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New Winchester Model 70

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Topic: New Winchester Model 70
Posted By: sniperafar
Subject: New Winchester Model 70
Date Posted: August/13/2009 at 12:46
I just bought a new Winchester Model 70 Featherlight.  Does anyone know if this rifle is glass bedded?  I thought I had read somewhere that it was.  If it is not, do you guys think it needs to be.  Also, do any of you guys own any of the new models from the SC plant and what do you think of them?  Be honest, I can handle it.

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Replies:
Posted By: Horsemany
Date Posted: August/13/2009 at 13:45
Welcome to the forum.  I believe the FN M70's are bedded at the tang and recoil lug.  They use real bedding instead of the soft glue type bedding used at New Haven. 
My impression is they are good guns.  THe fit and finish looks as good as New Haven guns.  THe new trigger is a wash for me because they already had a trigger that was 2 pieces and as simple as they come.  The M70's reign is over IMO with the newer generations wanting AR's and all the plastic they can get their hands on.  It's the old timers who used M70's in the 40's and 50's who made it a legend.  Unfortunately those types are getting fewer every day.  The pinnacle of my gun collection is a 1950 Supergrade NIB.  Hang tags and everything. 
Let us know how yours shoots.  I've been reading mixed reviews of the FN guns.


Posted By: RifleDude
Date Posted: August/13/2009 at 17:57
The new M70's I've seen look to me to be maybe a tad better finished than the New Haven rifles.  The checkering definitely looks better executed.  Wood finish seems better.  Metal finish is maybe a bit better.  These rifles do come bedded, but I don't know how good a job FN does, having no field experience with the new rifles and having never removed the stock from one.  I agree with Horsemany that it seems to be a sacrilege to get rid of the old tried and true M70 trigger, as you couldn't get a simpler, more rugged, more dependable trigger than it was.  When properly tuned, it could be made to produce a very good pull... maybe not quite as good as some of the newer trigger designs, but plenty good enough for hunting use.  Unlike a trigger with moving parts enclosed in a housing, it's virtually impossible to gum up the old Winchester M70 trigger, so you could always depend on it to work.  Having said all that, the new 3-lever "MOA" trigger undoubtedly has a lighter, cleaner pull with less perceptible trigger movement.
 
I like the new rifle, and I wouldn't mind owning one.  Definitely keep us posted on how it shoots for you!


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Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.


Posted By: sniperafar
Date Posted: August/13/2009 at 19:13
Thanks guys.  I have not picked mine up yet, but will let you know what I think.

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Posted By: bugsNbows
Date Posted: August/14/2009 at 06:39
I looked at a new M70 at the gun shop a couple of months ago. It was a 30-06. The fit and finish was excellent. The trigger pull was also very decent. The wood was only average and I did not care for the finish on the wood. I had (and have now sold) one of the last 70's out of New Haven. It was not good, and the action was about as rough as one could imagine. I believe the new versions to be MUCH improved. I just may pick one up myself.  Big Grin

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If we're not suppose to eat animals...how come they're made of meat?
               Anomymous


Posted By: sniperafar
Date Posted: August/14/2009 at 14:04
Well, it is at my FFL license holder's house.  I hope I can pick it up on Sunday.  I have the mounts and rings, as well as the all important scope in.  Will take some pics and post them.  What is the best way to post pics on this sight?  I guess it is like most of the other sites, use a storing site and the upload them from there.  Or do you need a certain number of posts?

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Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: August/14/2009 at 14:15
50 posts to show pictures, or else email them to a moderator and they will post them for you.

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They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: Trays 7940
Date Posted: August/14/2009 at 21:03
I have been trying to get a Winchester Model 70 Extreme Weather SS but my dealer can't get them yet.  Where did you get yours?

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I don't shoot innocent animals, just the one's who look guilty.


Posted By: sniperafar
Date Posted: August/14/2009 at 22:58
From http://www.gunbroker.com - www.gunbroker.com at nothern firearms witch is part of Reid's Sporting goods in Minnesota.  I paid retail for the rrife, but a lot of other site wanted a lot more.  Go to gunbroker or yahoo Reid's Sporting Goods in Minnesota and you will get the same price.

