Stopped in a local pawn shop today that had both of these on the rack. I picked up the Featherweight first and shouldered it. Such a sweet feeling rifle! It had a Burris Fullfield 3-9x40 with the RAC reticle, apparently a fairly scarce reticle option for that time. I then picked up and shouldered the Classic 30-06. I was amazed at how heavy and bulky it felt in comparison to the Featherweight. I have standard weight Pre-64s, but they don't have the bulky feel of that 30-06. Is this something others have noticed, or just me? Do the DBM models have a different, thicker stock than the standard sporters? That was the first M70 I've ever encountered with the DBM. The Classic had a cheap BSA scope on it if that matters.
BTW, the Featherweight came home with me. Checked the serial # and it's a 1986 model.
BTW, the Featherweight came home with me. Checked the serial # and it's a 1986 model.