I have researched the new Winchester Model 70 Featherweight Compact and am driving to possibly buy one in .243. I have used barrel lengths from 16.5 to 26 and have decided 22 is about right in the field for me. Recently the FWT became available in a compact version with 20 inch barrel and shorter length of pull. I have talked to one guy who owns one and he is very impressed with his in 7mm08. At my age I will probably not buy a lot of rifles in the future and just use and maybe even swap some I do have around. In fact I will probably trade a new Winchester 94 30-30 Sporter to make the deal More affordable. I do find that in the field standard 13.75 LOP is pretty long with a winter jacket on. The 94. Winchester is a lovely rifle and I will lose some $$$$ with the swap of an unfired NIB rifle but that is the way things go! If the Model 70 FWT Compact has been available when I bought the new lever action Sporter I probably would have got that instead?
The Model 70 Compact has been around since the early 2000's. US Repeating Arms first introduced them. I bought one in 243 Win about 2005.
The original Model 70 Compact from US Repeating Arms weighed in at 6 pounds while the FW Commpact weighs 6.5 pounds. Go figure.
http://www.winchesterguns.com/products/catalog/historic-detail.asp?family=099C&mid=535017http://www.guns.com/reviews/winchester-model-70-featherweight-compact/
I've not shot one by lust after them myself. I could be pretty set up for a long time with one in .308 Win.
Yes, I am fully aware that Winchester made the Model 70 Featherweight Compact in years gone by! They were very nice and I maintain one of the most difficult to find Winchesters, Therefore I conclude they they were popular and will continue to be!
In many ways the .308 is one of the best compact calibers. .308 tolerates a short barrel very well! Of the four calibers made for the Model 70 FWT Compact, three are ..308 and two .308 cased rounds. The 7mm08 is also a great choice.
I've owned several of them, and they are wonderful little rifles. I've always appreciated small trim guns, and I have also had several Rem Model 7's in Stainless/Synthetic. The wood/blue 70 Compacts appealed to my love of classic guns, but in a small lightweight package, so I purchased my first one as soon as they were announced. I've hunted them quite a bit, and don't have a single negative thing to say... Hope you enjoy!
The first Winchester Model 70 FWT Compact I ever had a chance to buy, I have money on it now, is in .243. I would have maybe taken it in 7mm08 but as I have five .243s it works best that way. The 21st I make the long drive to go get it!