Model 70's
- Thread starter Twud
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Wasn't there an African model in 458 Winchester?
Vern Humphrey
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While Winchester offered the H&H Magnums beginning in the 1930s, first Winchester Magnum was the .458. The others, the .300 and so on, followed that.
I believe just before they closed their doors, they were offering the .458 Lott, as well, along with the .416 Rem Mag.
I believe just before they closed their doors, they were offering the .458 Lott, as well, along with the .416 Rem Mag.
Clipper
Member
Twud, it was a .275 Rigby, and that was their nomenclature for the 7X57...
SprayAndPray
Member
A bit off topic. I know winchester stopped producing those rifles but i saw several "model 70" brand new on a website, and I dont think it was made pre 64 (probably in the 90ies or 2000+)
Are these just the same as the pre 64? Whats the difference if not? Do they use the same components or at least similar? are they any good?
Are these just the same as the pre 64? Whats the difference if not? Do they use the same components or at least similar? are they any good?
Vern Humphrey
Member
The "Classic" Model 70s are a combination of the pre-'64 and the post-64 designs. The late post-64 rifles had some pretty good features that were incorporated into the "Classic" rifles.
The primary complaints I've seen about them revolve around the extractor and the hot-glue bedding system -- both of which can be fixed for a fraction of what it would cost to put a 3-position safety on a Remington.
The primary complaints I've seen about them revolve around the extractor and the hot-glue bedding system -- both of which can be fixed for a fraction of what it would cost to put a 3-position safety on a Remington.
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Walter Dalrymple Maitland Bell also known as "Karamojo" Bell.
Used a .275 Rigby extensively the .275 A.K.A the 7X57 Mauser they are the same round. A .256 Mannlicher at times and a .416 Rigby when the SHTF. At least according to his book. I didn't know the man.
Used a .275 Rigby extensively the .275 A.K.A the 7X57 Mauser they are the same round. A .256 Mannlicher at times and a .416 Rigby when the SHTF. At least according to his book. I didn't know the man.
On his first couple expeditions he used the .303 British. Of course the shooting he did was much different than the type of shooting done today when hunting elephants (after all, he was out to make money, not get an adrenaline rush).
Jim Watson
Member
As I recall, Bell eventually went to the .318 Westley Richards.
A .275 Rigby I saw displayed at a gun show included a letter from Bell to Rigby asking if their change to a 145 grain semispitzer* bullet was accompanied by a change in rifling twist that would keep him from using the 175 grain roundnose he trusted. I am not clear whether Bell owned that Rigby or if it were just the type he used.
*Reportedly the managing director of Rigby's was hit in the head by an 8mm spitzer during WW I. It glanced 'round his skull, leaving him with nothing but a headache and two scalp wounds, entry and exit. He never trusted or would sell sharply pointed bullets after that.
A .275 Rigby I saw displayed at a gun show included a letter from Bell to Rigby asking if their change to a 145 grain semispitzer* bullet was accompanied by a change in rifling twist that would keep him from using the 175 grain roundnose he trusted. I am not clear whether Bell owned that Rigby or if it were just the type he used.
*Reportedly the managing director of Rigby's was hit in the head by an 8mm spitzer during WW I. It glanced 'round his skull, leaving him with nothing but a headache and two scalp wounds, entry and exit. He never trusted or would sell sharply pointed bullets after that.
Bell used a number of rifles, inc. .256 Mannlicher (6.5mm), .275 Rigby, .318, .450, and maybe, a .416. I don't personally recall him mentioning a .416, but it's been years since I read his books. I need to get one out and re-read it.
He was a superb marksman and he knew elephant anatomy like a surgeon. He found that his light rifles, with good roundnosed FMJ bullets, would kill as well as a .450...for him!
He certainly owned at least one .275, and with it killed more elephant and other animals than with other calibers.
He lived for a few years after the .308 Winchester was intoduced, and commented that he liked its short length. (He disliked the long bolt throw on magnum length actions, for .416, .375 H&H, etc.)
Bell was a remarkable man, and an excellent writer. He must have had nerves of steel.
Lone Star
He was a superb marksman and he knew elephant anatomy like a surgeon. He found that his light rifles, with good roundnosed FMJ bullets, would kill as well as a .450...for him!
He certainly owned at least one .275, and with it killed more elephant and other animals than with other calibers.
He lived for a few years after the .308 Winchester was intoduced, and commented that he liked its short length. (He disliked the long bolt throw on magnum length actions, for .416, .375 H&H, etc.)
Bell was a remarkable man, and an excellent writer. He must have had nerves of steel.
Lone Star
Jim Watson
Member
I have read this, but such references I can find say Mr Bell died in 1951 and the .308 Winchester introduced in 1952.
six 4 sure
Member
would you mind PMing me that site. I'm a big mod 70 fan.
Thanks
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