308 Bolt guns 700 vs. M70

[tarosean]

Im thinking of either of these two rifles..

M70 Stealth 1:12 twist 26" Heavy Barrel
or
700 SPS Tac AAC-SD 1:10 twist 20" threaded Barrel.

Just for punching paper as far as I can with 308.... All my "bases" are covered 10 fold.

Which would you choose and why?????

 

[P.B.Walsh]

I've had both... well an SPS-V and the same M70. The M70 is a better rifle in my low opinion. Why? Well it has better features with the action (CRF, fixed ejector, 3 pos. safety, intergral recoil lug, flat bottom receiver), and a Bell & Carlson full aluminum bedded stock as opposed to the half bedding of the Houge that the AAC-SD comes with.

The finish and smoothness will be to a higher standard with the M70 as well. In the end, they'll both shoot about equal.

In a fit of stupidity... I sold both, now buying an SPR (beefed up M70 from FNH) if that tells you anything.

Disclaimer: I AM A WINCHESTER MODEL 70 FANBOY.

 

[bikemutt]

I've had the 700 SPS AAC-SD in .308 and could not get that rifle to shoot well for me, it was both unruly, despite a brake, and not very accurate. A friend is going through the same thing with his right now. On the other hand, probably one of the best long range shooters I know uses one and swears by it. Maybe I just got a bad one.

 

[USSR]

Model 70 Stealth, for sure. Why? Stiffer receiver, longer and better barrel, and a much, much better trigger. All my boltguns are Model 70's.

Don

 

[Aaron Baker]

If you're going to look at a 700, you should look at the .308 SPS Varmint. Thick varmint barrel in 26" length. I put mine in a Bell and Carlson Medalist Light Tactical stock, threw a mildot SWFA SS scope on it (fixed 12 power, since I'm on a budget). I shoot mine with M118LR clone loads exclusively, and I'm happy with the accuracy.

Plenty of options for upgrading the 700, although from what folks are saying, the M70 may be better out of the box. But definitely consider the Varmint if you're going to consider the 700. The only reason to get an AAC-SD is if you're planning to suppress it and want it factory threaded, or if you really want a short, more maneuverable barrel, which it doesn't sound like you do.

Aaron

 

[C-grunt]

I'm a M700 fan but for long range shooting those Hogue stocks suck. If the Winchester comes with a B&C or HS Precision that is a big plus.

I had a SPS-V that I had in a B&C stock topped with a Nightforce. With my hand load shooting a 178 grain AMAX it was sub MOA out to 850 yards. Never got it out to 1000 for anything measurable. That rifle even shot cheap ammo well. Ball ammo and cheap hunting loads would stay under 2 MOA. With match ammo it averaged about .75 to 1 MOA and would occasionally shoot a .4 to .6 MOA group.

 

[Bobson]

For punching paper "as far as you can," you'll want heavier bullets, which will benefit from a faster twist. This gives the R700 an advantage. If you go with the Remington, you'll probably want to upgrade a few things (definitely the trigger right away, and probably the stock sooner than later). On the plus side, the R700 is the Lego of rifles. If you find yourself wanting to make changes to the M70, you won't have as many options, and you'll also be more limited on smiths who are wizards with the platform.

Ultimately, I think, neither rifle would be a travesty. I'd go with the Remington, despite their company reputation over the last decade. At least they're still made in America, which is another important thing to me. M70s are now assembled in Portugal, from what I understand. It's a shame, IMO.

 

[eastbank]

the CFR thing is over rated for target shooting, i can see it in combat or on a dangerous game rifle maybe. what i like about push feed remingtons is that you can work the bolt very slowly and case still flys out of the action and if the trigger is adjusted the way it should be in the right steps ABC its alaways been accectible to me. that comes with having owned over 50 remington rifles over 50 plus years. eastbank.

 

[Clint M]

First decide which action you like better. If you prefer controlled round feed over push feed or the other way around, as mention for punching paper (and non dangerous game) either will work just fine.

