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P.B.Walsh
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I'd like to see one of their new Featherweights, I bet those are nice!! 
Why is the Winchester Model 70 called the rifleman's rifle?
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chevyforlife21
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arent many rifles called this?
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P.B.Walsh
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Yep, I've just heard the Win. 70 being called that alot.
pwillie
Member
I read an article in "Shooting Times" magazine about rifles of the 20th century,and the Winchester Model 70 was voted number 1 rifle of the century.The term,"The Riflemans Rifle was used in that article.I own several Model 70's Classics with the boss system,which I think are some of the best.
gga357
Member
I can say that the M70 (2009 FN) I have is great looking, smooth, and accurate.
Winchester also had an all-star cast of riflemen/hunters involved in the design.
Elmer Keith, who proved himself quite thoroughly on game and at Camp Perry, was one of them, and agreed that it was "the Rifleman's Rifle" as it was THE gun that really had the features that mattered to a rifleman.
Jack O'Connor, with whom Elmer Keith seldom agreed on anything, said the same thing about the original Model 70.
The post-'64 Model 70 was, in reality, no worse a rifle than the Remington 700 ever was. It just wasn't any better than a 700, and that was a disappointment, because it had been in a different class. Like Remington, Winchester had decided to build something cheaper, instead of something better. That worked for Remington in the marketplace, but, as time would tell, it didn't work so well for Winchester (and it hasn't worked as well for Remington lately as it once did, though Remington hasn't gone under like Winchester).
Lately, FN has brought the Model 70 back to its former glory, IMO. I'd like one.
Elmer Keith, who proved himself quite thoroughly on game and at Camp Perry, was one of them, and agreed that it was "the Rifleman's Rifle" as it was THE gun that really had the features that mattered to a rifleman.
Jack O'Connor, with whom Elmer Keith seldom agreed on anything, said the same thing about the original Model 70.
The post-'64 Model 70 was, in reality, no worse a rifle than the Remington 700 ever was. It just wasn't any better than a 700, and that was a disappointment, because it had been in a different class. Like Remington, Winchester had decided to build something cheaper, instead of something better. That worked for Remington in the marketplace, but, as time would tell, it didn't work so well for Winchester (and it hasn't worked as well for Remington lately as it once did, though Remington hasn't gone under like Winchester).
Lately, FN has brought the Model 70 back to its former glory, IMO. I'd like one.
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P.B.Walsh
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What features make the Win 70 so desirible?
Runningman
Member
The problem with the model 70 is you need to define in detail what Winchester Model 70 you are taking about. There are many variations under different plant owners and now a different plant. Pre 64, post 64, CRF, push feed, CRF and push feed produced in the same years, different design triggers, all called the same Model 70. Seems like they should have used new model numbers to define them all. But they didn't and now it is a mess at best.
CajunBass
Member
Cause Jack O'Conner said it was.
Good enough for me.
Good enough for me.
I'll refer to the Pre 64 M70 cause that's what I own and like.
1. Flat bottom receiver with recoil lug machined with receiver vs cheaper guns that utilize a receiver which is made from a round pipe and use a washer pinced between receiver and barrel.
2. One piece bolt with controlled round feed vs multi piece push feed bolts that the bolt handle can come off. Hand fitted bolt cycles smooth as silk.
3. 3 position safety that can lock the bolt handle and offer a mode that allows unloading/cycling on safety.
4. Crisp trigger easily adjustable and NOT in a housing that can accumulate moisture/condensation and freeze solid.
5. Front sight machined from barrel will never break off.
6. Hand checkered/finished stocks with mortised widows peak steel checkered buttplate.
7. Hand lead lapped barrels.
8. Well finished and polished. Feels like a work of art in the hands. Solid.
9. These guns were basically hand built by skilled craftsman in a time where pride in craftsmanship was more common than today. You need to hold and use a pre 64 to understand some of the intangibles.
