, contemplating which rifle to get. Anybody have both that can offer some advice?
Husqvarna 1600 vs Pre 64 Model 70
- Thread starter Wellse
- Start date
BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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- New Scotland
I'm a fan of the Pre-64 M70 and currently have 4...257 Wby, 30-06, 300 H&H and a pre-war in 219 Donaldson-Wasp. My only Husqvarna isn't a 1600, rather a true 98 Mauser. The Huskys are great rifles, but you're not really comparing apples to apples since you can get a 1600 in very good to excellent condition for less than you would give for a pre-64 action. I really like the simplicity of the Winchester trigger and how smoothly the rifles feed. My 300 H&H feeds smoother when cycling rounds from the magazine than it does cycling empty...if you can explain why that is I'd love to hear!
All in all, they're both great rifles but they're really not in the same ballpark. But either will do the job well and will offer more pride in ownership than the current crop of sub $800 rifles.
All in all, they're both great rifles but they're really not in the same ballpark. But either will do the job well and will offer more pride in ownership than the current crop of sub $800 rifles.
If you're I to collecting, there is no comparison. The Winchester is the one to collect value wise.
As hunting rifles, they are very similiar. Both improvements on the 98 mauser as purpose built hunting rifles. You'll be able to get a better condition/higher grade husqvarna when compared to a pre 64 winchester. I have a row of huskies that cost me far less than if they had a W and they are no less the rifle.
As hunting rifles, they are very similiar. Both improvements on the 98 mauser as purpose built hunting rifles. You'll be able to get a better condition/higher grade husqvarna when compared to a pre 64 winchester. I have a row of huskies that cost me far less than if they had a W and they are no less the rifle.
One of the real weaknesses of the husqvarna actioned rifles is that typically their trigger is pretty poor and I believe the safety only blocks the trigger. Long, rough travel with no adjustability unless you luck onto a tradewinds adjustable trigger is what I have come to expect.
This is one area where the model 70 is miles ahead in terms of useability. A much better trigger and I personally like the winchester safety much better. All this from a real husqvarna fan, but I do recognize their shortcomings.
For the long term parts availability is a concern with the husqvarna actions also.
One other thing worth mentioning is that "often" the husqvarna stocks crack, typically around the tang or between the mag box and the trigger. If you get one that hasn't cracked I would recommend getting it properly bedded as a precaution.
This is one area where the model 70 is miles ahead in terms of useability. A much better trigger and I personally like the winchester safety much better. All this from a real husqvarna fan, but I do recognize their shortcomings.
For the long term parts availability is a concern with the husqvarna actions also.
One other thing worth mentioning is that "often" the husqvarna stocks crack, typically around the tang or between the mag box and the trigger. If you get one that hasn't cracked I would recommend getting it properly bedded as a precaution.
I used to be fairly heavy into pre-64 Winchester model 70s but they are all gone now except for a .300 H&H and a .338-06 Ackley custom. Oh yeah, I still have classics in .270 supergrade and a 6.5x55 featherweight. I simply like the commercial 98 mauser rifles better even though I have had to add better safeties and triggers to some. I'm not saying they are really better, but I do prefer them. The Winchesters generally feed and shoot really well and a decent one should never go down in value if that is a consideration. In the end, I think that I will always have the .300 H&H but all the rest may be sold off. PM me if you want to buy nice .338-06 Ackley with a Ron Smith barrel and dies?
M70 triggers are quite a nice simple arrangement for sure. Personally I think the M70 safety is probably the easiest to accidentally bump off safe simply due to it's poor design. I'd rather have a Buehler wing type if blocking the firing pin is a must have feature, although 99% of rifles today have safeties that block the trigger or sear without any issues.
Timney triggers can be fit to 1600 series HVA's easily, as can M70 type bolt shroud safeties, or Beuler type if it's a big deal.
Cracked stocks can happen from age as well as recoil. I have a 1975 M70 in 222 that came to me with a crack in front of the trigger from drying out. Small cracks are easy to fix.
