View Full Version : Thoughts on the FN/Winchester model 70s made now?
teutonicpolymer
11-05-14, 16:23
Hi all, I have been thinking of picking up one if these (specifically the sporter in .30-06) but am on the febce. I heard assembly was moved to Portugal while machining is still done here. I like it over the 700 simply because I don't trust Remington, over Savage because I want something a little nicer, and over Tikka because this has metal on the bottom. Any thoughts?
I wouldn't worry about the Portugal part too much. FN has been assembling Browning Hi-Powers there for decades, and they're great guns. They're also a fairly old design with some know-how required--it's not like slapping a Glock together.
Okie John
thebarracuda
11-05-14, 19:31
My dad has one in .30-06. Its a sharp, well made rifle. We hand load for it, and it shoots great. Trigger is very nice. With just a little work, we had it shooting just under 1" @ 100 yds for 5 shots. With its sporter weight barrel, that is pretty good. It is not a 1000 yd high precision rifle, it's simply a hunting rifle that shoots accurately at hunting ranges. I like it better than my Rem 700 .30-06 Boone & Crockett. Maybe it's nostalgia.
teutonicpolymer
11-05-14, 21:26
Thanks for the replies, I do wish they had a heavier contour barrel. I am also considering the extreme weather variant with the Bell and Carlson stock because the stock seems nice, it is stainless, and is fluted, but the barrel is even shorter at 22" and the price is higher.
teutonicpolymer
11-05-14, 22:17
I just checked prices at some big online retailers and it looks like the model 70s all jumped in price $50-$100 from a month ago...
10mmSpringfield
11-06-14, 01:21
I have a 338 Win Mag for hunting critters.
It's well made and haven't had issues with it.
Thanks for the replies, I do wish they had a heavier contour barrel. I am also considering the extreme weather variant with the Bell and Carlson stock because the stock seems nice, it is stainless, and is fluted, but the barrel is even shorter at 22" and the price is higher.
Have them in the .308 and 30-06, you won't be disappointed. I had to look hard for mine, finally found one after spending a day searching. Try Reeds Sports, think they are in MN?
Here you go, call them though.
http://www.reedssports.com/
My son just picked up a Browning Xbolt, very nice. I hear good things with the Tikka's And you are wise to steer from the blemingtons, new ones anyhow. People (some) blurt out 700, because it's what they know. They just don't know otherwise and the truth be told, most walmart joes don't know any better.
teutonicpolymer
11-06-14, 22:57
Thanks for the link, I am trying to pick something to buy but it is getting difficult with all the new stuff coming out right now (especially in terms of pistols). Way too many dilemnas, starting with what caliber to get, between .308 and .30-06, whether I would be better served with a semi auto like the M&P 10 (which I love, but it is expensive) or the DPMS G2 series, or even what model 70 type to get if I do end up deciding on the model 70.
Both calibers are good and will serve you well. In my opinion and it's only one gun-30-06. You will be better served in the woods with the bolt gun, especially with the 30-06 if going after larger game. As some stated in other threads, ammo wise in crunches, 30-06 and .270 was everywhere. The 30-06 can be had from 125-220 grain.
Thanks for the link, I am trying to pick something to buy but it is getting difficult with all the new stuff coming out right now (especially in terms of pistols). Way too many dilemnas, starting with what caliber to get, between .308 and .30-06, whether I would be better served with a semi auto like the M&P 10 (which I love, but it is expensive) or the DPMS G2 series, or even what model 70 type to get if I do end up deciding on the model 70.
Something like a Model 70 Featherweight has been the classic recipe for the all-around hunting rifle since before World War II. It seems to land in the sweet spot for size, weight, recoil, balance, and accuracy, but it's hard to appreciate until you spend some time with one. A lighter rifle kicks more, so some shooters won't practice as much as they should with one. A heavier rifle is a drag to carry if you do much walking. The Featherweight's 22" barrel gets ideal ballistics from some very good cartridges and balances exceptionally well, which matters when you need to make a quick shot at a huge trophy buck sneaking away through the trees in a river bottom at dusk.