AKElroy
Member
Let's keep it in perspective, please--
Post '64 Winnies are all crap?????? I get that things changed to push-feed, and that some manufacturing techniques were streamlined to keep up with market needs. Winchester could simply not recoup sufficient spreads at the high cost of manufacture of the pre-'64 guns. That hardly means post 64' guns are poor quality--The blue model 70 below is a .270 made in 1965, and the stainless lefty is a 7 mag made in the 90's. The 1965 gun is a MUCH higher grade gun, with fine machine work & excellent detailing. The mid-90's gun is a control feed, and I find both guns equally able to shuck rounds. In fact, the push feed may be a little faster because the control feed requires the bolt be fully racked to its most reward position in order for the next round in the box to slip under the extractor. I have found myself short stroking ever so slighty only to find an empty chamber. Never happens with the push feed. Both shoot MOA.
They may look brand new, but that is because I am a neurotic freak. They have both taken more deer than I can count--
Post '64 Winnies are all crap?????? I get that things changed to push-feed, and that some manufacturing techniques were streamlined to keep up with market needs. Winchester could simply not recoup sufficient spreads at the high cost of manufacture of the pre-'64 guns. That hardly means post 64' guns are poor quality--The blue model 70 below is a .270 made in 1965, and the stainless lefty is a 7 mag made in the 90's. The 1965 gun is a MUCH higher grade gun, with fine machine work & excellent detailing. The mid-90's gun is a control feed, and I find both guns equally able to shuck rounds. In fact, the push feed may be a little faster because the control feed requires the bolt be fully racked to its most reward position in order for the next round in the box to slip under the extractor. I have found myself short stroking ever so slighty only to find an empty chamber. Never happens with the push feed. Both shoot MOA.
They may look brand new, but that is because I am a neurotic freak. They have both taken more deer than I can count--
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P.B.Walsh
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Those are some fine rifles!!
That is an improvement slamfire but the new designs lack the one piece bolt. Handle, body, and lugs all machined from one piece of steel. Trigger parts are also cast rather than milled from bar stock.
The FN's/New Haven classic CRF's are excellent actions though.
My model 70 Ranger is the push feed version,lightweight model. It has a plain uncheckered stock. It is not as nice as the Pre 64's or the classics that were made in the early 90's but it has never failed to put the deer down & as long as I'm alive it isn't going anywhere. I bought it new in '89 from the local service merchandise. I didn't know a lot about guns then but most of the older guys I knew had model 70's & liked them.
MMCSRET
Member
I have several M70 rifles, all are very accurate. Two things, no, make that three things that I like about the M70 that doesn't come as standard on other makes are.
1. Design, style shape and angle of the bolt handle. I've had this put on several custom Mausers, I like it that well.
2. Three position safety
3. The M70 trigger was easily adjusted by any one with two 1/4" open end wrenches and was a fine trigger. I see no need to change it as FNH has done.
1. Design, style shape and angle of the bolt handle. I've had this put on several custom Mausers, I like it that well.
2. Three position safety
3. The M70 trigger was easily adjusted by any one with two 1/4" open end wrenches and was a fine trigger. I see no need to change it as FNH has done.
Runningman
Member
I didn't get why FN changed the trigger either. The new design seems like a leap backwards. The old style was very good in harsh environments and seemed almost bullet proof.
Why is the Mod 70 called the "Rifleman's Rifle" you ask??
I'll tell you the real answer which few actually know due to secrecy back then.
It's because........................Squirrelman's gun was a tad too wimpy sounding! LOLOL!!!!
I'll tell you the real answer which few actually know due to secrecy back then.
It's because........................Squirrelman's gun was a tad too wimpy sounding! LOLOL!!!!
MMCSRET
Member
I just took two 1/4" open end wrenches out of my ignition wrench took kit and went to work, trial and error. My brother did the same thing and got his too light so it fired when he closed the bolt. Play with it, it becomes readily apparent once you get the stock off and do a minor adjustment. Its been so long since I adjusted one I don't remember which way does what. Take a look at your trigger, its easy to understand, but don't go in large increments.
TexasPatriot.308
Member
people read too many gun/shooting/hunting magazines is why.
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