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Campfire Outfitter
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What is your preference, the new model with MOA trigger or the older version with standard sear? Talking about the 1980's version and the current models.
A true sportsman counts his achievements in proportion to the effort involved and fairness of the sport. - S. Pope
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I like the 80's version but still change the triggers.
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Campfire Tracker
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I'm a fan of the open trigger, but I get the new M70's seem to be pretty nice rifles from what many are saying.
If I couldn't buy a pre 64 then I'd get a NH classic.
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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The Model 70 is lately getting more campfire posts than I can remember for a long time. What's up? Seems to be doing well for a rifle that some perhaps think is on its way out.
laissez les bons temps rouler
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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The 80's era and onward covers a lot of territory with fit and finish. Serial numbers usually define what is thought to be "better". CRF vs. push feed, etc.. New Havens are getting their own following after the move to S.C. and now BACO. I have had 5 BACO's and still have two. Their fit and finish is quite good as is the downrange view. But my sample size is anecdotal.
Thinking back to the Portuguese made shotguns I've owned, they were never any problems back then either.
Last edited by bigwhoop; 01/19/17.
My home is the "sanctuary residence" for my firearms.
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I have a BACO M-70 Featherweight 308 made in 2008 that was very accurate right out of the box. I installed an Ernie's spring and now the trigger pull is 2 3/4#. Wood is not spectacular but fit and finish is good. Action is smooth and it feeds rounds without a hitch. Last NH M-70 I had was purchased in 1992. It was a POS. Soured me on Winchesters for a long time. I was happy when NH went Tango Uniform and they started making them in SC. I don't mind the MOA trigger at all. I'm tempted to buy an Extreme Weather even if they are assembled in Portugal.
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Campfire Tracker
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I've had pre 64's, 80's PFs, 90's and 00's Classics, and BACOs. The BACOs have been the most accurate out of the box, and I like the MOA trigger. (If I hunted in freezing rain alot, I might feel differently :))
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I've got one of each, .243 N.H. model and a 7-08 BACO. Both are accurate. Sent the 243 out for trigger/safety adjustment since the trigger pull varied considerably if the safety had been on or not. Gunsmith called it a P.O.S. and insisted on a rifle basics replacement trigger.
The BACO got a spring from Ernie and has been fine since.
Both are accurate and reliable.
I don't hunt in real bad weather anymore so not worried about the box triggers.
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Campfire Outfitter
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The Classics, 1992-2006 are in my opinion the best all around Winchester rifles. The XTR's made in the 80's and 90's are very good rifles too, but all things being equal I just prefer CRF.
I also own a new rifle with the MOA trigger. While I'd prefer the older style trigger this one has given me no reason to doubt it.
Most people don't really want the truth.
They just want constant reassurance that what they believe is the truth.
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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I'm a fan of the open trigger, but I get the new M70's seem to be pretty nice rifles from what many are saying.
If I couldn't buy a pre 64 then I'd get a NH classic. Yep...
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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I've got one of each, .243 N.H. model and a 7-08 BACO. Both are accurate. Sent the 243 out for trigger/safety adjustment since the trigger pull varied considerably if the safety had been on or not. Gunsmith called it a P.O.S. and insisted on a rifle basics replacement trigger.
The BACO got a spring from Ernie and has been fine since.
Both are accurate and reliable.
I don't hunt in real bad weather anymore so not worried about the box triggers. I'd be looking for a different gunsmith (if you and really call him that). The oldstyle model 70 trigger is one of the easiest to work on...
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA
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Campfire Tracker
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Have never owned the new model 70, but am seriously thinking about getting one. Hunt mostly with a pre-64 FW in 06 and a Westerner in 264. Really like the new 264 FW, but am a little worried about the 24" barrel not doing the round justice. Can't think that 2" makes that much difference like you read.
`Bring Enough Gun`
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Had multiples of all of them and I'll take the pre 64's.
For every BACO that shot very accurately I can recall a pre 64 that did as well.
