Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Winchester Collectors Considering a Model 70 lightweight : Sheep Hunting

I'm just not a huge fan of Kimber Montanas. I've been considering taking a Model 70 SS G Series Short action and removing some metal from behind the recoil lug, and milling out the bolt handle. Using a McMillan edge stock with 1/4" recoil pad.

A friend of mine did this same exact thing, and his rifle shoots 3/4" groups with a #2 contour 30 caliber barrel chambered in 300wsm.

I'll likely go with a #1 7mm barrel and choose the 7mm-08 or 260 Rem.

I'm still a huge fan of the older style Winchester triggers, and the overall asthetics of the Model 70 actions.

What are your thoughts?

You just built a Kimber Montana with bottom metal.. Why don't you like the Kimber montanans?

I'm with 79s, why don't you like the Montana?

Sounds like a good plan Sako, maybe go with a winny fwt contour and save a little more weight.
The SA montana's stock doesn't fit everybody and he's looking for the old style M70 open trigger.

Maybe something like this? About 7# as you see it. A short action should come in lighter...

I know when I put together a lighter rifle I'll copy Bob's blueprint. Pretty hard to go wrong.

I'm in the same boat as SH264, the Kimbers are nice but I just like my 70's...

Like you, and Bob, I much prefer the old M70s to a Montana.

I had this 280 Rem put together a few months ago on a transition pre-64 action. I didn't go all-out to make super-light but it is my backpacking rifle. I used a Brown Precision kevlar Pound'r with blind mag as you can see to make it tougher and lighter. The barrel is 23" and measures .575" at the muzzle, that is enough barrel to make it a bit muzzle heavy like I prefer for hitting from field positions.

I used steel DDs, a 14 oz scope, etc. It weighs in at 7 pounds 5 oz as shown.

With a Leupold 6X36 in those same rings it weighs 4/10 oz over 7 pounds.

For what it's worth, I did one VERY similar about 15 years ago on a short Classic M70. You do not save much weight going short action, and give up a lot of cartridge options.

Looked it up. Here's my old short action 284 Win in a Bansner stock with Pac Nor #1 barrel.

Nice 280 Rick!

I like the central theme.

You guys are preaching to the converted here! A few very nice rifles.

This one weighs in at 7 lbs-11oz. a pre 64 M70 action, fwt contour barrel and williams 1pcs. BM so if you went with PT&G BM you's be under 7 1/2 scoped...a great weight.

Sounds like a plan, plenty of nice rifles posted for inspiration.

Hey, I love my pre 64's too. Build it and they will come I guess.... Hard to go wrong with a pre 64 action, custom barrel and nice light stock like a Brown pounder. I say this since a couple of you posted pics of yours. My 338 is 7 pounds 12 oz's pictured: Not muzzle heavy like some of you guys like, but just right .....:

Like this ?





That is a whole 1.78 ounces milled off including cutting the tang.

after some epoxy and paint, a 4x Leupold in Talley LW rings, and alloy pre-64 bottom metal shortened and fit.

It weighs 6 lbs 9 oz as shown. With 5 rounds aboard, BC scope caps, and a nylon sling it came out about an ounce over my target of 7 lbs hunting weight.

Another fellow liked it more than I did and bought it off me weeks after I'd finished it. It was more of a 'for the heck of it' build at the time

All look great. I've come to conclusion, it's hard to touch the weight of a Kimber Montana.

It sure is. The Montana is kind of like a miniature model 70..... Smaller, usually does weigh less...

I may just have to take the Montana plunge. My gunsmith said he has had great success with a good bedding job, etc. more importantly is cutting a totally new crown which he says has significantly improved the accuracy of these rifles. I'm going to buy one in 270 Winchester. I already own 4-5 270 caliber rifles, however the intended purpose of this rifle will be strictly for sheep hunting. A west Texas free range Audad is next on my hit list.

My proven load will consist of H4831SC and a 140gr Accubond. .

Keep us posted on how you like the Montana. I may eventually end up buying one to try out as well. I've looked at them in the fun stores and really like the light weight of them. They are also stainless, so they are better in adverse conditions. Our coated pre 64's can only take so much.

If it were to get a Montanan it would be in a 06 and I would use 165gr accubonds, 165 nosler partition or 168ttsx and one would be set for anything in North America even Brn Bears probably just use the 168gr ttsx or partition then..

After shooting that new 7mm08, you might just change your mind????? Maybe..