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Posted By: Horsemany
Date Posted: August/15/2009 at 08:47
I traded a Kimber for my Weatherby Mark V Deluxe from Northern Firearms.  They are a class act and easy to work with. 


Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: August/15/2009 at 10:05
reeds is about 45 miles straight east of me, give em a call toll free. 1-800-346-0019

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They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: 300S&W
Date Posted: August/15/2009 at 10:17
 
  Wish we had 45mi of straight road here in WV.   Sad


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"I ain't got time to bleed!"


Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: August/15/2009 at 10:18
the govt has to have a place to land their planes in an emergency, so they bought an area of flat land and called it north dakotaBucky

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They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: 300S&W
Date Posted: August/15/2009 at 10:44
  
  Excellent  GOOD ONE!


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"I ain't got time to bleed!"


Posted By: sniperafar
Date Posted: August/18/2009 at 08:34
Originally posted by Horsemany Horsemany wrote:

I traded a Kimber for my Weatherby Mark V Deluxe from Northern Firearms.  They are a class act and easy to work with. 
How do like the Mark V as compared to the Kimber?  Been reading a lot about the Weatherby rifles and Kimbers, cause I want to get a real nice rifle, so to speak and the more I read, I kinda like the Weatherbys.  I only have a small collection and this would be my first, high end rifle, without going overboard.  What is your opinion?


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Posted By: sniperafar
Date Posted: August/18/2009 at 08:37
By the way, most of my reading is in the gun mags, where they show guys like Boddington and Greg Rodriguez always having a Weatherby in their collection, when showing off some caliber or hunt, alongside other customs.  I never seem to see a Kimber and that just got me thinking.  But, I like the way the Kimber looks.  Not sure.  Alot of dough.

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Posted By: sniperafar
Date Posted: August/18/2009 at 08:40

I know this is a lot of questions, but how would you rate the new model 70 against the Mark V and a Kimber?  Maybe I have a high end enough rifle for now?  The Featherlight is the same as the Supergrade, save the extra trimmings, I guess.



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Posted By: TexasPhotog
Date Posted: August/18/2009 at 09:18
Model 70's are classic rifles and the new ones seem well made.  I say shoot the heck out of it.  Weatherby's are kind of cool, but I think the Sub MOA Vanguards are better values than the Mark V's.  I would not buy a Kimber.  Kimbers are pretty, but our local gunshop has had several wood stocked 7-08's returned lately because they shot patterns, not groups.  Kimber seems to have some QC issues.  Hill Country Rifles' website says they no longer accepts Kimbers for accurizing, so our local gunshop isn't alone in having Kimber problems.  From the HCR website:  "Accurizing is no longer offered for Kimber rifles. This is not a statement about Kimber, but is merely the result of our inability to get a consistent result from Accurizing these products."


Posted By: JF4545
Date Posted: August/18/2009 at 11:51
I have a new 8400 Kimber Super America in 270 WSM..Im having s few problems with a new press I bought. As soon as I get some loads worked up and on paper,. I will try and remember to give you the scoop on how we did....Im not as good a shooter as lot of folks on this site but we will see how it goes...Im hoping this rifle can perform much better than me! Im also looking at Weatherby's , Coopers and maybe another Kimber....
 
JF


Posted By: Ed Connelly
Date Posted: August/18/2009 at 21:43
Originally posted by TexasPhotog TexasPhotog wrote:

Model 70's are classic rifles and the new ones seem well made.  I say shoot the heck out of it.  Weatherby's are kind of cool, but I think the Sub MOA Vanguards are better values than the Mark V's.  I would not buy a Kimber.  Kimbers are pretty, but our local gunshop has had several wood stocked 7-08's returned lately because they shot patterns, not groups.  Kimber seems to have some QC issues.  Hill Country Rifles' website says they no longer accepts Kimbers for accurizing, so our local gunshop isn't alone in having Kimber problems.  From the HCR website:  "Accurizing is no longer offered for Kimber rifles. This is not a statement about Kimber, but is merely the result of our inability to get a consistent result from Accurizing these products."
 
