Win M70 vs CZ550 vs Kimber 8400

[NickEllis]

I've got a friend (member of this forum actually) who purchased one of the new m-70's in 30'06. Also had problems with it grouping (2-3'' at 100yrds on average!). Finally, had it recrowned, and that took care of the problem. Talked with some others, and apparently they had the same problem, which recrowning solved. Looks like some of the FN M-70's coming out of the Utah factory are having a problem with the crowns. Hard to believe, since my FN-PBR is basically an identical rifle, and shoots .5moa groups all day long. However, it came from their east coast factory. Hopefully they will figure this out soon, since it looks to be a really great system if they can get their QC up to snuff.

TX Hog Hunter, have you tried having that M-70 recrowned? I wonder if that's the problem.

I do like the new trigger group (though don't see the need to replace the old). Looks like a solid setup.

 

[jmr40]

ArmedBear,

I don't know which Rugers and Winchesters you have been looking at but there is simply not that much difference, except a $150 higher price tag for the Winchester and the fact that you have to pay extra for Winchester scope mounting. You do not like the matte finish on the metal on the Rugers, but that is just a personal preference. Many, including myself would rather have the matte finish. While the Winchester may have better polishing on the metal. the wood stocked Rugers I have seen have had much better wood, and better checkering.

While the new Winchesters have a lot going for them, a lot of people, including myself still cannot get out of our minds that Winchester quality has been all over the place for 40 years. Rugers had poor barrels for a few years, but have been making great, consistent rifles and selling them below the competitions price for nearly 20 years now.

I still like the Winchester Featherweight because it is about the perfect combination of form and function. They just handle and point perfectly and are plenty accurate for a hunting rifle. Not too heavy, or too light, and the best looking rifle out there. Not interested in any of the other Winchesters though.

 

[kenjs1]

then buy a CZ and eliminate any doubts. One thing about the CZ compared to the others is that they have been flawlessly consistent in comparison. My regular trigger is very crisp. The set trigger is absolutely marvelous for load testing. Good chance of ending up with nice wood too. I still do have a hankering for the new Winnie because it is a rather different rifle. The Ruger compars closer to the CZ but the CZ is just a better odds on bet for success in my book.

 

[Runningman]

While the new Winchesters have a lot going for them, a lot of people, including myself still cannot get out of our minds that Winchester quality has been all over the place for 40 years.

You hit the nail on the head there. That has been my experience as well.

 

[Smith357]

I was in the same boat not too long ago, I went Kimber and never looked back. I was lucky that my local shop had all the rifles mentioned in this thread, I almost went for the T/C but I just could not get over the billboard rollstamped on the reciever. The Winchester Featherweight was very nice and my sentimental favorite until put up next to the Kimber and the Kimber had far better fit and finish.

 

[flashhole]

I own a Kimber but it is the Longmaster Classic. There is nothing I don't like about the gun. I traded for it and got a good deal so I'm even happy about that. I've also owned a CZ 550 Full Stock. Great gun and very accurate and I can't say enough good things about the single set trigger. When working up loads it's a godsend. My CZ was a 243. The only caution I would give with the CZ is the 550 is a long action so if you get one you are better off selecting a cartridge that needs a long action. For example, I would select a 30-06 over a 308. I'm sure I will own another CZ someday.

 

[Redhat]

I think the OP posted he wanted 30-06.

I have a CZ 550 in .270 and it shoots great. I bought it in '03 for about $450 so it was a bargain to me.

I always hear they are "heavy" but it doesn't seem like it to me. I noticed the Win 70 and Kimber 8400 are listed at 7 lbs. I think mine was listed at 7.5 lbs but it isn't the newest model 550 American.

Also be aware the CZ comes with a barrel almost 24" as opposed to the more common 22".

I wouldn't sweat it too much as long as YOU like the gun and it is reliable and accurate.