On the hunt for 7-08 CRF M70 or similar for my son, can get new M70 with e MOA trigger easy enough but would prefer something from the Classic line.

Any faults with the MOA trigger if I end up going that route, or newly made m70's for that matter?

I have 3 of the Classics and one FN made rifle with the MOA trigger. I like idea of the older traditional trigger, but out of the box the MOA trigger is better. With a little work and someone who knows what they are doing the older trigger can be just as good. I'd trust the older trigger to be more rugged and foolproof in extreme conditions which most of us will never see. But so far I've seen no reason to doubt the MOA trigger.

I ran across a good price on a used EW in 308 several years ago. I've since put it in an Edge stock and it has become my go-to rifle. My Classics are in 30-06 and 300 WSM. I like them too, but 308 is more than enough gun 99.9% of the time so it gets used more.

Bought an FN FWT a few years ago. I have been very impressed with the fit and finish and it is one of my most accurate rifles including some customs. The MOA trigger would not adjust low enough for my preferences and I asked about it here on the Fire. Someone pointed me to Ernies springs and now I like it just fine. Maybe it's just me but I wouldn't pay extra to get a Classic if I could get the same rifle manufactured by FN. I buy rifles to shoot, not for collector value.

I dont know if there is much collector value from one to the other. My main curiosity of there were any drop in quality or shortcuts n newly made rifles vs the old.

It seems all to often these days when a company is bought or moved, the final product isnt the same as it was before, and not in a good way.

I have had two EW's with the MOA trigger. The first, a .308, had an excellent trigger pull out of the box and it shot lights out; but like a lot of Loonies I ended up trading it off. Wish I hadn't. My second EW was in 7mm-08. It didn't shoot quite as good as the .308, but was acceptable. The MOA trigger was mushy feeling and wouldn't adjust to my liking. I probably should have tried Ernie's springs but didn't. Now it too is gone. Therefore, to answer your question, I'm 50/50........

I've had good luck so far with the new trigger. Both rifles I have with it have better pulls then the older ones. I do like the simplicity of the old trigger but I haven't heard yet of a new one failing. They really aren't that complex compared to a Timney for instance. Just because they have a box around them doesn't make them less reliable.

Gun people are funny, especially model 70 folks, of which I'm one. Anytime something changes people pine for the old stuff whether it's really better or not. In my mind the new classic M70's are some of the best ever made. They improved several features that were weak points in the pre- 64 design but no body gives them credit for it.

I love my pre64s, but I agree with this. The new M70s are hard to beat.

My problem with the MOA trigger is that you absolutely have to use Ernie's spring for the trigger to meet the advertising copy that accompanied its introduction.

I've replaced the spring in four rifles. Prior to replacing the spring, none of them would adjust to 3 lbs. and one refused to adjust below 4 lbs. Now all four rifles will allow adjustment to 3 lbs and a couple will actually go below. However, one retains a two stage trigger similar to an old Mauser.

Overall the FN guns seems to be of higher workmanship than the later Classics and the accuracy will probably be superior.

Fantastic news, guess I'll call my distributor and see what they have.

I also like the new trigger. I put in the spring (which was easy and hardly cost anything) and it breaks clean and crips at 3 pounds. Really a great feeling trigger. My rifle is a USA made FN rifle - not Brazillian if that makes any difference.

My Pre-64 is better, but my classic (totally stock) is not. Probably because the classic hasn't been shot much.

YMMV.

Jeff

Compact Featherweight in 7-08 for 699.99? Should make a fine rifle for my sons first?

LOL Brazillian... I think you mean Portugese assembled, their was never anything brazil involved.. Parts are still made in America.

Should make a fine rifle for your son.. I like the FN made model 70's the last few yrs of the New Haven run classics the QC was lacking that's why rifles with SN in the 7 digit range are really frowned upon I have 3 of them two are great shooters and one whew talk about a [bleep] barrel. A lot of guys will not buy a Classic if the SN is over 350000 I guess they know something.. Anyhow I have EW in a 325 WSM and first load I tried in it, it was shooting tiny groups the trigger on it is pretty good as well is it the old style trigger good no but its hell of a lot better than some other triggers out their.

ugh!!! I was thinking of Browning I think - didn't they have portuguese guns? Or it could just be CRS syndrome.....

All browning rifles are assembled in Portugal as well.. Browning shotguns japan if I remember right... But Winchester model 70's are being assembled in Portugal a lot of guys say they will never buy a model 70 again... But they are still selling those model 70's as fast as they can produce them

Thanks for the tip. Been bit by the M70 so these tidbits are appreciated.

If you can find a 5 digit classic then you are set the QC on them was very good only thing you might need to change is the extractor.

Don't do it! He will never be able to justify buying another rifle!

hahaha, I half thought of this. I thought maybe I'll start him on a 243, then 06, eventually a 338 or 416. The 7-08 is just one of those rifles that can be a great back up to any other caliber and still let him take most north american game without ever having to upgrade.