Transformation of Model 70?
- Thread starter bmars
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Abel
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Not true. Herstal has not set a new standard for boltactions. They are simply building up to the standards that the consumer expects. These standards were set years ago. But this new M70 is very nice. I really like the Featherweight.
Maverick223
Member
I agree with the above, they are generally great guns, but the rifles of the past were no worse and often were better (with respect to machining and craftsmanship) than the best of today. I too really like the Featherweight.
The new FN M70's are a good design and well made enough. They are a far better design than the R. 700 for a hunting rifle.
The M70 has a far superior safety that controls the firing pin on both full safe with the bolt locked and also allows a hot chamber to be emptied on safe.
Also the Winchester has a superior extractor, ejector and CRF. Even the M70's bolt handle is better attached.
To be frank the Kimbers work even better for me but its so good to see the M70 back.
I used Rem's for target shooting and they did that well.
The M70 has a far superior safety that controls the firing pin on both full safe with the bolt locked and also allows a hot chamber to be emptied on safe.
Also the Winchester has a superior extractor, ejector and CRF. Even the M70's bolt handle is better attached.
To be frank the Kimbers work even better for me but its so good to see the M70 back.
I used Rem's for target shooting and they did that well.
Maverick223
Member
There is one thing that makes the new model Winchester M-70s better than the pre-64 version from which they were derived; they handle gas better due to a design change. This allows you to safely push cartridges a little harder and faster. Although I don't really see this as a major point because the gains are typically insignificant, it is still a safer design, no question about it. FWIW, the "Classic" M-70s also had the same design.
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Abel
Member
Its the finish, the weight, but most of all, the schnabel fore end and the sweet scroll checkering.
Maverick223
Member
^That, and CRF reliability/durability (which I prefer for hunting), along with a slick action (one of the best IMO) and good machining.
I have a m70 pre 64 in 30 06 and I hunt with modern r700's of various calibers. My m70 must have barrel problems cause it is not that accurate. It also weighs a lot. I understand the controled round feeding thing but I think it is way overblown, I have never had feed problems with any of my rifles and I like the accuracy of the 700.
The new M70s are nice and accurate, and lightweight for what they are.
Personally, I would not bother paying for a Pre-64. I don't think they're that great. As you said, they're heavy and, though they have great accuracy potential, they can have issues in stock form (not barrel problems: outdated ideas about bedding, I believe).
However, as a hunting rifle, the new Model 70 is a cut above the 700 in features and function, and a cut below it in price.
They also have made me uninterested in shelling out extra for a Kimber, or especially a T/C Icon, both of which were "on my list" before the FN Model 70s hit the shelves. I do think that the Model 70 will have an impact on the offerings and prices of other makers.
Personally, I would not bother paying for a Pre-64. I don't think they're that great. As you said, they're heavy and, though they have great accuracy potential, they can have issues in stock form (not barrel problems: outdated ideas about bedding, I believe).
However, as a hunting rifle, the new Model 70 is a cut above the 700 in features and function, and a cut below it in price.
They also have made me uninterested in shelling out extra for a Kimber, or especially a T/C Icon, both of which were "on my list" before the FN Model 70s hit the shelves. I do think that the Model 70 will have an impact on the offerings and prices of other makers.
Maverick223
Member
Apparently a rogue "no" got in that sentence (since fixed)...so I can understand the confusion.ants said:
The original M-70 didn't handle gas that well (not important unless you vent gas via split brass, et al), but per my understanding since the "Classic" series the M-70 has an improved design that handles the gas a bit better by using a "gas block" (not sure if this is the correct term) on the bolt. This block prevents gases from following the raceway and being directed into the shooters face. Rather it is directed into the magazine where it is allowed to dissipate generally causing no harm to the shooter or equipment. It is very nice feature for the handloader that wants to squeeze every bit of life they can out of their brass. The venerable Mauser G-98 platform employs a similar design and vents gas efficiently as well.Same here, for use (rather than collecting...looking at) the new models are just as good and in a few ways actually superior. Furthermore there is no reason to purchase a rifle that costs twice as much, unless you just have to have it.
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