The 280 Remington is overbore.
The 7 Rem Mag is over bore.
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I'm in agreement with Bob on this, but the late '90s versions weren't bad at all, especially after a good 'smith goes over them.
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Campfire Outfitter
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I think the Post 64 Featherweight is one of the nicest looking and well balanced Winchesters ever made.I have had quite a few push feeds and CRF`s and have not had a bad one.I have not had one of the Post 2006 models,but If I see the right one would try one.
Its all right to be white!!
Stupidity left unattended will run rampant
Don't argue with stupid people, They will drag you down to their level and then win by experience
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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I had a 1994? manufacture FWT, a push feed. It was a very accurate, reliable rifle. Have no idea on the new ones, but they look pretty!
"For joy of knowing what may not be known we take the golden road to Samarkand."
James Elroy Flecker
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No question the Pre 64s were built by Craftsmen
My '92 .280 Fwt Classic is a gem. It needed some initial adjustment to smooth up the feeding though. Trigger was tuned by a buddy.
Don't really care where they are assembled, So I think I will get a 7mm-08 from Portugal.
History May Not Repeat, But it Rhymes.
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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The "open" trigger is the main drawing point of the Win70 platform that sets it apart clearly from others outside of the Mauser 98.
Once the "open" trigger design is gone, then the Win is not better/worse than a lot of other guns.
For me, I would look straight to the MkII/Hawkeye Rugers if I couldn't have the "open" trigger of the earlier Winnys.
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Campfire Tracker
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The open style trigger with the sear from the 80's and 90's.
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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If Trump has his way, there will be an import tax on Winchesters coming from Portugal. Maybe Browning will see fit to re-introduce the Winchester Model 70
back to the USA?
My home is the "sanctuary residence" for my firearms.
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Most likely, they would simply drop it altogether. There's enough Win70s in the world already, to keep us all happy 'til we're dead and gone.
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Campfire Tracker
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now there's a sobering thought!
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The "open" trigger is the main drawing point of the Win70 platform that sets it apart clearly from others outside of the Mauser 98.
Once the "open" trigger design is gone, then the Win is not better/worse than a lot of other guns.
For me, I would look straight to the MkII/Hawkeye Rugers if I couldn't have the "open" trigger of the earlier Winnys. Montana Rifle Company current production trigger is below. Is this the open trigger design you mention? ![[Linked Image]](http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k55/jeffbird2/IMG_1160_zps695bfa8b.jpg)
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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I have shot the M 70 since I got my first new one in 1957 and I still shoot it. I have a battery of the pre 64's including a 358 & 375.
The post 64 M70 did not impress me and now I trying customs, the Kimbers, and Brno 21s & 22.
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The "open" trigger is the main drawing point of the Win70 platform that sets it apart clearly from others outside of the Mauser 98.
Once the "open" trigger design is gone, then the Win is not better/worse than a lot of other guns.
For me, I would look straight to the MkII/Hawkeye Rugers if I couldn't have the "open" trigger of the earlier Winnys. Montana Rifle Company current production trigger is below. Is this the open trigger design you mention? I'll cut in - yes, this is the open trigger design discussed above. I'll also add that the Ruger M77 MkII may be the finest action out there yet: True Mauser feeding/extraction, extractor doesn't bisect the left locking lug, elegantly simple and foolproof safety that holds the striker back, open trigger design that can be worked down safely to a crisp let off below 3#, integral scope bases on receiver, steel trigger guard. Handles escaping gas from a case rupture very well. The masses never embraced this rifle, but history will shine on it I believe.
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Campfire Savant
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Campfire Savant
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I like the pre-64 especially the Westerners. The one I have all shoot really well.
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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I wish I had held on to my Ruger MkII's. I'm sure some of the others here at the fire feel the same way about their Pre64 M70s! 
"For joy of knowing what may not be known we take the golden road to Samarkand."