As for the cartridge, it's a coin toss between the 270 Winchester, 30/06, and 308. All are powerful enough for anything in North America and most of what you'll find in the rest of the world. You'll always be able to find ammo, and you don't need expensive bullets to get ideal terminal performance. Ammo makers designed cheap cup-and-core bullets (Remington CoreLokt, Winchester PowerPoint, etc.) for those cartridges and perfected them long ago, so ammo is cheap, accurate, powerful, and deadly.
Get a Featherweight in one of those cartridges, put a Leupold 2-7x variable on it, and zero it for 200 yards. The only other thing you'll need is a good skinning knife.
Okie John
StingerDan
11-12-14, 08:47
I bought a Model 70 Ultimate Shadow in SS 7mm Magnum 2 years ago. I did change the stock (Houges king camo) and trigger (Timmney) but I am very pleased with it. It is a great shooter. .685 moa on average with handloads. I have shot three deer with it and will be using it as my go-to hunting gun.
teutonicpolymer
11-12-14, 11:41
At this point I think it depends on what Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals are out there as far as what my money goes to. Hoping to see a discounted Win m70 extreme weather in .308 but I am not counting on it.
Ultimate Shadow in 30-06. Stock change and scope of choice took time but well worth it!! Hoping to use it to bring a deer down finally next week.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v454/bgoode/2014/C99136F8-4733-4B53-B95A-05728DA1BDEA_zpszqi5hkbm.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bgoode/media/2014/C99136F8-4733-4B53-B95A-05728DA1BDEA_zpszqi5hkbm.jpg.html)
I love them. If you need one in a heavier contour barrel, that's all the FN is.
Ultimate Shadow in 30-06. Stock change and scope of choice took time but well worth it!! Hoping to use it to bring a deer down finally next week.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v454/bgoode/2014/C99136F8-4733-4B53-B95A-05728DA1BDEA_zpszqi5hkbm.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bgoode/media/2014/C99136F8-4733-4B53-B95A-05728DA1BDEA_zpszqi5hkbm.jpg.html)
I bet your chin rides high when you pick up that stick!
You ain't kidding. Took some time and effort to put her together but it is the one I have most pride for!! Hope to get it out in a light drizzle and slip into the woods Monday :)
I bought the Extreme Weather in 7mm08 about a year and a half ago and love it. I'm a big fan of the 7mm08 and originally started out with a Remington Mountain rifle back in 1990 when they first came out in that caliber. I had that rifle for almost 15yrs before selling it. I then went to a Kimber M84 in the same caliber. It was nice but not as accurate as the Rem was. I sold that about a year later and just hunted with a 300 Win Mag I had. Wanting to get back to a 7mm08 I did a good bit of online research and finally settled on the M70 Extreme Weather. So far I really like everything about this rifle. It is very accurate and when I do my part I can keep close to MOA groups out to 300 yards with it. I'm shooting Federal 140gr Trophy Copper ammunition right now.
29909
Mine worked well procuring meat this morning!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v454/bgoode/2014/660F90C6-FD35-4BF1-81D6-11C4639BBA4B_zpszn2ulbko.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bgoode/media/2014/660F90C6-FD35-4BF1-81D6-11C4639BBA4B_zpszn2ulbko.jpg.html)
I looked at a made in Portugal Model 70, blued with a wood stock in 7mm-08 last week.
Absolutely gorgeous! It was probably the nicest Model 70 I've seen. I would definitely buy that before a 700.
teutonicpolymer
12-16-14, 18:50
So I have been thinking of alternate options and I have been liking the idea of getting something with a threaded barrel and possibly even a magazine. These options may not be the most directly comparable to the M70 but I am considering them nonetheless. Can anyone comment on these?
-Savage Hog Hunter .308
-Ruger Gunsite Scout .308
-Ruger M77 Guide Gun .30-06
-Mossberg MVP Predator .308
I am strangely very interested in the Hog Hunter. It is barely over $400 and has a medium thickness barrel that is threaded.
