[bushmaster1313]

What are the considerations in choosing between a Standard size Model 70 and a Featherweight in a relatively low recoil cartridge like .243 Winchester?

I can understand want ing the extra weight with more powerful loads like .308 or 30-06

[BrocLuno]

You've hit it. It's mass to absorb recoil mostly. If hunting with 243~260'ish, it's be featherweight for me. A rifle can get heavy if on foot all day.

[TGReaper]

I have a standard Mod.70 in 30-06 and for white tails I shoot 150 grs at 3000 fps.
I also have a Fwt.Mod 70 in .270 in this I shoot 130s at 3000 fps.
The felt recoil is so close to the same that you could not tell the difference.
TGR

[bushmaster1313]

So why get the standard size when a FWT is easier to carry around?

[jmr40]

The Featherweight is featherweight in name only. They are probably my favorite rifle, but by todays standards they aren't particularly light. They are just about perfect in most chamberings. Not too light or too heavy and they balance better than most anything out there. In anything short of a magnum chambering they would be my 1st choice.

Another consideration is the Extreme Weather version. They start with a standard diameter barrel, but the fluting removes just enough weight to just about equal the Featherweight. Sort of gives you the best of both.

[Savage99]

The standard weight M70's are too heavy for a 'deer' rifle. We carry them day after day. Nor do the Featherweights kick too hard for me in 06' etc.

My first M70 was new 243 Varmint model in 1957. That heavy 10# rifle was for position target shooting and long range chucks.

The only 'standard' weight M70's I have are magnums. All the others are Featherweights.

To each his own.

[viking499]

Something about the FWT just makes it a prettier rifle.:rolleyes: