Winchester model 70 questions

Johnn Peterson

Johnn Peterson

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A couple of variations of the Winchester model 70 are the designations of the Safari Express and the Super Express. First question, what are the differences between the two? And second, is one a 'step' above the other and if so, which?



I was just curious as I have a pair, both marked 'Super Express', a 458 WM and a 375 H&H.
 
the Safari Express's I've had were straight comb stocks, barrel band (not the soldered stud as in your pic), and a Recknagel rear sight.

They were also the long ejection port/short rear bridge action, even in the 458 Win caliber, though Winchester seemed to mix things up a lot in this regard.
 
rgv said:
the Safari Express's I've had were straight comb stocks, barrel band (not the soldered stud as in your pic), and a Recknagel rear sight.

They were also the long ejection port/short rear bridge action, even in the 458 Win caliber, though Winchester seemed to mix things up a lot in this regard.
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And that about sums it up. Did the Super Express have one or two piece bottom metal?
 
:)Thanks guys. Again, my primary curiosity was the differences between the two model name designations, Super and Safari. And, whether or not one is considered a slightly better or more desirable than the other, if so, which.
- buckbrushoutdoors
I assume your talking about the two in the photo I initially posted when you say, "One is crf and the other is not". If so, you're correct and I realise that but to me, that feature isn't all that important to me, either way.
- rgv
Thanks for the sling attachment, stock, rear sight and action differences between the two. Helps clarify things for me a little more.
- chuck nelson
:confused:I'm not sure what you mean by mentioning, "one or two piece bottem metal". Do you have more detail as to what you're getting at?:redface: I'm a little slow today I guess. I'm still wondering as to which , the Super or the Safari, is considered more desirable?
Again, :) thanks guys. Much appreciated.
 
RGV clearly dabbles in M70s, and don't disagree with his observations, but the CRF reference is key here. I have several/too many M70s, and the only two with push feed are a free XTR and a HB Varmint. If going for Dugga Boy you want a CRF. Even my 22-250 is CRF and feels more reassuring.
 
patricksbb391 said:
RGV clearly dabbles in M70s, and don't disagree with his observations, but the CRF reference is key here. I have several/too many M70s, and the only two with push feed are a free XTR and a HB Varmint. If going for Dugga Boy you want a CRF. Even my 22-250 is CRF and feels more reassuring.
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As I indicated previously, I'm not too bothered by either feed system. However, from my photo, given the opportunity to go for a Dugga Boy my choice, of the two rifles, the 458 WM does have that push feed deficiency in contrast to your preference. The odds are against my having to be concerned with a Dugga Boy set of circumstances, ;)unless I get help from an upcoming Lotto 649 draw:).
 
The Super Express came in both push feed and controlled feed actions. My question on the bottom metal is did the Super Express come with two piece bottom metal? The Safari Express came with Williams one piece stuff.
 
chuck nelson said:
The Super Express came in both push feed and controlled feed actions. My question on the bottom metal is did the Super Express come with two piece bottom metal? The Safari Express came with Williams one piece stuff.
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I forewarned you;)about my being a little slow today :redface:. I'm assuming by one piece bottem metal, you mean the floor plate base and trigger guard assembly being one piece? And, in a two piece assembly, the trigger guard is separate 'piece' from the floor plate base? If that's what you were trying to get through to me, my Super Express are two piece assemblies :dancingbanana: and I've learnt something else today:d. Thank you:).

Forgot to mention, the floorplate of the Super Express has Super Express engraved on it.
 
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Johnn,

I personnally would take the rifle in the lower position of that pic. You appear to own both. A.375 H&H Partion, or two, followed by a solid, and old Black Death will be dispatched. You appear to be able to shoot, so probably no use for the solid.

I have a Browning Safari, in .375, and while not a claw extractor, really shucks those empties. The Sako has a better ejector/extractor than my push feed M70s.

Good Hunting!
 
patricksbb391 said:
Johnn,

I personnally would take the rifle in the lower position of that pic. You appear to own both. A.375 H&H Partion, or two, followed by a solid, and old Black Death will be dispatched. You appear to be able to shoot, so probably no use for the solid.

I have a Browning Safari, in .375, and while not a claw extractor, really shucks those empties. The Sako has a better ejector/extractor than my push feed M70s.

Good Hunting!
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The bottem one is the 375 H&H. I do have a fondness though for the top one, the 458 WM. From what little shooting I've done with both on paper, and from a rest, I haven't been able to match the accuracy of the 458 WM with that of the 375 H&H, ;) yet:p. Also, never had feeding or extraction issues with either.



A few years ago, my Daughter and Son In Law spent a month hunting in Africa. Again, for me, there are two governing factors to such a trip becoming a reality.
- 1/ The 'required' assistance from Lotto 649
- 2/ Gotta' happen fairly soon as age is becoming a factor.
 
My two cents worth. They are both beautiful and I would not hesitate to own either. Not helpful, I know, getting late here. A bit of deep net trolling on google may be insightful, too late for that here yaaawn...
 
Besides the CRF difference I'm wondering what the weight difference would be? I had a .375 Super-Express at one time and it had to be well over 10 pounds. Think the stock was maple. I had a newer Alaskan .338 that was much lighter so not sure what the current .375 70's feel like. My personal .375 is a first year production Browning Safari. Hefty, but not as bad as that Super-Express as I recall.
Cheers
 
longbranch* said:
Besides the CRF difference I'm wondering what the weight difference would be? I had a .375 Super-Express at one time and it had to be well over 10 pounds. Think the stock was maple. I had a newer Alaskan .338 that was much lighter so not sure what the current .375 70's feel like. My personal .375 is a first year production Browning Safari. Hefty, but not as bad as that Super-Express as I recall.
Cheers
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With the Super Express pair I have, empty and as/the photo in my earlier post. on top is the push feed 458 WM and that comes in at 9 lbs 11 oz. Below it, the control feed 375 H&H is 10 lbs 5 oz.
 
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