 
                                                        Shocked


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Be sure to visit,

http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_topics.asp?FID=50 - THE ED SHOW

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Posted By: Horsemany
Date Posted: August/18/2009 at 22:19
Originally posted by sniperafar sniperafar wrote:

Originally posted by Horsemany Horsemany wrote:

I traded a Kimber for my Weatherby Mark V Deluxe from Northern Firearms.  They are a class act and easy to work with. 
How do like the Mark V as compared to the Kimber?  Been reading a lot about the Weatherby rifles and Kimbers, cause I want to get a real nice rifle, so to speak and the more I read, I kinda like the Weatherbys.  I only have a small collection and this would be my first, high end rifle, without going overboard.  What is your opinion?
THey all have their pros and cons.  THat's why so many of us go back and forth on what we need next.  IMO Weatherby Mark V Deluxe is a better gun than a Kimber unless you want lightweight.  I'm currently into Sako's but they've almost run their course.  This year I'll be hunting with the tried and true Ruger.  It's the least expensive gun I own and it gets the job done.
IMO Kimber of Oregon guns are better than WeatherbyMKV, Kimbery NY, and Sakos.  Those Kimber of Oregon guns are works of art.


Posted By: sniperafar
Date Posted: August/19/2009 at 12:59
Cool.

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Posted By: Horsemany
Date Posted: August/20/2009 at 06:48

sniperafar-Did you get a chance to shoot the new M70 yet?



Posted By: sniperafar
Date Posted: August/23/2009 at 18:50
I have yet to pick it up.  Hopefully tomorrow.

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Posted By: JF4545
Date Posted: August/23/2009 at 23:11
Sniperafar,
Let me know how you like your rifle after you get it zeroed in will ya please...I may want to take a look at one of those also for a all weather rifle. I used to have a model 70 Feather weight years ago and loved it.. I had to sell it a few years back, Then I went to buy another one and they stopped making them.  So I bought the Kimber Super America 270 WSM instead.. Its a beautiful rifle with a AAA Claro Walnut Stock.. I just sighted it in with my new Leupold VX-3 today!! Shooting reloads which are Barnes TSX BT 110gr. I shot a 1" 3 shot group at 100 yards... Im about an average shooter at best, so thats pretty darn good for me..Next week I will try the TSX BT 130gr. and see how they do...If this rifle shoots as well as I think it does I may try buying a lower line Kimber in a smaller caliber in stainless....But please do keep me posted as I am interested in the Model 70  .. Ive always loved Winchesters, thats what got me to buy the 8400 Kimber was it was alot like the Feather weight Winchester.
 


Posted By: Urimaginaryfrnd
Date Posted: August/23/2009 at 23:37

 I'm liking the Cooper 6.5x284   I saw the other day. Speedy



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"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
Bobby Paul Doherty
Texas Ranger


Posted By: JF4545
Date Posted: August/23/2009 at 23:45
Wow,
You really are an indian , look at you ride that horse...
tell me more about thre cooper please Wes?


Posted By: sniperafar
Date Posted: August/27/2009 at 22:05
Well, I finally picked up the Model 70.  My FFL lives about 30 miles away, so I cannot just get it on a whim.  He is a personal friend and does not charge me, so I cannot complain.  It is everything I expected it to be.  The would is gorgeous with nice figure and checkering. 
The wood the metal fit is perfect.  The bolt is as smooth as silk.  I mounted the Zeiss 2.5x8 32 mm scope with Warne QD rings and the set up looks great.  I have ordered brass and bullets and already received reloading dies and when I get a chance will load some shells to try it out.  I am 100% please so far and if it shoots like I believe it will, that will seal the deal.  It is as light as a feather, ie, a featherlight, even with the scope, that it would make a great mountain rifle.  Everything about the rifle looks quality.  For the money, it is hard for me to compare it to another make, except for maybe a Weatherby Vanguard.  But, the class that this rifle exudes, seems to put it into another category, maybe it is called the rifleman's rifle.

