Model 70 experts/enthusiasts

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scandmx5

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I have always wanted a classic styled model 70. Blued barrel, checkered wood stock. Pre-64/post-64 isn't as much of a big deal to me, however I wanted one that was made in the New Haven, Conn factory. I have found a 1965 Model 70 in 300 Win Mag- iron sights, pretty good condition. The man wants $569 for it, and said it was marked for even more in the last year. Is this worth it or not?

Also for the new Model 70's are the barrels stamped Utah or South Carolina?
 
1965 - 1992??? or so are non-control round feeding actions and are not highly prised rifles.

...buy a late 1990s control round feeding rifle and don't look back
 
According to the current Blue Book of Gun Values a post '64, push feed Model 70, 300 Winchester Magnum in 90% condition is worth $425. I personally wouldn't pay a dime over that for a 1965 model. If I recall, the '65 models had ugly pressed checkering as well.
 
I wouldn't buy it, and would decline to make an offer, as I feel $300.00 ($350.00 if in pristine condition) is about right for that vintage.

:)
 
You're not gonna find many Winchester Model 70's in decent shape for less than $400. RickMD is right, they were downright ugly for the first couple of years post-'64. I was fortunate to find a really nice one made in 1980 (last year before USRA started making them) last year for $500.

Don
 
Thanks guys, I sent him an email telling him I'd pass. I guess I'm just going to have to order a New Model 70 Sporter. I'll feel like it's not a real Winchester though, beings how it was made in SC, or Utah, or I'm not sure.
 
Hell, man, if you want a model 70, hold out for it. I know you said it doesn't matter to you whether it's pre-64 or not but that's actually a big difference. If you really don't care, you'd be better off getting a brand new one than one made in the late 60s. It sounds to me that you (like most of us) value the nostalgia of the old model 70. If that's the case, save your pennies for a few more months and you'll have your pre-64 by deer season.
 
My opinion, pre-64 is the only way to go. I wouldn't give a dollar for a post.
My advice, hold out until you can find a good pre. Guntraders has several.
 
Just my two cents...

I guess I'm just going to have to order a New Model 70 Sporter.

I can tell you about the new Model 70. Two years ago I got a Featherweight in 243. Very smooth action, excellent accuracy. I like it a lot. The wood doesn't have any fancy figure to it, but the finish is very good, as is the metal work. I was choosing between a Ruger 77, Remington 700 and Winchester 70. When I picked them up and worked the actions, the Winchester won me over.
 
It's easy to save a few hundred extra bucks and get the pre-64 that will always return your investment. Buy a post 64 or a modern model 70 and it will always depreciate in value. 581,000+ pre-64's were made, there are plenty of them around in most calibers.
 
Well, if I got a pre-64 it would be a safe queen. Either way, I plan for this to be an heirloom rifle. I once had a Wal Mart Super Shadow 7mm Mag and loved it, actually I wish I hadn't of gotten rid of it. She wasn't anything near a Super Grade or Featherweight, but the barrel sure said New Haven, Conn!

skoro- is the barrel stamped Morgan Utah? BACO? Or are they now stamped as Columbia SC due to the FN ownership?
 
I bought a like new pre '64, .243 Featherweight for $500 four years ago in a local gunshop. It even has the original anodizing on the aluminum butt plate. I've owned several 70's made after '63 and none even begin to compare with the real thing.
 
lucky me

I recently inherited a '63 .243 featherweight with a Weaver K4. not a virgin fer sure but a darn nice looking rifle. Dying to shoot it - soon as the hay is cut and I can get to my back pasture range without trampling the grass I'll give it a go.

Mitch
 
I had a model 70 sporter from the 80's. Beautiful rifle in my opinion. Had a laminated stock, nice blueing and came in 7mm Mag. It shot about 1/2" groups. Unfortunately I sold it as I had a 700 Classic in .300 H&H mag that was just nicer.

My second was a Stealth in .308 I bought when they were closing the plant. Not as pretty as the first but it is a nice rifle. I won't sell it.

I'd buy a new one in a heartbeat.
 
Personally I believe you are on the right track with a new one. You still get CRF reliability and the same basic action, but without the added cost. Sure, it won't hold (or gain) it's value as well as a pre-'64, but it's every bit as good for all intents and purposes. In fact they added a couple safety features to the new one (and Classic series made a decade or so ago) that the original CRF copies didn't have.

Additionally, you can get them in chamberings not offered prior to 1965 (like 7mm-08Rem.).

:)
 
UPDATE!!
Today I walked in to my favorite local pawn shop/gun store. I was eye browsing the rifle display when I saw a black tipped forearm on a wood stock blued barrel bolt action rifle. I leaned way over the counter to view the tag and low and behold it said Winchester! 1973 Model 70 30-06 with a 21-22" bbl and a Bushnell scope. The wood looks better than the really bright blonde wood stock 300 mag that the guy wanted for $569 in first post. It was marked for $339, owner let me get it for $320! It was not the exact caliber or barrel size I wanted, but it is a classic style Winchester with a great price. I think it was meant for me!
 
Metal, hinged floorplate design! The only thing wrong (minus the usual wear on the stock) was that it is tapped for the iron sights but they are missing. Luckily I found a set on ebay that was up for auction, and the guy selling them had another pair he sold me out right. I just hope they fit, they were for a post 64 Model 70, hooded, long front sight ramp. I'm just happy to have a REAL Winchester from New Haven. Hell I even regret selling my Wal-Mart Ultimate Shadow in 7mm, but I still plan on buying a new one in 7mm or 300. I'm not rushing now that I have an original. Oh yeah I'm picking up a mint condition 1300 tomorrow too lol.
 
Not too shabby, scandmx5. IMO you got a more practical chambering too. There's not much you can't do with the venerable old '06...especially for someone living in the South.

:)
 
Thanks for the praises guys! It's used, but not abused. Has character! This will now become a heirloom rifle in my family.
 
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