Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles M-70 Extreme Weather

Son is contemplating a new M-70 Extreme Weather, probably in '06.
Elk, deer, antelope primarily in western Montana area. Anything he should be aware of before purchase. Thanks for any input.

Write the check..............

I have the same rifle in 300 WSM. I recommended one to my buddy as well. He just picked up a M70 EW in 30-06 for the exact same purposes you outlined. They are a very nice rifle. Mount a lightweight scope in Talley 1-pc mounts and it will weigh less than 8 lbs.

I don't care for the stock, but the rifle is as good as it gets. I'd still recommend one even with the stock. I bought my 308 used 4 years ago. I used it in the factory stock until I ran across a used Edge here in the classifieds at a good price. Mine is 7 1/4 lbs including the leupold, McMillan, and Talleys. Shoots anything I load in it to MOA or less. Some handloads much less. The action is slick feeding with an excellent trigger.

I have one in .308 it is my favorite rifle. The action is smooth and the trigger crisp. I still need to find an edge for it though.

I have one in 270 WSM. The best out of the box rifle I've owned.

I'm also impressed with Tikka.

I have one in 30-06 in a McMillan just like the 308 above. Slickest action I've ever had and MOA with multiple loads.

Oh, pure blasphemy. It's a winchester, it's not susposed to be slick..

They are a really nice rifle - but a bit "clunky" in the long action, which is a full magnum-sized action. You'll see when you pick one up. The long action is about half a pound more than the short action. And the Bell and Carlson stock is heavy, too. Personally, I would probably go with a short action in the "ultimate shadow" - say the 300WSM, and replace the stock with a McMillan down the track.

No glory shot with the rifle but got this caribou with my model 70 ew in a 325 wsm using 200gr speer hot-cor bullets. Caribou was ranged at 395yds one shot two steps one dead caribou. I know this does not compare to kick ass whitetail hunting or Elk hunting but we had to do something in Ak to keep us busy.

If I had it to do all over again, I'd buy an Ultimate Shadow instead of the EW. I hated the stock on the EW and replaced it with a McMillan FWT stock Edge fill. I doubt the EW out shoots the Shadow, but I'm very pleases with the way my .270 EW shoots.

I see a pattern here

That is a nice rifle Matt. Are you still thinking of having it cerakoted??

I don't think so, the jury is still out but the look is growing on me!

I can't speak to the original configuration as I got mine from BSA already in the edge stock, but I don't find the long action clunky or too big at all the way mine is set up. It is 7.75lbs all up with 4 180gr partitions in her and balances like a dream making offhand shooting very nice. I'd gladly carry this setup anywhere to do anything. I do a lot of stalking and hiking in rough country where the rifle spends it's time in my hands rather than a sling and I absolutely love it.

That rifle does carry and handle very well. The weight is just about perfect for a 30-06 class rifle. If I were to buy another one, it would be set up just like that. The stock is nice too and very grippy as compared to the B&C that it came with. The B&C also seemed long and clubby to me. Here's Matt's rifle on a template that was designed by utah708. This gives a little perspective on how the B&C compares to the Mcmillan compact on this EW:

I also have one in .270 WSM. Just love it. It's great for sheep, caribou and I'd even use it on moose with a heavier bullet (150 gr. or so). Have your son get to the store ASAP & write that check before that rifle finds a different home.
Good luck to him.
Bear in Fairbanks

Has anyone tried these with the McMillan Winchester Hunter (Sako-like, not the Compact Hunter) pattern? Got pics?

IMO the Winchester 70 EW is a no-brainer. Just buy it. They are excellent rifles. The factory Bell and Carlson beats tupperware by a long shot. Upgrade to a McMillan if you find it clubby.

I didn't realize so many put their EW's into a McM. I might have to do the same. I'm not in love with B&C that comes with it but I don't hate it either. Whats a used EW stock fetch? Anybody want to buy one slightly used? Its experienced - killed several elk.......

B, the short action B&C's don't seem to be as "clubby" feeling as the long action stocks like the one that was on 444Matt's rifle. The Mcmillan hunters compact with the edge fill is a huge improvement over the factory stock. Also to the poster that said the B&C is better than factory Tupperware, I have to disagree. Some of my best shooters are in factory Tupperware and the factory stocks are not as slick feeling as the B&C. I absolutely hated the B&C in the rain and snow. Slick as a wet willie in a FN contest!! The B&C is also heavier than factory Tupperware and the aluminum bedding block is a joke...