Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Winchester Collectors Teach me about 26" M70's

I understand the 7mm RM came in classic with a 26" barrel. However, the 3-4 I have run across were supergrades and they all had 24" barrels. Am I incorrect that they came with 26"? The only M70 I have with a 26" is my 270 WBY. I have been looking to buy a 7mm RM with a 26" barrel in classic but havn't had much luck. Am I barking up the wrong tree?

The early classic supergrades and the featherweight/all-terrain had 24 inch barrels.

You aren’t barking up the wrong tree at all. Just look for a classic stainless or classic sporter and you’ll be all set.

The pre64 220 Swift and 264 Win Mag ‘Westerner’ both feature 26” barrels

Or a Classic synthetic matte. I'll bet even an older XTR sporter would have a 26" tube.


The Classic stainless BOSS also has a 26" barrel, if you include the BOSS system.

I had a few 220 Swifts in pre 64's. They were 26 inch. The Swift and the 264 were mostly Stainless. The 300 H&H was also 26 Inch.

ETA: I wrongly claimed my 220 Swifts were 24 inch. They were 26! I haven't owned one in about 20 years!

Absolutely. The classic SM is often overlooked.

+1
I bought a new classic sporter 7RM in 2002 with a 26" bbl.

Thanks for the info. I have no idea why I want a 26”. It’s inconvenient as hell in a blind or in the field but it tickles my fancy so why the hell not. Don’t need 7mm RM either but after looking for ammo and not being a reloaded, I’m sticking to the common calibers.

Nice thing about the Boss M70's in various magnums, you can cut the damn thing off and still have a nice 23" bbl!

My 1994 mod 70 Classic 7mag has a 26" barrel.When I got that rifle it was my first 26" barreled rifle.At first it was a little getting used to it,but now I don't mind the longer barrel at all.I even have one rifle with a 28" barrel.It's not too bad either.It's what you get used to I guess.

Amen..

Not having any luck finding ammo for the 270 wby magnum you just bought?

I'll agree with you guys. The first classic stainless 7mm rem mag I bought had a 26" tube on it. I hated that sob with a passion!!! Cut it down to 23" and never looked back. That length was about ideal. Only lost about 50fps in velocity too, so no big loss in that department, but it became much more nimble feeling in the field, and I didn't feel like I was bumping the damn barrel on everything, like they would a 2x4 in a 3 stooges film...

Now, as far as the BOSS goes. I always disliked the looks of them hanging out on the end of the barrel. Thought it was a hokey system. But in using it, I like the reduction in recoil that it gives, and to be honest, I really don't notice a difference in noise level vs. the other 7mm rem mag I have. Maybe it's the design, or maybe it's because my hearing is shot anyways?? But when you shoot both similar rifles side by side with the same loads, you'll feel the difference. Not that either one kicks very hard, but that is besides the point. I like both rifles I posted pictures of equally well. If I were forced to sell one, I'd hang on to the blued one, because that was someone's only rifle. They used it to hunt everything and they loved it. Both rifles shoot exceedingly well. The OP's choice to get a 7mm rem mag, is a good one.

I have a 264 Westerner with a 26" barrel and when the Remington 300 RUM came out Davidson made a run of them in a Mod. 70. I have one of those and it has a 26" barrel.

No, but I got time. I’m going to start reloading so I’ll either find ammo or generate it. I’d actually like to have another rifle like it. I have a few duplicated rifles and it’s a fun thing to do sometimes.

I know of a 7mm RM but it’s a supergrade classic with a 24” barrel. It’s really nice but pricey.

Buy it, buy it. I think the OP wants one with a wood stock though..

I have a Super Grade stock I'd sell him for it.. Came off my 300 RUM

I had a 2002 M70 Classic .264 WM with 26” barrel, considered it sort of a niche rifle. Sitting in a stand or for antelope it was just fine, but for much moving and climbing I find a 26” bolt rifle somewhat clumsy.

Nice. That would be a great combo.