There is a lot of regional variation in prices on Model 70 Classics, apparently, and availability as well. In my area, stainless Featherweight Classics, in standard calibers, NIB, go for around $900, with the blued Featherweights going for somewhat less. As far as the WSM's and WSSM's being the only calibers available, that apparently is also a big variable. In my area, STAINLESS Featherweights were primarily available only in standard calibers. I have never seen personally a stainless Featherweight in a WSM caliber! The only WSSM's available in stainless Featherweight Classics in my area were the 25's, and they sold like hotcakes at $800, NIB. Around here, the blued Featherweight Classics never could sell for prices the stainless version could. The stainless models would sell in a heartbeat, while the blued ones would sit around. The only Classics I have EVER seen sell for $1000, were Super Grades and some 270Win. stainless Classic Featherweights. Yeah, I know, 375's and such will get a good price. I am not seeing any softening in prices for these models.
I agree with highridge1, push feed Model 70's are cheap, always were cheap, and will stay cheap. Only Classics have been actually getting a premium, with Super Grades being the hottest, followed by stainless Classic Featherweights, with all other models being less desirable. Certain model/caliber combos are extremely hot, such as, for instance, a 325WSM stainless Classic Featherweight would be highly desirable, if you could even find one. The average Model 70, such as a push feed (to include any varmint grade rifles), even the standard blued/wood Classic Sporters, just don't get much of a premium, if any. I think the press about Model 70's being over-priced, etc., is highly exaggerated. It only applies to certain models and/or caliber/model combinations. It doesn't apply to the majority of them. Yeah, sure, everybody was trying to cash in on the demise of the Model 70, and get as much as they could. But what actual selling prices were is the only thing that counts, not what some unscrupulous seller, trolling for a sucker, is/was asking. Some people, no doubt, caught up in the excitement, paid too much for a less desirable model. Live and learn.
It will be interesting to see what develops for next year. While the new Model 70 may indeed be of higher quality and cheaper. Did I read that right, cheaper?? Cheaper, maybe, than the prices CERTAIN models are getting right now. Not likely, for the run-of-the-mill Model 70, IMHO. With what Remington is wanting for their rifles, I can't see Model 70 Classics being cheaper than a 700. A CDL SF is a $900 rifle in my local money pit. (And they are selling at that price point, I bought one myself.) Is the new stainless Classic Featherweight (if there is going to be such a critter) going to be cheaper? I don't know, but other than the fluted barrel on the CDL SF, I don't see how or why. Personally, I think what we are seeing in the firearms market place, is higher prices in general, and I don't see the new Model 70 bucking this trend. It is a possibility, I suppose, that the initial offerings will be somewhat lower priced, with price increases later.
Whatever will be, will be, and I am anxiously anticipating the arrival of the new Model 70's. There are a LOT of unanswered questions at this time. Such as, what models and calibers are they going to produce initially, and also down the road? No doubt there may be new models. Are they going to go for the higher grade models and/or Classics first, or are they going to go for the Wally World market first? Or are they going to come out with a full line, first rattle out of the box? What calibers? Are the WSSM's dead? ETC.
I can't wait to find out!