Tell me about POST '64 Model 70s

[Red State]

A coworker is looking for a hunting rifle and found a used Model 70 at the local gunstore. I believe it was manfactured in the 70s or 80s.

With all the hype about the Pre '64s, its hard to know what is the real story on the Post '64s? Are they piles of crap or are they decent guns? What are the Post '64 shortcomings that one should be aware of?

 

[MMCSRET]

I own and use 3 Post '64 M70 Winchesters. For every day use they are fine rifles, the claim to fame of the "Classic" style controlled round feed is that you can cycle the action and feed a round with out it being loose and possibly falling out when the rifle is tipped on its side. It is valid up to a point, of course, but for most use we can get by without that feature. Remington and Savage sell many more rifles than Winchester or Ruger, sales figures are available, and neither of them have controlled feed. I have rebarreled one of my push feed 70's to a non standard caliber and it works well. Pre '64 is nice and has a certain cache but M70 Winchesters lost the monicker, "Riflemans Rifle" long ago. Prestige is nice but certainly "nonvital"!!!!!!!!!

 

[joed]

nothing wrong with a post 64 model 70, I've owned a few. Found that they work quite well just the way they are. The triggers are easily adjusted on the older models and I'm quite happy with every one I've owned.

The older ones I've owned with wooden stocks have needed bedding work but shot excellent afterwards.

 

[jmr40]

Rifles made between 1964 and the plant closing in 2006 are all over the place in quality. Many of them, especially the ones made from 1980 up till the mid 90's are as good as anything and are often sold at bargain prices. Many made from 1964-1979 and anything made after 1997 or so are spotty. There were still good rifles made during those time periods, just a much greater chance of a lemon.

I have a couple of the push feeds made during the 80's that are great rifles. I prefer the Classics and the new FN produced Winchesters with CRF to even the pre-64's. While most of the pre-64's are good rifles, they are over rated and overpriced.

The new production rifles are the best of the Winchesters. Most folks would never notice the difference between CRF and PF rifle, but unless the price difference is substantial, why not get the more reliable CRF action. In theory they should be more reliable feeding. In practice I've never noted a difference feeding the cartridge into the chamber. The CRF actions real advantage is that it has a MUCH more rugged reliable extraction and ejection system. When the time comes to extract and eject the empty brass after firing a round the CRF is more foolproof, especially if the rifle is used in harsh, dirty conditions.

 

[Maverick223]

I'm one of those crazy nuts that believe that all Winnie M-70s should be a CRF. That said some of the older PF rifles can be quite good...but they haven't proven themselves to be as consistent as the modern examples or Pre-'64 models. JMO, but I would look for an older M-700 instead (were I looking for a PF hunting rifle)...unless, of course, it was a great deal.

 

[Cob]

I have a Winchester Model 70, featherweight, in .270... it's a post 64, push feed, and it has flat out been my best hunting rifle for over 10 years now...

There are a TON worse choices you could make, only a very few better in my opinion.. i posted pics of the rifle below, some from just a couple hunting trips it's been on... in 7 states now, it's taken 1000's of lbs of pork, venision, antelope, as well as coyotes, fox, and wild dogs that are such a problem in the area. I could not ask for a better shooting rifle.
I may have gotten lucky with mine, and have been well satisified..






In the featherwight version, the PF bolt assembly is considerably lighter than on a Pre-64 CRF, because some metal has been removed, leaving a very functional and lighter rifle. I also HATE the mass produced plastic stocks, that cost about 13 cents each to maufacture, The wood on mine has been excellent...

 

[USSR]

My first custom built match rifle - built on a post-64 M70 action.

Don

 

[Liberty1776]

Cob -

Not to get off the subject, but dang nice antelope! (tasty critters, too...)

 

[Red State]

Thanks to you all for your responses.

The local shop has a used M70 chambered in 30.06 for sale. I believe the price was around $420 which sounds fair to me, but it probably depends on the condition.

 

[Maverick223]

Personally I wouldn't chance it for the quoted price. As always, YMMV.

 

[Cob]

The rifle pictured was purchased used for 350, with scope. I've since upgraded optics...

can't wait to get out agin this fall, would love to go on antelope hunt again..
he came from Crowley County, CO, and i hope to get him back this week, from a Rocky Ford, CO taxidermist...