James Elroy Flecker
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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The "open" trigger is the main drawing point of the Win70 platform that sets it apart clearly from others outside of the Mauser 98.
Once the "open" trigger design is gone, then the Win is not better/worse than a lot of other guns.
For me, I would look straight to the MkII/Hawkeye Rugers if I couldn't have the "open" trigger of the earlier Winnys. Montana Rifle Company current production trigger is below. Is this the open trigger design you mention? I'll cut in - yes, this is the open trigger design discussed above. I'll also add that the Ruger M77 MkII may be the finest action out there yet: True Mauser feeding/extraction, extractor doesn't bisect the left locking lug, elegantly simple and foolproof safety that holds the striker back, open trigger design that can be worked down safely to a crisp let off below 3#, integral scope bases on receiver, steel trigger guard. Handles escaping gas from a case rupture very well. The masses never embraced this rifle, but history will shine on it I believe. That's about how I see it as well. A hundred years from now, I think all the Ruger MKII/Hawkeyes will still be working just fine.
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I like the older ones myself.
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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How can you tell when and where a M70 was made? I've thought a featherweight should be in my arsenal, but they have made it rather confusing and I've not taken the time to sort out what are the good vs. not as good years/locations.
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Campfire Tracker
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Ok, I'm assuming you can identify a pre64 FWT
If it's a push feed, it was made in the 80s
If it's CRF, and the serial number starts with "G", it was made in New Haven in the 90s or up to 2006
If it's serial number starts with 35, followed by 3 letters, it's a FN made rifle
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Campfire Tracker
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The "open" trigger is the main drawing point of the Win70 platform that sets it apart clearly from others outside of the Mauser 98.
Once the "open" trigger design is gone, then the Win is not better/worse than a lot of other guns.
For me, I would look straight to the MkII/Hawkeye Rugers if I couldn't have the "open" trigger of the earlier Winnys. Montana Rifle Company current production trigger is below. Is this the open trigger design you mention? I'll cut in - yes, this is the open trigger design discussed above. I'll also add that the Ruger M77 MkII may be the finest action out there yet: True Mauser feeding/extraction, extractor doesn't bisect the left locking lug, elegantly simple and foolproof safety that holds the striker back, open trigger design that can be worked down safely to a crisp let off below 3#, integral scope bases on receiver, steel trigger guard. Handles escaping gas from a case rupture very well. The masses never embraced this rifle, but history will shine on it I believe. I agree with this 100%. I couldn't ask a better bolt/trigger/safety set-up than my Ruger MKII rifles. These and my Sako Finnbear from the early 60's, now, that's the cat's ass right there.
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I have a BACO M-70 Featherweight 308 made in 2008 that was very accurate right out of the box. I installed an Ernie's spring and now the trigger pull is 2 3/4#. Wood is not spectacular but fit and finish is good. Action is smooth and it feeds rounds without a hitch. Last NH M-70 I had was purchased in 1992. It was a POS. Soured me on Winchesters for a long time. I was happy when NH went Tango Uniform and they started making them in SC. I don't mind the MOA trigger at all. I'm tempted to buy an Extreme Weather even if they are assembled in Portugal. What is this Ernie's spring you speak of?
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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"What is this Ernie's spring you speak of?"
Google is your friend.
Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times.
Good times create weak men. And, weak men create hard times.
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Campfire Outfitter
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That link is stale when I click it.
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Campfire Tracker
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"What is this Ernie's spring you speak of?"
Google is your friend.
or I can ask someone here who actually uses one.
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Well,if that link to Ernie the Gunsmith worked you'd see where to buy the spring I mentioned. I hope he isn't out of business. Basically, he sells lighter than factory springs. I put one in my M-70 and got down to 2 3/4#. That's about as light as I want on a hunting rifle. I think it would go lower but I quit at that weight.
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Campfire Outfitter
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Post 64 NH Classics are the best of the best as to M70's in general... except maybe for the pre-war's thru 53' or shortly after.
Phil
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