Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Very Sad News

Most recent (made in the last ten years) Model 70s that local friends have bought,have all shot and/or worked like crap.This is around 15 rifles I can think of in all sorts of different cartridges,ranging from 25 WSSM through 338 Win. Magnum.One 264 and the 338 would not do better than 4 inch groups at 100 yards,despite every different load in the book,and both guns going back to Winchester multiple times.Other guns (espically the short magnums),wouldn't feed worth a damn,or feed period.

On the other hand,my early 80s Olin manufactured Model 70 Featherweight XTR in 257 Roberts shoots 0.75 inch or less all day,and feeds fine.In fact,I plan on pulling that one out of the safe and hunting with it this fall.It's just a nice,quality rifle-nothing too fancy,and it gets the job done.It was also reasonably priced when it was built.Why can't Winchester build something like that today?Hell,you can buy a good used Weatherby Mark V with a scope on it for what they want for a new Winchester.

Winchester currently only makes one gun I'd consider buying-the 1895 in 405 WCF with the shotgun buttplate,and even then I don't like the lawyer designed tang saftey that would make John Browning roll over.

You know it's pretty bad when a company as big and as prolific as Winchester,only makes one gun I'd consider buying,as I am a gun nut to end all gun nuts,and need no excuse whatsoever to buy another.

WB.

Don't own a M70, is it even worth picking up a newer one just to have it, or are they too crappy?

I have a winchester semi-auto in 351 SL and a winchester semi-auto 1903 in the old 22. cal.
Plus a winchester 490 semi-auto 22.
Oh and a lever action 30/30 which is one of the old ones.
That is it for me and winchester and so I will not be affected by this. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I don't know about all the "crappy" model 70's that are being discussed above, but my .325WSM Classic Laminated has functioned flawlessly since I bought it late last summer. It's been a great rifle and this from a dedicated Remington fan.
I guess now my rifle is going to be "collectable" to boot. Hate to hear news like this about any firearms plant in the U.S.

Rob

Actually the Post 64 control round feed M70's were very nice. I owned a .375 that was one of the best shooters I ever owned. My M70 7-08, is also very nice.

In many ways they are better than Ruger or Remington, which I also own and use.

I was burned by a Fthrwt in 2002 that was bedded horribly....BUT! My last three were excellent! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

2003 Model 70 LT in 7MM STW
2004 Model 70 Fthrwt in .270
2005 Model 70 Fthrwt SS in 7MM 08

They all shoot MOA or better and fit ,finish is good. My new 7MM 08 is gorgeous and is already shooting some groups under =.050"

...I've got a model 70 Classic in 7mm STW which not only is a beautifuly finished rifle to look at,but is one of the most accurate rifles I own. I've shot a couple 5/8" 3 shot groups with it using Winchester supreme ammo. Not much use for it here in Georgia,but I do still enjoy owning it!