Ed; It is NOT the same as a model 70, but does use some M70 Parts. The bolt and trigger are typical M70 pieces, but the safety has been relocated off the bolt down to the side of the receiver. The receiver is round, like a 700 Remington, and has a recoil lug of the same design as the 700 as well. The M70 Receiver is flat-bottomed and has an integral recoil lug. These are generally fairly decent shooting rifles, but were originally aimed at the Economy Market. Winchester manufactured them at the old Cooey Plant in Coburg Ontario. I have owned several M71/M710 rifles over the years. All shot well, and had few issues. Regards, Eagleye.