I prefer Remington, and I guess am a 700 fanboy to some extent while keeping my head on my shoulders at the same time. I have owned and like Winchester 70 controlled round feed, and push feed actions I have never noticed stiffer action on either, nor feed problems (other than factory feed on CRF winchester) on either from position of rifle.

I will say Remington has many more aftermarket options, and the above poster is correct a Houge stock isn't much as far as paper shooting from a bench or bipod etc, however many stocks are available for Remington when buying new, or aftermarket, also used. If I were purchasing a rifle to shoot paper I would get a heavy barrel.

 

[tarosean]

Well I went with the M70... Ive owned many 700's in various calibers and still own a BDL in 30.06 that was my first "big boy" hunting rifle.. Its just not a precision gun.Thought Id try something different. Action is smooth and trigger is crisp on it.

Now for the hunt for an optic. With the exception of my AR. I haven't really shot any of my rifles in 10yrs or so. I couldn't make out/see the targets at 100yrds with irons last time I tried a few months ago. (Yes I am current on eye exams/prescriptions )

 

[Bart B.]

Clint, I was referring to how stiff the receivers are, not how smooth their bolts operate.

Receiver stiffness can be measured easily to see how much they bend in the vertical plane. As the recoil axis is the bore axis, the more it's away from the center of mass (COM) that holds the barrel (action, sights, stock and whatever's holding onto them), the more the barrel will bend and vibrate. A barrel's back end is fit into the receiver and that makes receivers bend a tiny amount; typically in the vertical plane with a little to one side.

That aside, if the COM that holds that barrel is exactly on the bore axis, the barrel won't whip, wiggle nor vibrate at all. It'll go straight back regardless of how stiff it might be

 

[gamestalker]

I'm not all that familiar with the .308, but I have had lots of M70's and 700's in my hands, and both are solid actions, IMO. But I just prefer the 700's.

For me, the 700 is easy to get tuned, and after market accessories are every where and easy to find. Probably more a personal thing than anything else, but I would go the 700 route.

But your the one buying it, so just buy the one that appeals to you the most, both will shoot well with the right load and tuning performed on it.

GS

 

[Bobson]

Well I went with the M70... Action is smooth and trigger is crisp on it.

Now for the hunt for an optic.

Is there a separate thread where you'll be looking for recommendations on glass? Lol

Let us know how it shoots for ya.

ETA: According to the Winchester website, the Stealth was last manufactured in 2007. You didn't happen to find a new one for sale, did you?

 

[tarosean]

Is there a separate thread where you'll be looking for recommendations on glass? Lol

I doubt I will be asking for Glass recommendations as that is a very personal thing IMO, much more than a firearm. Besides I dont want to hear "My $20 SPI is the best thing since sliced cheese". If you know what I am saying.

According to the Winchester website, the Stealth was last manufactured in 2007. You didn't happen to find a new one for sale, did you?

Yes the LGS had 2 NIB. Winchester has conflicting info on their site by model # as it shows up "last in catalog" 2011 too.

http://www.winchesterguns.com/products/catalog/historic-itemdetail.asp?id=535120220

 

[Bobson]

I hear ya on glass. That's awesome to find a new one; from what I understand, those Stealth rifles were an outstanding bargain from a price-performance aspect. Nice find.

 

[GAMEOVER44]

You might want to take a look at a Ruger Gunsite Scout in 308. Hard to beat for the price. Great customer service.

 

[joed]

I have a Winchester Stealth, produced before the factory was closed. That rifle can shoot, believe me. It is one of my favorites. And people say there were quality issues on the older rifles, I haven't seen it in mine. Mine will also fire the first shot and all others to the same POI.

There were 2 Stealths produced. I have the first with B&C stock, 1:12 twist and push feed. I won't part with it.

The second issue of the Stealth is a Stealth II. It has an HS stock is CRF and I believe 1:10 twist.

I also own Remington 700's and like them too. But I wouldn't part with the Stealth.

Don't believe the 1:12 twist handicaps the Stealth, mine will shoot 185 gr Bergers very accurately. I've heard from others that are shooting 190 gr bullets with that same twist.