I am currently looking at purchasing a Winchester model 70 classic stainless in either 300 WSM or 270 WSM and I have a few questions. For some reason I am having a little trouble finding the info online. My google skills must need a little sharpening. Both guns are brand new and the guy has the box for the 270 WSM. I think I am leaning more towards the 300 since I have a nice 270 already. I cannot seem to find what an approximate NIB price should be on these. Also, for guys who own one of these, how are the handling characteristics, expected accuracy and weight. I have not personally held either one of these yet and I am trying to make an informed decision.
I've got a 270 and 7mm WSM Classic M70. Both of them are two of my best shooters with just about anything I put through them. Mine are the laminated versions though.
MSRP on the stainless classic Ultimate Shadow was $1,030. Not sure what variation you are looking at. Cheesy plastic stock with this iteration.
Plan on putting Boyd's stocks on them if they have that cheap ass plastic stock. My .375 has acceptable accuracy simply because of the heavy barrel seems to withstand the squirming around of the forearm. My 300 WSM threw enough flyers I found it unacceptable and contacted Boyd. Now it is a true MOA rifle..
I paid 550 for my last one 270WSM
If changing the stock made any difference in accuracy the original stock wasn't bedded or free floated properly. They shoot just fine in the factory stock if they are. I did eventually put mine in an Edge stock, not to make it more accurate, but to reduce weight. The rifle with a Leupold 3-9X40 weighed almost 8.5 lbs originally. I had to buy new bottom metal anyway for the Edge stock and went with PT&G aluminum. I ended up with a 7.5 lb scoped rifle that still shot MOA. Put one in a laminated Boyds stock and you'll end up over 9 lbs scoped.
I've seen them sell used between $600-$800.
I like the 300 much better than the 270 WSM. You can push handloads up very close to 300 WM, but I found mine shoots best at about 2950 fps with 180's. This almost exactly splits the difference between 30-06 and 300wm for both performance and recoil. The whole point of the WSM line of cartridges is to use them in a lightweight rifle. If you start adding weight to them or pushing speeds closer to 300 WM, then it makes more sense to just buy the 300 WM.
One thing to consider is that there were some quality issues with the later Stainless Classic WSM calibers. I've personally seen a couple of them with very badly cut chambers and poor threading and barrel mounting, and have heard of a few others as well. Small sample, but something to keep in mind and make sure that you don't have one with issues before you buy. That said, I have had four WSM cal Extreme Weathers (Baco/FN) manufactured, all of which were great rifles, very accurate, and fed well. Wasn't a fan of the factory B & C stocks at the time, but they wer serviceable and held zero fine, and may have been slimmed a bit with the newer ones with the silver spider webbing, haven't handled one of those yet. One now is wood stocked, one is in a Micky, and my Dad has one still in the B & C. Sold one as I didn't need two 300 WSMs.
Good luck with your search,
Craig
http://www.gunbroker.com/item/670985451Data point for you; also had upgraded b & c stock.
I have a 300 WSM SS classic and it performs great. I did put a B&C Ti stock on it, bedded it and free floated the barrel. Also had the trigger done.