Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Which 308, Winchester M70 FWT or Ruger M77 Hawkeye?

Which rifle would you pick, it you had to choose between these to 308's, the Winchester M70 FWT or Ruger M77 Hawkeye? Winchester does not make a M70 Sporter in 308 so I would have to use the Featherweight, it list a 6.5lbs. The Hawkeye is 7lbs. This rifle would be for my teenage daughter. I don't want the rifle to be too heavy, but if it is too light it will kick too much. The caliber will be 308 Winchester. With 150 grain Hornady SST's or Nosler Ballistic Tip's antelope/deer and 150 grain Barnes TTSX's, Hornady GMX's or Nosler E-Tip's for elk/moose for an effective load that does not recoil too much. I would appreciate any opinions.

Take her to the gun emporium, let her handle both rifles, and then let her tell you which one she wants.

Tough choice, both are good rifles. I would favor the Winchester just because I like the way it looks, but I believe mathman has it right in letting her decide which one she likes best.

M70 FWT

You'll never wonder "what if?"

Either will do, I happen to like Ruger.

IMHO, getting the stock cut to a comfortable length will have the biggest effect on her enjoyment and results.

YMMV

Had the Hawkeye and have the Featherweight in 308. Go for ergos both rifles are solid.

Let her pick. I have a FWT in .30-06 that I love, I have a .260 Ruger M77 that I am beginning to love. I like the ergos on the M70 better, but I haven't handled a Hawkeye stock. Both actions are slicker than snot, I like the trigger ergos on the M70 because it's more straight back, she might like the more angled Ruger if she has smaller hands. You won't go wrong either way. That being said, my M70 kicks like a mule with stout 165 gr. loads, the .260 doesn't kick much with stout 130 gr. loads, and when the ranges get to 400 yds, there isn't much difference in trajectory or energy.

My fiancee negotiated that we needed a girlfriend/loaner rifle.
I agreed to a 7mm-08. Took her to the gunstore and she held everything. Squirmed when she held the Kimber and the Sako 85 but breathed when she decided the A7 fit the best. She really didn't like any barrel weight because her arm got tired. I think fit and balance are going to be the main considerations.

I noticed that the Mod 7 Rem .308 did not make your list? The .308 is my deer cartridge of choice, but in a Sav 99.

I agree, let her pick. If there is a concern on recoil, go down to a 7mm-08 or 260 rem.

Let her choose, not a bad choice to be made here both are fine rifles...............Good luck............Hillbilly.

The current production M70 will be much more accurate. You don't need premium bullets on deer sized game. Get some Core-Lokts. On the big stuff Nosler Partitions would be best.

Depending on her build I would say that the FWT will be just that little bit lighter to shoulder & carry without being too light, plus it has a proper recoil pad fitted - but the Ruger is a goodie too - as the others here have said - let her decide....

I call BS on that, but then again I actually own one of the rifles in question and owned the other.

I've owned both.

I think you haven't

Both are great rifles, I agree with many, let her handle both. If you are not looking to restock or put much work in replacing a pad, the M70 has a big advantage in already having a pad that would actually absorb recoil.

Great cartridge choice BTW!

Keep in mind if you are going to shorten the length of pull a wood stock is far easier shorten than a synthetic one. I have a M70 stainless classic sporter 30-06 and the Hawkeye would be the winner for me, specifically a stainless model with the gray laminated stock.

Judging by the accuracy of the half dozen or so new model 70s I've seen, get the Featherweight. Karnis hooked me up with a 7-08 & it's pretty amazing, as are the various others in his stable. (Especially his new '06 All Weather..)

I was never a real Winchester fan, but these new SC built rigs have quickly changed my opinion. Though I'm still a 700 ho, for the most part.

Load a 130 grain TSX for low recoil & enjoy.

One of my favorited rifles was my Win M70fwt in .308. The fwt m70 and the Hawkeye are different guns all together. The ruger is bulkier and noticibly heavier. The winchester will have a smoother action, slimmer stock, slimmer safety.

I'd pick the Winchester between the two.