To the OP, a few months ago I bought the Safari Express Mdl. 70 in 375 H&H. I just wanted one. I have yet to shoot it from a bench, due only to the fact I have yet to put a scope on it. From all appearances it is a very well made modern era production rifle. In fact, I see no down side to it when compared to pre-64 models. The wood is a little dark and straight grained, but that is really not a bad thing. The trigger is actually very good, but I have not put a scale on it. It is very crisp with virtually no take up, or over travel. Using the iron sights, it will absolutely drop pop cans at 50 yrds. and is actually pleasant to shoot. Recoil is just a little heavy, but not abusive. Before long I will put a scope on it and see how it really shoots, but based on it's other signs of quality, I will be very surprised if it doesn't group quite well. It's possible the Safari Express gets a little extra QC, but I'd buy the standard rifle in 30-06 without any hesitation.
Here again is mine in 30-06. My go to! Love the time I've spent with it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v454/bgoode/2014/C5BCA23D-BF53-4068-A21B-A237E5669842_zps4rk48fss.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bgoode/media/2014/C5BCA23D-BF53-4068-A21B-A237E5669842_zps4rk48fss.jpg.html)
Picked up a new Model 70 Ult Shadow SS in 7mm-08 this past summer. Assembled in Portugal. I have really liked this little rifle, and it handles very well. The factory plastic stock isn't that great (it flexes too much in the front), but I plan on replacing it with a Bell & Carlson. Mounted a Leupold 2.5x8x36 with Talley rings and it shoots under MOA with Hornady SST 139 gr. I've killed several deer with it this season. I'm very happy with it coming over from a Remington 700 SPS model. I would not hesitate to buy another.
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii218/tmoore912/Rifles%20and%20Shotguns/Winchester%20M70%20Ult%20Shadow%20SS/DSC_00122.jpg (http://s265.photobucket.com/user/tmoore912/media/Rifles%20and%20Shotguns/Winchester%20M70%20Ult%20Shadow%20SS/DSC_00122.jpg.html)
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii218/tmoore912/Rifles%20and%20Shotguns/Winchester%20M70%20Ult%20Shadow%20SS/DSC_00032.jpg (http://s265.photobucket.com/user/tmoore912/media/Rifles%20and%20Shotguns/Winchester%20M70%20Ult%20Shadow%20SS/DSC_00032.jpg.html)
StingerDan
01-02-15, 08:48
Picked up a new Model 70 Ult Shadow SS in 7mm-08 this past summer. Assembled in Portugal. I have really liked this little rifle, and it handles very well. The factory plastic stock isn't that great (it flexes too much in the front), but I plan on replacing it with a Bell & Carlson. Mounted a Leupold 2.5x8x36 with Talley rings and it shoots under MOA with Hornady SST 139 gr. I've killed several deer with it this season. I'm very happy with it coming over from a Remington 700 SPS model. I would not hesitate to buy another.
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii218/tmoore912/Rifles%20and%20Shotguns/Winchester%20M70%20Ult%20Shadow%20SS/DSC_00122.jpg (http://s265.photobucket.com/user/tmoore912/media/Rifles%20and%20Shotguns/Winchester%20M70%20Ult%20Shadow%20SS/DSC_00122.jpg.html)
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii218/tmoore912/Rifles%20and%20Shotguns/Winchester%20M70%20Ult%20Shadow%20SS/DSC_00032.jpg (http://s265.photobucket.com/user/tmoore912/media/Rifles%20and%20Shotguns/Winchester%20M70%20Ult%20Shadow%20SS/DSC_00032.jpg.html) 2 years ago when I went to upgrade my Ultimate Shadow stock. Bell & Carlson and HS Precision both required a 2 piece bottom metal, mine is 1. I couldn't part with that badass one piece bottom, so I went with Hogue, I think you might be able to also get a McMillan, if you can stand the wait. Dan
http://www.stockysstocks.com/servlet/the-459/Bell-and-Carlson-Browning/Detail
Winchester Model 70 is for rifles with the one-piece floorplates,
StingerDan
01-03-15, 17:20
http://www.stockysstocks.com/servlet/the-459/Bell-and-Carlson-Browning/Detail
Winchester Model 70 is for rifles with the one-piece floorplates, Follow the links and read closely and you will see this: Many stocks (some laminates, Bell & Carlson, HS Precision, etc.) are cut for the 2 pc floorplate If the stock you want comes only one way or the other, you can simply get new or used parts and install them into the correct stock to convert, no gunsmithing is required. I believe at the time I even called on that exact add. It was a very frustrating time for me, as I really wanted a Bell and Carlson or HS stock.
