Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Model 70 Featherweights, New or Old?

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.

I like the 80's version but still change the triggers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 :))

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.

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.

Yep...

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

The open style trigger with the sear from the 80's and 90's.

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?