Are they as bad as people spout? How bad are they? Are the issues correctable or is the whole rifle not worth the laquer on the stock? I am looking at one in .375 H&H....... not sure if I want to proceed. I found a pre-64 but he wants $1500. More than I have to spend right now. What do you guys think?
Post 64 Model 70
- Thread starter Curt
- Start date
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the post 64 winchester. Other than controlled feed and a few minor modifications it is still a great gun. Still shoots great, looks great, and is very reliable. Seems like a win-win to me. Especially if the price is right.
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
The M-70 push feed still has a flat bottom bridge which some folks, myself included, believe makes a better bedding platform than the round recievers like Remington and Savage bolt guns. Winchester's post 64 extractor is better than Remington's as well. It seems to me that there was a run of M-70's and 670's in the 1970's that had an issue with the bolt handles coming loose, but even if you had one of those it would be a simple fix to resolve. Because the M-70's bolt handle swept back, although ###y, some found that it banged against their knuckle of their shooting hand when the rifle recoiled. The M-70 stocks from those years were horrid, but then so were Remingtons. Ruger's M-77 was a faint light in the darkness in that their stock had cut checkering, but the quality of their wood was inconsistent.
If it was my money I'd pass on the push feed Winchester. You can buy a nice used Brno 602 or a new CZ 550 either of which can be had in .375 H&H, both or which have CRF, and either one will put change in your pocket from $1500. There is no need to compromise for something that is alright when something that is excellent is available for less money.
If it was my money I'd pass on the push feed Winchester. You can buy a nice used Brno 602 or a new CZ 550 either of which can be had in .375 H&H, both or which have CRF, and either one will put change in your pocket from $1500. There is no need to compromise for something that is alright when something that is excellent is available for less money.
Don't forget that at lot of post-64 m70 have CRF. It depends on the year manufactured. Also, you might be lucky here and have an Express, Super Express, Safari Express and not to forget, the Super Grade model making it very desirable (does it have the metal band around the barrel for the sling swivel?).
If it were me, I would check the serial number to see what period it comes from. I hear that just after 1964, their quality was not to par but the later ones are fine.
I see a 375 H&H from 1980 (regular model) on Gunsamerica going for close to $1200.
If the price is right, go for it - you won't be sorry.
Duke1
If it were me, I would check the serial number to see what period it comes from. I hear that just after 1964, their quality was not to par but the later ones are fine.
I see a 375 H&H from 1980 (regular model) on Gunsamerica going for close to $1200.
If the price is right, go for it - you won't be sorry.
Duke1
There were only a few years from '64 to around '67 or so where the M70s were truly "ugly". The changes included dropping the controlled round feed feature, a change to the stock shape and the use of pressed checkering, rather than cut checkering. The steel bottom metal and trigger guard were replaced with cast units. Their function however was as good as the original and in fact the gas-handling in the event of a ruptured case or pierced primer is better than with the post 64's. (All this was done BTW to compete with the "threaded tube" receivers that Savage and Remington found so cheap to produce)
Starting in the early 80's Winchester really picked up the quality and fit & finish on the M70s. In fact the push-feed ~1985-1991 models are about the nicest rifles to ever wear the M70 stamp.
The post '91 models saw a return to the CRF action albeit with a cast extractor rather than the machined version found on the original pre-64s. The post 91's also were among the most consistently accurate of any "type" of M70.
Starting in the early 80's Winchester really picked up the quality and fit & finish on the M70s. In fact the push-feed ~1985-1991 models are about the nicest rifles to ever wear the M70 stamp.
The post '91 models saw a return to the CRF action albeit with a cast extractor rather than the machined version found on the original pre-64s. The post 91's also were among the most consistently accurate of any "type" of M70.
I am not sure what the guy is wanting for this gun. Do you have a ballpark figure? I am sure the guys here could tell you if its a decent price and have you actually seen it? What kind of condition is it in? Bluing intact? Wood scarred or refinished? Trigger tampered with?
If he wants a high price in the $7-800 dollar range, I would wait until the summer when the NEW MODEL 70's Come out at all Winchester dealers. The only thing is that calibers are somewhat limited when they first come out with the largest being .325 WSM. They have .300 win mags and .300 short mags and of course .30-06 and a few others. The price I have seen listed at a few dealers (I just looked) range from 829.00 or so up to high 900's.
Consider this when making your decision as these are made with high quality control, the early reviews are fantastic, and they are MADE LIKE THE PRE-64 with the controlled round feed and todays quality control standards.
If the gun you are looking at tickles your fancy, and the price is right then I am sure you would be happy with it. (and if you have to have .375 H & H, then this is all moot as that caliber isn't offered yet in the new ones).
I wouldn't pay more than 5-6 hundred bucks (good condition) for a post 64 knowing that the new ones are out early this summer and can be had for a few hundred bucks more for controlled round feed.
If he wants a high price in the $7-800 dollar range, I would wait until the summer when the NEW MODEL 70's Come out at all Winchester dealers. The only thing is that calibers are somewhat limited when they first come out with the largest being .325 WSM. They have .300 win mags and .300 short mags and of course .30-06 and a few others. The price I have seen listed at a few dealers (I just looked) range from 829.00 or so up to high 900's.
Consider this when making your decision as these are made with high quality control, the early reviews are fantastic, and they are MADE LIKE THE PRE-64 with the controlled round feed and todays quality control standards.
If the gun you are looking at tickles your fancy, and the price is right then I am sure you would be happy with it. (and if you have to have .375 H & H, then this is all moot as that caliber isn't offered yet in the new ones).
I wouldn't pay more than 5-6 hundred bucks (good condition) for a post 64 knowing that the new ones are out early this summer and can be had for a few hundred bucks more for controlled round feed.
Pathfinder
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Northeast Ontario
I have '68 PF and I prefer my Mauser CRF actions as far as feeding goes. Just seems smoother to me.
