Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Wish list: Win m70 FN/BACO small action for 223 Rem

My wish list request:

"Winchester" BACO model 70 with Mauser-style ( "control feed") extractor, in a short action with, with a bolt face for 223 Rem. 24-26" NON-FLUTED varmint barrel with 1-8 or 9" twist. Doesn't have to be stainless, but would be great. Good composite stock (not Hogue).

Make it at the FN / South Carolina plant, ok for Portugal assembly.

They already have the short action, they just need to adapt it to a small bolt face.

C'mon BACO. Get to it.

A CRF for a .223??? Um - no...

There are some older push-feed 223 Remington Model 70 rifles floating around. You might have too look for awhile, but they exist.

That would be a much better option than a CRF rifle in 223 Remington.

I'm with you. I want a controlled round feed .223 in a true scaled to fit action. I'd take mine with a featherweight barrel though.

It would be expensive, and pointless, but I still want it.

I have an older Model 70 Ranger in just that configuration minus the CRF. It a great rifle.

Kimber Montana.

So find a Montana.

Edit - didn’t scroll far enough. What tzone said.

I've never owned a Kimber Montana, but I have owned a Ruger M77 MKII in .223. The CRF function does not work with the .223 cartridge, at least on those rifles. The problem is that the diameter of the .223 round is so small that the case extractor groove does not make it up into the center of the bolt face and the round is not in control of the bolt before it has left control of the magazine. The chamber loading is absolutely "push feed" with the .223. I am sure of this as I spent some time testing it. As far as the M70 is concerned, I believe this will be the same, although I am sure "Redneck" can confirm this. If the Kimber Montana or any other CRF rifle has a significantly smaller bolt diameter than the Ruger, they might feed CRF with the .223 (and other similar sized cartridges). I don't know. Other than the Ruger M77 MKII, I have not checked the feeding on any other .223 rifles with "CRF" actions. If you want to have a .223 chambered in a rifle that has a CRF action, although the "CRF" function does not work, I suppose any of them will do. RJ

Consider one of the Euro-mini actions. A CZ 527 is ready-to-go. A Zastava might need some cleaning up to make it presentable for some.

I’ve long been a fan of CRF rifles, but have come around a bit on push-feeds. If I didn’t already own a nice .223, I’d cobble one together with a Howa Mini 1-8” barreled action, an Oregunsmithing LLC floorplate, and one of several good stock options.

I fantasized over a 223 Model 70 CRF for years, then came across the CZ527. It ain’t a Winchester, or made of stainless but I’m pretty pleased with it! Magazine took a bit of work but now it feeds just dandy.

I would basically want the same thing, but in 243. CRF action, 24 inch non-fluted varmint weight barrel, and a stock that has enough room for the barrel that doesn’t feel “varminty” or “tactical”. Basically, an M70 version of the 700 Varmint Special from the 70s and 80s.

A friend of mine was looking for an older M70 CRF in 223 and he swears that a very small number were made but they are extremely rare.

I have a beautiful M70 walnut stock from a “Sporter Varmint” model I’d like to sell if any of you are going to take on a build of this type.

Beat me to it.....

I typically have nothing but disdain for CRF,as it's a problematic Schit Show. Hint.

That being said,the Montucky stands out from the crowd and especially in 223,223AI and 270(the only .378" chambered rifles I own in same). I don't recall ever being "nice" to them and I've shot out several barrels on same,less issue. Hint.

I am also smitten with CRF in 22LR,though I've only (3) rifles so configured. They too have never been "niced" upon and it is obviously an advantage in Precision,to reliably feed ammo to a smooch,less ANY deformation in transit from magazine to leade. Hint.

The CZ's are pieces of fhuqking schit and heavily compromised in COAL "latitude" to boot. Hint.

Just sayin'................