I'm kicking around the idea of selling my lightweight Mauser 98 in 257 Roberts and getting a Model 70 Fwt in the same caliber or .308. I've always liked the featherweights, but other than my 70 pushfeed lightweight with factory Mcmillan, I've never owned one.

I know they went through several manufacturing location changes but what does a newer controlled feed Fwt typically go for in used but good condition?

$600-$850

I have one for sale in 257 Roberts - don't know if it's a Classic or not, but it's available.

How do you tell?

If its a push feed, it's and XTR made in the early 80s. If it's CRF, its a Shot Show Special, made in 2012.

The last "classic" was made in 2006. You are asking about the "newer" CRF fwt's and those are the BACO model 70's. Which one are you wanting?

The Classics were CRF and still have the old style trigger. Production was early 90's-2006. No Winchesters made for a couple of years and the FN rifles came out in 2008 in limited numbers. You didn't see a lot on shelves until about 2010.

Either I suppose, but the classic has the old style trigger and CRF while the FN and BACO guns have the MOA trigger correct?

Correct

Why are you set on CRF for a 257R? Nothing wrong with the push feeds except purists don't like them and think Winchester ceased to exist in 1963.
BTW there is a great article in Sports Afield this month by JB on the M70.

Yes sir, that is correct. Either one is a fine rifle. However, you get complaints about the MOA being a box trigger and not as simplistic as the old style trigger. I really don't mind either and have shot all examples side by side and feel the MOA is crisper and cleaner feeling than even a very fine tuned pre 64 trigger. That is when you install the ernie the gunsmith trigger in it. If I were buying a model 70 rifle right now (not including the infamous pre 64), this is how I'd roll:

Early classic (5 or 6 digit) from '92-approx '98.

Stainless: $750.00-$900.00 depending on condition and chambering/rarity.

Blued: $600.00-$800.00

BACO:

2008 limited: $600.00-$900.00

Pre Portuguese made (before 2012) FN BACO:
2008-2012: $600.00-$800.00


I paid $600.00 for this 2008 limited and it was a damn good FN BACO rifle. Dropped the trigger pull wt. down to 2 3/8 pounds with the easy installation of the ernie spring and it was a true MOA shooter:



I paid $650.00 (shipped) for this FN BACO 308 fwt:


Both rifles were in like new condition.

The older classics are sometimes harder to find, but may be worth considering. Just watch out for some of the later production USRAC's. Their quality/QC went downhill and is one of the reasons for their shutdown in 2006. I actually know where a decent pre 64 308 fwt is for $700.00 and that is the one I'd buy if looking for a good fwt rifle...