Winchester Model 70 for precision/long range?

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I have taken a liking to the new Winchester Model 70's and might just pick one up for a hunting rifle. I like the CRF, classic design and overall appearance. However, I was wondering something. How well would a M70 action perform on a long range/precision rig?

I know the Savage's and the Remington's dominate and accessories are abundant, however I am wondering if the M70 with a proper set is capable of keeping up with the established actions.

Just a thought for discussion.
 
Winchester made some of the best target rifles many years ago. I have a 1968 era clip cut 308 target m70 rifle. I am certain they are still a good rifle for this
 
I have a 70 classic in 6mm dasher it shoots very well. It takes a bit of getting used to as the claw extractor has to be placed above the groove of the brass (holding the brass down a bit) when single loading on a bench. This allows you to chamber the shell gently, not having to force the claw over the brass as it seats in the chamber. The accuracy is right up there with the remington 700s.
 
My Winnie Model 70 build with Benchmark 6.5 ( well, .260 now) barrel from Gary Eakin.... McMillan stock in GAP Camo.... Shoots better than I can hold it!



Enjoy the building process! :wave:

Barney
 
It seems to me I asked this question a few years ago. What I was told then if I remember right, Is little or no after market items for the Mod 70. It was also stated that changing to an after market barrel was a chore (something about barrel being pressed in or action swaged around barrel shank, same thing for browning rifles)
Can anyone give the straight scoop on this to refresh the topic?
 
My Winnie Model 70 build with Benchmark 6.5 ( well, .260 now) barrel from Gary Eakin.... McMillan stock in GAP Camo.... Shoots better than I can hold it!



Enjoy the building process! :wave:

Barney


Barney,

What bottom metal and mag set up is that? Any significant modifications to the bottom of the action required?

I shoot a model 70 Heavy Varmint .308 in some FTR matches. I get my butt handed to me often but a purpose built rifle might not provide much better results as my form needs more improvement than my rifle! My rifle shots very well and the barrel cleans up easily although velocities are not what I would expect if I had a match barrel installed. I always preferred the field strippable bolt, integrated recoil lug and large, flat bedding surface. A quality AW mag set up would be really nice but as stated, aftermarket support is very limited. Too bad...
 
very interesting. Might look into a build on a new M70. Who would be a good smith that would be able to do this?

As for accessories, while selection might be limited, I did manage to find the basics for the Model 70. McMillan makes stocks, Timney makes a adjustible drop in trigger, i found a AI mag bottom metal from Pacific tool, McGowen make a "semi pre-fit" barrel but might be easier to have a smith turn a custom one. I'm new to the whole precision rifle thing but from what I can see, if you want a gussied up tactical rifle in a aluminum chassis it might not work but a basic rifle should not be too hard to build.

All I need is some cash now lol. Would be nice to make a matching hunting rifle a target rifle pair using the same caliber.
 
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2 Palmas ago John Whidden, Georgia, USA, qualified first for their team using a Win 70. He's a top gunsmith and this makes the difference.

Regards,

Peter
 
very interesting. Might look into a build on a new M70. Who would be a good smith that would be able to do this?

As for accessories, while selection might be limited, I did manage to find the basics for the Model 70. McMillan makes stocks, Timney makes a adjustible drop in trigger, i found a AI mag bottom metal from Pacific tool, McGowen make a "semi pre-fit" barrel but might be easier to have a smith turn a custom one. I'm new to the whole precision rifle thing but from what I can see, if you want a gussied up tactical rifle in a aluminum chassis it might not work but a basic rifle should not be too hard to build.

All I need is some cash now lol. Would be nice to make a matching hunting rifle a target rifle pair using the same caliber.

Nothing wrong with the Win 70... CRF just means you feed from the mag which I assume you are going to anyways. Careful mods can let it push feed but there are other choices if going single shot route.

Lots of parts to offer. Maybe the selection isn't as crazy as a Rem 700 but there is plenty to choose from.

PM or email if interested to discuss. Just confirm WHICH Win 70 you have.. current gen stuff is a bit different then older ones.

They work just fine...

Jerry
 
Very good to hear.

Now, what action to get a pre-64 or a current one?

Current fn built ones. You can also single feed them like any push feed rifle. I have 2 rifles in 7mm-08 one is a m70 the other is a tikka t3. The m70 easily shoots better and more consistent. The shots land where they are aimed at every time. Can not say the same for the tikka. Should have got another m70 and saved the heart ache.
 
I have three Model 70 target rifles and feel that they work as well as any. I would not be averse to building on another one if I had the need (I don't). I Do not have a rifle built on the new action but have built several for others and I like them. The machining is better than on the New Haven rifles and the trigger has great potential. I like the use of vee threads on the bolt sleeve and the vertical contact between the cocking piece and sear. I consider these to be improvements on the original design. The Model 70 is relatively rigid, lock time is quick, and the stationary ejector means you can choose whether or not you want the empties flung across the range. You can feed singly. The extractor is, and always has been, made to snap over the rim of a single loaded cartridge.
 
Seems I have started saving up for this. Going to be a while before I have enough cash to do this.

Going to have to keep an eye out for a good FN-Winchester Model 70, probably going to go long action with the 6.5x55.
 
I have the Winchester model 70 SuperGrade in .30-06 with a Leopold VX-3 and have no problem hitting the target 900 meters out. Love mine.
 
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