[Kestrel]

I have an opportunity on a Pre-64 Win Featherweight (lightweight?) .30-06 in 98% condition for $750.

Is this a good rifle? It has an aluminum floorplate and triggerguard (which I don't like). Is this a durable, reliable rifle?

Thanks,
Steve

[cratz2]

They're beautiful rifles and I will absolutely have one someday but everytime I'm on the verge of buying one, they just seem to be a bit pricey compared to the new rifles. To me, it's just a bit hard to justify the cost.

That and I think that for the sort of hunting I do (which doesn't really require a 30-06) I might not opt for a Featherweight. Maybe a Featherweight 257 Roberts, but for me, not a Featherweight 30-06.

[Coltdriver]

$750 is the Blue Book Price for a 30 06 featherweight in 98% condition.

The book says that the reason they are called featherweights is that the floor plate and trigger guard are aluminum as you point out.

So if you want one, that is a fair price.

Model 70's, pre 64 and pre 53 are well known as exceptionally well built rifles.

I searched out and purchased a pre 64 Model 70 because they have an excellent reputation and generally speaking, you can always get your money back out of the rifle if you want to sell it.

[cratz2]

Is that really the only difference between the standard rifle and the Featherweight? I though the Featherweight had a slimmer barrel. Old age setting in very prematurely. ;)

As CD says, if you don't like it, it shouldn't be hard to get your money back out of it.

[tex_n_cal]

The Featherweight has the aluminum parts, also a little lighter barrel contour - no extra screw fixing the barrel to the forend.

My brother has one which allegedly belonged to former mercenary in Africa, and it is deadly accurate. Others claim they aren't as accurate as the standard Pre-64 M70.

[Kahr carrier]

Nice Buy it:)

[cheygriz]

IMHO, the finest bolt action hunting rifle ever made, in the best hunting caliber ever devised.