ETA: I also called HS Precision and asked them if and when they were going to change to the new one piece floorplate and they said they were not, as the demand was too low. I'd sure like to know if you can prove me wrong, it would be "a good day" for both of us. Dan.
In my opinion these FN made winchester M70s are the best factory made rifles being put out right now. VERY good quality. The only thing I wish they would do is come out with a heavy varmint contour 308 like the old stealth model with control round feed.
I have a M70 extreme sporter (it was a special run, its the same as the extreme weather but has a matt black action and barrel) its a superb rifle.
I have my eye on a 7-08 featherweight. All they need is a heavy barrel varmint/tactical model.
FN does have the PBR/TSR models but they need a Winchester branded similar rifle.
It would be awesome if they came out with wood stock varmint contour 308 reminiscent of the vietnam era M70. They had the light coyote Varmint rig but I haven't seen it anywhere and don't like the vented stocks.
For now the extreme weather is one of the best along with their featherweights and super grades
This is my factory M70 270wsm extreme sporter with B&C stock I just painted over:
Follow the links and read closely and you will see this: Many stocks (some laminates, Bell & Carlson, HS Precision, etc.) are cut for the 2 pc floorplate If the stock you want comes only one way or the other, you can simply get new or used parts and install them into the correct stock to convert, no gunsmithing is required. I believe at the time I even called on that exact add. It was a very frustrating time for me, as I really wanted a Bell and Carlson or HS stock.
ETA: I also called HS Precision and asked them if and when they were going to change to the new one piece floorplate and they said they were not, as the demand was too low. I'd sure like to know if you can prove me wrong, it would be "a good day" for both of us. Dan.
Winchester Model 70 is for rifles with the one-piece floorplates, click here for a complete discussion. We now carry replacements for this stock, they are CNC machined beauties! Check out the link below...
https://www.stockysstocks.com/bell-carlson-medalist-ultra-light-browning-a-bolt-mountain-winchester-model-70-extreme-weather-u-s-repeating-arms-stocks.html
Winchester 70 Post-64
All receivers are the same regardless of classic, XTR, push feed, etc..Prior to 1985 all were long action regardless of chambering so be sure to measure if in doubt.
There are three floorplate configurations: Simply remove your takedown screws to discover what you have.
Blind Magazine (we have laminated stocks).One-piece floorplates (Super Grades and recent USRA production runs).
Two-piece floorplates (99% of the rifles out there, see below)
One-piece floorplates (if the triggerguard and hinged cover are attached to each other, it's a one piecer.) Most new M70 rifles have one piece floorplates.
Many stocks (some laminates, Bell & Carlson, HS Precision, etc.) are cut for the 2 pc floorplates. The 2 piecers were the most popular configuration from like 1965 thru the '90s. One piece floorplates are on most current M70's. If the stock you want comes only one way or the other, you can simply get new or used parts and install them into the correct stock to convert, no gunsmithing is required.
****Winchester 70 Super Short Action = 6 1/2". Winchester Super Short Magnums will NOT work with Standard Winchester SA stocks. Please contact us for availability.
StingerDan
02-01-15, 12:46
Winchester Model 70 is for rifles with the one-piece floorplates, click here for a complete discussion. We now carry replacements for this stock, they are CNC machined beauties! Check out the link below...
https://www.stockysstocks.com/bell-carlson-medalist-ultra-light-browning-a-bolt-mountain-winchester-model-70-extreme-weather-u-s-repeating-arms-stocks.html
Winchester 70 Post-64
All receivers are the same regardless of classic, XTR, push feed, etc..Prior to 1985 all were long action regardless of chambering so be sure to measure if in doubt.
There are three floorplate configurations: Simply remove your takedown screws to discover what you have.
Blind Magazine (we have laminated stocks).One-piece floorplates (Super Grades and recent USRA production runs).
Two-piece floorplates (99% of the rifles out there, see below)
One-piece floorplates (if the triggerguard and hinged cover are attached to each other, it's a one piecer.) Most new M70 rifles have one piece floorplates.
