Model 70 vs A-Bolt

[TexasEd]

Looking to buy a magnum. I have a few leads on some New Haven guns
NIB - Model 70 Featherweight & Classic Sporter This will be my first magnum. I'm thinking the 300 class...300 win or WSM. I have also read that the A-Bolts have been good in the field. It has to be dependable! Any and all thoughts or opinions would be great.

 

[doctorxring]

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Both are fine rifles. Pic your styling and go with it.

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[desidog]

I have a (LH) M70 Featherweight in .300 WSM It's a great hunting gun, and i took a 230 lb. Russian Boar with it in January...one shot, knocking the guy over and staining the snow pink.

However, as mentioned in a thread here within the past week, apparently the quality at Winchester has gone downhill, roughly after 2005-6, so make sure you inspect the rifle closely. Take out the bolt and check the inside of the receiver, to make sure it is properly buffed.

Also, they are great hunting guns, but if you're into punching paper at the range, with some volume, you should know that the featherweight barrel is thin, and gets hots quick...at which time the point of impact is going to walk around on the target. So cold-barrel shots only. Also, Magnums eat up a barrel quicker than reg. cartridge sizes, so the barrel lifespan is shorter.

And, while i'm at it, due to the light-weight, the gun kicks a bit more. I'm perfectly willing to trade gun weight for recoil if i'll be hiking with the thing on my back for a day or three over miles of rough terrain, though.

I hope this helps you make a good decision. cheers, D

 

[gga357]

If it is the new(2008-2009) M70 then that's the way to go.

 

[rangerruck]

I would do a A bolt over a 70, if you look at the 2, and look at the receiver, and the bolt, actually take them out, you will know.