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Posted By: Ed Connelly
Date Posted: August/27/2009 at 22:14
 
 
                                                                 Thunbs Up


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Be sure to visit,

http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_topics.asp?FID=50 - THE ED SHOW

Ju Cucarachas!!!


Posted By: SamC
Date Posted: August/28/2009 at 11:07
sniperafar,
Congratulations, let us know how she shoots.
Sam


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Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery.
Winston Churchill


Posted By: magshooter1
Date Posted: August/28/2009 at 12:06
Congrats.  Can't wait to hear how it shoots.  May be in the market for one in .243 for the daughter.  You are gonna love that scope.  I speak from experience.

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Some people are educated BEYOND their intelligence.


Posted By: JF4545
Date Posted: August/28/2009 at 14:37
Congrats on the new rifle Sniper!! Ive always liked the featherweightsSmile Zeiss is Nice too!


Posted By: RifleDude
Date Posted: August/28/2009 at 15:03
Very nice rifle & scope combination, sniper!

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Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: August/28/2009 at 20:24
Originally posted by Urimaginaryfrnd Urimaginaryfrnd wrote:

 I'm liking the Cooper 6.5x284   I saw the other day. Speedy



+1.  Got to play with one in that caliber the other day in a store.  Sweet gun.

Sniper, let us know how she shoots, and we need pics.


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To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: Acenturian
Date Posted: September/14/2009 at 16:42
Congrats on the new Winchester.  I was just at a big gun shop located about 2 hours from my house for the sole purpose of looking at the Winchester Model 70 as well as the little Ruger LCP.
 
I was pretty impressed with the Winchester, I think FN did Winchester folk proud.  I had a friend that purchased one of the last NC Winchesters in .375 H&H and while I loved the fact that it was a WInchester Model 70 the fit and finish was horrible.  The stock was even missing some of the checkering....no wonder they had problems towards the end.
 
The new model was great, it felt awsome in hand. I love the Schnabel forend on the Featherweight model as far as the wood it was no Sako or Weatherby Mark V but it looked just as good as anything else in it's price range. 
 
Somone mentioned Kimber not shooting well. My Uncle's hunting buddy bought one and had the exact same thing happen it was not grouping matter of fact they described it as shooting shotgun patterns.  That is not acceptable especially in that price range.
 
Well I hope you enjoy your new Winchester 70, that will be my next rifle after seeing it this past weekend.  Now if I can just talk them into re-introducing the model 88 in .338 Federal I'd be a happy guy.


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If You're In A Fair Fight, You Didn't Plan It Properly

- Anonymous



Posted By: Ed Connelly
Date Posted: September/14/2009 at 17:41
Originally posted by sniperafar sniperafar wrote:

I know this is a lot of questions, but how would you rate the new model 70 against the Mark V and a Kimber?  Maybe I have a high end enough rifle for now?  The Featherlight is the same as the Supergrade, save the extra trimmings, I guess.

 
I would prefer the Model 70 over the Weatherby because I am a dinosaur and I love the Winchesters.  I loved the Kimber 22 but I don't want a 5 1/2 pound rifle in a centerfire.  Shocked
 
 


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Be sure to visit,

http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_topics.asp?FID=50 - THE ED SHOW

Ju Cucarachas!!!


Posted By: WVHunter63
Date Posted: November/24/2009 at 19:54
HowdyHello to all!  New to this site as well, first post.  Wealth of information on this forum as well. 
 
Sniperafar inquiring minds are waiting on your review on the new M70 Yippee
 
I am pondering of purchasing a new M70 Featherweight in a .270 caliber, and retiring the 82 model M77 Ruger .30-06.  I have always wanted a Winchester chambered in .270 in a M70 Featherweight.  My Son has been using his Grandfathers M99 .300 Savage with iron sights only, and thinking of upgrading him to a M70 Featherweight as well.  Really like what I am hearing about the "new" M70 and the quality that seems to have went into it's production.



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