Many stocks (some laminates, Bell & Carlson, HS Precision, etc.) are cut for the 2 pc floorplates. The 2 piecers were the most popular configuration from like 1965 thru the '90s. One piece floorplates are on most current M70's. If the stock you want comes only one way or the other, you can simply get new or used parts and install them into the correct stock to convert, no gunsmithing is required.
****Winchester 70 Super Short Action = 6 1/2". Winchester Super Short Magnums will NOT work with Standard Winchester SA stocks. Please contact us for availability. It looks like they have switched over. Thank you. I am going to call in the morning, then decide if it is worth it to switch and deal with trying to sell mine. Dan.
My father in law has a 2012, FN assembled super grade and my dad bought a 2014, Portugal assembled super grade. Without the stamp on the barrel one would not be able to tell a difference quality wise. They both have beautifully inlaid wood stocks with a lot of character in the grain. Although we haven't shot the 7mm-08 as much they're both very good shooters with good triggers. With careful hand load development I don't think .5-.6 moa is out of reach. As of now both have shot 1 moa or better with every hand load we've tried. Even though they're more expensive than some other off the shelf rifles I believe they're well worth the price. Especially considering you're getting a hammer forged barrel, a good trigger that doesn't need to be replaced, and a beautiful piece of high quality walnut.
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My father in law has a 2012, FN assembled super grade and my dad bought a 2014, Portugal assembled super grade. Without the stamp on the barrel one would not be able to tell a difference quality wise. They both have beautifully inlaid wood stocks with a lot of character in the grain. Although we haven't shot the 7mm-08 as much they're both very good shooters with good triggers. With careful hand load development I don't think .5-.6 moa is out of reach. As of now both have shot 1 moa or better with every hand load we've tried. Even though they're more expensive than some other off the shelf rifles I believe they're well worth the price. Especially considering you're getting a hammer forged barrel, a good trigger that doesn't need to be replaced, and a beautiful piece of high quality walnut.
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Beautiful classic walnut stocks are not "cool" or tactical so not many of the trendy cool guys like wood stocks, but I love them. I wish Winchester would come out with a varmint/heavy contoured rifle with a Walnut stock with no end cap and no checkering, just a plain classic walnut stock reminiscent of the old M70 sniper rifle.
Remington came out with a reproduction M40 and they were beautiful, wish I could get my hands on one. Im looking for a nice Walnut stock to inlet out for a heavy. My preference is the M70 over the Remington
I understand that and I too love wood on a hunting rifle. I just wanted to point out that I have seen no appreciable difference in quality between guns assembled in each location. It's important to note that the parts are still made in SC. Only the assembly of those parts has been outsourced. If a guy or gal prefers synthetic stocks I would look hard at the extreme weather or the coyote light. The coyote light has a 2" longer barrel and a varmint style forend that is quite nice. They're not offered in as many calibers but .243, .308, and .300WM are all available. I believe the closest thing you'll find to what you want is the model 70 Coyote (different than the coyote light) that has been discontinued. I still see some used ones pop up from time to time but unfortunately they're usually in .25 WSSM.
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GUNSLINGER733
02-08-15, 21:55
Love my m70s. I use a 7mm-08 featherweight a lot for deer. I hand load and it shoots sub-moa with nosler 120 bts
Beautiful classic walnut stocks are not "cool" or tactical so not many of the trendy cool guys like wood stocks, but I love them. I wish Winchester would come out with a varmint/heavy contoured rifle with a Walnut stock with no end cap and no checkering, just a plain classic walnut stock reminiscent of the old M70 sniper rifle.
Remington came out with a reproduction M40 and they were beautiful, wish I could get my hands on one. Im looking for a nice Walnut stock to inlet out for a heavy. My preference is the M70 over the Remington
Mel over at Sniper Central had a good line on a reproduction of those stocks. He was doing reproductions for a limited run of M40 tribute guns.
OK, so I broke down and bought a FWT 30/06 last week. I put a trusted Leupold 4x into Weaver rings & bases and tested it with some old Remington 165-grain CoreLokt ammo that may have gotten wet on a hunt a couple of years ago. First group for record was just a shade over 1 MOA.
I'll work up some loads as time permits, but basically, I'm happy.
Okie John
Take care of it and it will take care of you, for a long, long time. "Beware the man with one rifle, cause he probably knows how to use it! "
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