Model 70 Controlled Round Feed

[Guyon]

Whenever Winchester Model 70s come up, folks always seem to say, "Get a pre-64"--presumably for the Mauser-style action and claw extractor.

Is there a difference between this older action and the new "Controlled Round Feed" on current production Model 70s?

 

[Mulliga]

Buy a modern Winchester Model 70 Featherweight. You won't be sorry.

There are differences, mostly improvements. The modern 70 action is stronger, while being plenty reliable with pre-64 style coned breech and full length extractor.

 

[Guyon]

What exactly are the improvements?

 

[Jaywalker]

This opinion on the differences came from TheFiringLine.com, October 2000.

The current M-70 Classic and the pre-64 M-70 have several differences, although not as many as either of them have with the push-feed model.

The M-70 Classic has some of the features of the push feed M-70 such as the anti-bind cut on one of the locking lugs. The pre-64 used a guide rail on the bolt body to prevent binding.

The M-70 Classic action is a little longer than the pre-64 action enabling it to handle full length magnums without releaving the receiver ring. The M-70 Classic will handle escaped gas a little better than the pre-64 will.

In my opinion, the metal to metal fit on the pre-64 M-70 is better than the Classic action. The stocks on the Classics are light years ahead of the pre-64's in terms of fitting the shooter and overall finish. In most cases, a Classic should be more accurate than a pre-64 due to better barrels.

Cactus
Senior Member

Registered: 10-02-1999
Location: Spanaway, WA
Posts: 383

Jaywalker

 

[Guyon]

Interesting. Thanks Jaywalker.