Model 70 featherwieght
- Thread starter Sprig
- Start date
- Location
- Medicine Hat
I've owned both model 70's and a Model 7. I would definitley pick the Winchester. The Model 7's laminated stock was like a 2x4, and very thick in the wrist. I thought the rifle balanced very poorly, with the center of gravity being rearward. The bolt seemed to bind when cycling it quickly, and was no where near as smooth as any of the model 70's I've tried.
That's a rifle a young boy can handle at that weight.
I think the featherweight nominally is listed at 7 lbs naked.
I vote mod 70 featherweight in 30.06, you can buy light loads. Thats what I've used for about 30 years now.
One point not mentioned, the term "featherweight" is in reference to the weight of the rifle, but has the opposite effect on recoil. Hence: the lighter the firearm, the more recoil it will have. A light gun carries well but can boot like a mule. Believe me, 30 years of shooting and loading a featherlight gun, its not just a rumor. It can be a bruiser, much more so than in a standard or heavy rifle with the same bullet.
One point not mentioned, the term "featherweight" is in reference to the weight of the rifle, but has the opposite effect on recoil. Hence: the lighter the firearm, the more recoil it will have. A light gun carries well but can boot like a mule. Believe me, 30 years of shooting and loading a featherlight gun, its not just a rumor. It can be a bruiser, much more so than in a standard or heavy rifle with the same bullet.
I have several model 70 featherweights (long actions) which weigh 6.5 lbs, and two Remington mountain rifles, which weigh 6.75 lbs. Actual weights not advertized weights. The winchesters balance better. The weight of the mountain rifle is largely in the stock with the cheekpiece, and a very light barrel which makes it muzzel light. The winchester barrel is just slightly heavier, but has no cheekpiece which in my opinion makes it balance better. The control feed winchester feeds better from the shoulder because the shell slips under the extractor. On the Remington the extractor has to be pushed over the extractor which requires a slight effort. This effort is not noticed when the rifle is in the down position, but is noticeable when at the shoulder. (at least on my rifles). On all points I prefer the winchester except the stock. The mountain rifles or model 7 have a very nice trim stock. See which one your 13 year old prefers, and that is probably the most important factor because they are both nice rifles.
I have not owned a FWT but used an 80's model pushfeed in .30-06 a few times.
In my opinion the FWT is one of the nicest all-round hunting rifles going, especially for the price. Its light but not a wand and I like the classic stock design. The rifle just screams 'hunting rifle'!
In my opinion the FWT is one of the nicest all-round hunting rifles going, especially for the price. Its light but not a wand and I like the classic stock design. The rifle just screams 'hunting rifle'!
Out at the range yesterday getting things geared for a caribou / dall hunt in August. Had the FN Model 70 in 7-08 and a custom Model 7 in 7-08 both shooting 139gr GMX.
I discovered a consideration not voiced as yet in this thread. For a young shooter the action on the Model 70 is much easier to manipulate than the Model 7. My daughter is 12 and is fairly strong however the force required to "cam over" with the Model 7 is quite noticeable, whereas the Model 70 pics up its round from the magazine and slicks it into the breach with no noticeable camming force required. Not a big deal for full grown hunters but a definate issue for small hands.
