Need some advice/input re. Winchester M70 7MM

[Buzznrose]

Hey Y'all,

I'm thinking about getting into doing some longer range shooting, something I've not done in many years, since I lived/hunted in MT in the 90's. The goal is just to get back in the groove a bit and prep for some hunting trips in the upcoming years.

My only current bog game (CONUS) rifle I currently have is a Winchester M70 Westerner 7MM rem mag, blue and wood, with an old Bushnell 4*12* 40 scope. The scope has held zero through many military moves, but is in rough shape, and I lost the rubber ring around the eye piece, making it a sharp edge for anyone who may encounter "scope bite".

I like the Winchester, and like the 7MM round. The rifle has killed many deer and speed goats (antelope) in its day, but I'm wanting something lighter that will be easier to carry in the hills.

Anyway, I've been considering buying a Ruger American in .30 caliber ('06 or .308) but that would cost at least $800 considering a $300-400 scope.

So my dilemma is should I buy a new rifle, or can (or should) I modify my M70 with a synthetic stock and new optic? Even if i do buy a new rifle, I'll likely put a new optic on the Winchester unless I can find a rubber ring for the scope.

Rifle has probably 200-300 rounds max. It's nothing fancy, but she's a great meat gun, and I've taken game out to 375 paces on the Eastern MT prairie.

I appreciate your thoughts.

 

[Skylerbone]

A new scope or some liquid tape and you've got what you need, heck, a Butler Creek flip cap would cover that sharp edge fine for $7.00

I could make expensive suggestions but they won't cut much weight or gain you any tangible advantages for a hunting rifle.

 

[Buzznrose]

A new scope or some liquid tape and you've got what you need, heck, a Butler Creek flip cap would cover that sharp edge fine for $7.00

I could make expensive suggestions but they won't cut much weight or gain you any tangible advantages for a hunting rifle.

Never thought about the scope caps...never used them before. Thank you! I'll try them.

Also, I guess I'm not shaving much weight by changing the stock?

 

[sixgunner455]

A synthetic stock that's stiff enough to make you happy on the shooting side of things may weigh more than your wood stock, depending on design.

 

[Sunray]

"...and like the 7MM round..." You won't in a light weight rifle. In any case, most of the weight in any rifle is the barrel. Going to a synthetic stock won't make much difference.
"...a Ruger American..." Won't be much better felt recoil wise in either .30.

 

[Abel]

A McMillan Edge would get her lightened up pretty good. I'd much rather upgrade an already good rifle than downgrade into a budget rifle just to save weight.

 

[jmr40]

You won't in a light weight rifle. In any case, most of the weight in any rifle is the barrel. Going to a synthetic stock won't make much difference.

A McMillan Edge will take almost a full pound off the weight, make the gun more accurate, and if you choose the stock design carefully and get one of the new high-tech recoil pads it will have less felt recoil. Some people are scared to death anytime the word "magnum" is used. There are many rounds without magnum on the headstamp that kick harder. 7 mag recoil is virtually the same as 30-06.

If you have a proven rifle this is what I'd do. In fact I've done it to several.

My 6.5 lb 30-06 stocked in an Edge stock, 7.5 lbs with scope and mounts.

 

[sage5907]

I agree with jmr40 about buying a McMillan stock for your rifle but I have a slightly different taste. I really like their pre 64 Model 70 monte carlo stock because it's a lot easier for me to shoot than a more classic stock like the Edge. I also like their flush mount cup sling swivels because they can twist with the sling without damaging the stock. McMillan makes a really good stock and their workmanship is tops. Once you get the stock all you need to do is glass bed 2 inches of the barrel in front of the recoil lug. I really like a Model 70 and I wouldn't give one up for a Ruger.

 

[Reloadron]

I like the Winchester, and like the 7MM round.

My opinion? Buy a scope. If you want to add a stock then have at it or think about bedding and cleaning up the stock you have. I happen to like the 7mm Rem Mag as a good shooting and flat shooting cartridge.

Ron

 

[Buzznrose]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll look into the McM stocks. I like my current scope, albeit it is an old (1982?) model Bushnell Banner 4*12, but I zeroed that scope in 1994 (I shoot 3 rounds at 25 yards dead on-1 hole, and then I am almost dead on again around 200. And after that rifle being shipped from MT to AK to DE, than 3 years in a storage unit, and now in TX (military rotations), it is STILL DEAD ON @ 25 and an inch and a half high at 100.

So I bought the Butler Creek cover for the front, and that solve that issue. I also have an old Spenco slip on recoil pad that really makes the gun quite tame.

But my wood stock has a lot of battle scars, and while I like the character, I think I'd like the synthetic to give my original a rest.

Thanks again!

 

[Skylerbone]

A McMillan will indeed save some weight on both rifle and wallet. At around $700 it's a nice option, albeit steep. If you just need a composite stock for fear of damaging your walnut original, a B&C Medalist won't add but a few ounces and should work fine. If you're still partial to wood, browse eBay and the like for used stocks to fit your action.

Glad the cover worked out, next cheap suggestion is RainX for those times you hunt in weather.

 

[Flatbush Harry]

I've got a Win M70EW in 7mm RM w/ a 26"bbl. The rifle is great, shoots to 0.6 MOA, wears a 3.5-10x44 Zeiss Conquest and carries well. I love the cartridge, the rifle and the scope.

Why trade down?

FH

 

[Fremmer]

If the rifle shoots well with your current set up, I'd be inclined not to mess with it and just use as it is.

Jmho.....

 

[Ridgerunner665]

A McMillan stock and a new scope is all you need...

 

[CB900F]

Buzznrose;

An option available to you that I haven't seen mentioned is to pick up another Winchester model 70 take-off wood stock. This should be considerably less money than a McMillan synthetic. And as a happy end user of a McMillan stock I'm not knockin' them at all. But, you're military & extra bucks don't flow like water, right? You should be able to get another wood stock for your gun for under $100.00. Have the action fit & bedded by someone who really knows what they're doing, you might be very nicely surprised. Have either a Decelerator or Limbsaver mounted to it and it sounds like you'd be set.

Oh, Winchester USRAC model 70 LHB closed BOSS, .30-06, McMillan stock, Leupold glass, and one dead Montana antelope at 470 lazed yards. Bullet went in about 2" from my aimpoint.

900F

 

[Buzznrose]

All, thanks again. Bought a Butler flip cover for the rear, and that solved that issue.

Not sure I'll mess with the stock. McMillians look very nice, but the $700+ is a lot to lose a pound for me.