What is your preference, the new model with MOA trigger or the older version with standard sear? Talking about the 1980's version and the current models.

I like the 80's version but still change the triggers.

I'm a fan of the open trigger, but I get the new M70's seem to be pretty nice rifles from what many are saying.
If I couldn't buy a pre 64 then I'd get a NH classic.

The Model 70 is lately getting more campfire posts than I can remember for a long time. What's up? Seems to be doing well for a rifle that some perhaps think is on its way out.

The 80's era and onward covers a lot of territory with fit and finish. Serial numbers usually define what is thought to be "better". CRF vs. push feed, etc.. New Havens are getting their own following after the move to S.C. and now BACO. I have had 5 BACO's and still have two. Their fit and finish is quite good as is the downrange view. But my sample size is anecdotal.

Thinking back to the Portuguese made shotguns I've owned, they were never any problems back then either.

I have a BACO M-70 Featherweight 308 made in 2008 that was very accurate right out of the box. I installed an Ernie's spring and now the trigger pull is 2 3/4#. Wood is not spectacular but fit and finish is good. Action is smooth and it feeds rounds without a hitch. Last NH M-70 I had was purchased in 1992. It was a POS. Soured me on Winchesters for a long time. I was happy when NH went Tango Uniform and they started making them in SC. I don't mind the MOA trigger at all. I'm tempted to buy an Extreme Weather even if they are assembled in Portugal.

I've had pre 64's, 80's PFs, 90's and 00's Classics, and BACOs. The BACOs have been the most accurate out of the box, and I like the MOA trigger. (If I hunted in freezing rain alot, I might feel differently :))

I've got one of each, .243 N.H. model and a 7-08 BACO. Both are accurate. Sent the 243 out for trigger/safety adjustment since the trigger pull varied considerably if the safety had been on or not. Gunsmith called it a P.O.S. and insisted on a rifle basics replacement trigger.
The BACO got a spring from Ernie and has been fine since.
Both are accurate and reliable.
I don't hunt in real bad weather anymore so not worried about the box triggers.

The Classics, 1992-2006 are in my opinion the best all around Winchester rifles. The XTR's made in the 80's and 90's are very good rifles too, but all things being equal I just prefer CRF.

I also own a new rifle with the MOA trigger. While I'd prefer the older style trigger this one has given me no reason to doubt it.

Yep...

I'd be looking for a different gunsmith (if you and really call him that). The oldstyle model 70 trigger is one of the easiest to work on...

Have never owned the new model 70, but am seriously thinking about getting one. Hunt mostly with a pre-64 FW in 06 and a Westerner in 264. Really like the new 264 FW, but am a little worried about the 24" barrel not doing the round justice. Can't think that 2" makes that much difference like you read.

Had multiples of all of them and I'll take the pre 64's.

For every BACO that shot very accurately I can recall a pre 64 that did as well.

I'm in agreement with Bob on this, but the late '90s versions weren't bad at all, especially after a good 'smith goes over them.

I think the Post 64 Featherweight is one of the nicest looking and well balanced Winchesters ever made.I have had quite a few push feeds and CRF`s and have not had a bad one.I have not had one of the Post 2006 models,but If I see the right one would try one.

I had a 1994? manufacture FWT, a push feed. It was a very accurate, reliable rifle. Have no idea on the new ones, but they look pretty!

No question the Pre 64s were built by Craftsmen

My '92 .280 Fwt Classic is a gem. It needed some initial adjustment to smooth up the feeding though. Trigger was tuned by a buddy.

Don't really care where they are assembled, So I think I will get a 7mm-08 from Portugal.

The "open" trigger is the main drawing point of the Win70 platform that sets it apart clearly from others outside of the Mauser 98.

Once the "open" trigger design is gone, then the Win is not better/worse than a lot of other guns.

For me, I would look straight to the MkII/Hawkeye Rugers if I couldn't have the "open" trigger of the earlier Winnys.

The open style trigger with the sear from the 80's and 90's.

If Trump has his way, there will be an import tax on Winchesters coming from Portugal. Maybe Browning will see fit to re-introduce the Winchester Model 70
back to the USA?

Most likely, they would simply drop it altogether. There's enough Win70s in the world already, to keep us all happy 'til we're dead and gone.

now there's a sobering thought!

Montana Rifle Company current production trigger is below. Is this the open trigger design you mention?

I have shot the M 70 since I got my first new one in 1957 and I still shoot it. I have a battery of the pre 64's including a 358 & 375.

The post 64 M70 did not impress me and now I trying customs, the Kimbers, and Brno 21s & 22.

I'll cut in - yes, this is the open trigger design discussed above.

I'll also add that the Ruger M77 MkII may be the finest action out there yet: True Mauser feeding/extraction, extractor doesn't bisect the left locking lug, elegantly simple and foolproof safety that holds the striker back, open trigger design that can be worked down safely to a crisp let off below 3#, integral scope bases on receiver, steel trigger guard. Handles escaping gas from a case rupture very well.

The masses never embraced this rifle, but history will shine on it I believe.

I like the pre-64 especially the Westerners. The one I have all shoot really well.

I wish I had held on to my Ruger MkII's. I'm sure some of the others here at the fire feel the same way about their Pre64 M70s!

That's about how I see it as well. A hundred years from now, I think all the Ruger MKII/Hawkeyes will still be working just fine.

I like the older ones myself.

How can you tell when and where a M70 was made? I've thought a featherweight should be in my arsenal, but they have made it rather confusing and I've not taken the time to sort out what are the good vs. not as good years/locations.

Ok, I'm assuming you can identify a pre64 FWT

If it's a push feed, it was made in the 80s

If it's CRF, and the serial number starts with "G", it was made in New Haven in the 90s or up to 2006

If it's serial number starts with 35, followed by 3 letters, it's a FN made rifle

I agree with this 100%. I couldn't ask a better bolt/trigger/safety set-up than my Ruger MKII rifles. These and my Sako Finnbear from the early 60's, now, that's the cat's ass right there.

What is this Ernie's spring you speak of?

"What is this Ernie's spring you speak of?"

Google is your friend.

http://www.erniethegunsmith.com/

That link is stale when I click it.

or I can ask someone here who actually uses one.

Well,if that link to Ernie the Gunsmith worked you'd see where to buy the spring I mentioned. I hope he isn't out of business. Basically, he sells lighter than factory springs. I put one in my M-70 and got down to 2 3/4#. That's about as light as I want on a hunting rifle. I think it would go lower but I quit at that weight.

Link to Ernie's spring seems to work now.

http://erniethegunsmith.com/catalog/i170.html

Post 64 NH Classics are the best of the best as to M70's in general... except maybe for the pre-war's thru 53' or shortly after.

Phil