This is a “Ford versus Chevy” argument. Basically it comes down to preferences.
I prefer a M70 classic over the M700 due to more positive extractor grip and a lighter bolt lift. All the M70’s had adjustable triggers, some of the M700 did not. I have a M700 which I have been able to adjust the trigger to about 2.5 pounds without causing a sear override. (more on that later)
When off the shelf actions ruled the Highpower Winners circle, these actions dominated the match rifle category. Both actions have proved to be fine, durable, reliable actions, and both are characterized by attention to detail and good engineering.
If you blow a case head the M700 is by far the safer action. I picked up at the range a cartridge case that had been pried from a M700 bolt face. The case head had totally ballooned due to excessive pressure and it took pliers to get the thing out off the bolt face. Case head stamping were obliterated; the pressures must have been 100K. That reloader was very lucky that that a M700 provides excellent cartridge support. I am sure that cartridge would have burst its case head in a M70, possibly causing a broken receiver ring.
The M700 is more dust sensitive than a M70 due to its bolt head fitting inside the barrel recess. The M700 extractor is more prone to wear, than a M70 push feed. The pre 64 claw extractor will outlast them both.
I like the fact I can easily remove the firing pin assembly from a M70. It is terribly difficult to disassemble below that level, but at least I can wipe the innards of the bolt , oil the firing pin spring, grease the cocking piece threads. The M700 appears to require special tools to remove the firing pin assembly.
Both the Winchester and Remington use override triggers. I dislike override triggers, I do not consider them as safe as the good ole Mauser two stage. One fault of an override trigger is that if the distance between cocking piece and trigger block is too much, the cocking piece will hit the mechanism too hard and “override” the sear. Another blasted fault of override triggers is that most of them use sear blocking safeties. There is perhaps 0.001” of sear engagement preventing the firing pin from going forward. A significant jar, or an override trigger out of adjustment, and the rifle will discharge. I really dislike using sear blocking safeties as the only safety mechanism.
Having vented my hatred of override triggers, it is my considered opinion that the Winchester factory trigger is about the most foolproof and reliable of any override trigger on the market. Also, the Winchester safety positively holds the firing pin to the rear and locks the bolt down. The action can be emptied of rounds while the firing pin is locked to the rear. This is good. The Remington safety is a sear blocking type and has had enough accidental discharges over decades to create a great financial liability for that company. A senior citizen, HM distinguished shooter I know, told me of two accidental discharges with new M721 rifles. This would have been in the early 50’s. He either knew, or personally saw the discharges. In both incidents the shooter was proceeding to empty the rifle. Both rifles immediately discharged when the safety was taken off. One of those discharges put a hole in the floorboards of a car!
I have heard that late model Remington triggers are now unadjustable and have very heavy trigger pulls. The bolt is not locked down when the safety is engaged. I don’t like this, I have had brush or gear snag my bolt handles, and I sure as heck do not want to cheek my rifle only to have a misfire because the bolt rotated. My late model M700 trigger was adjustable and I made sure that I had enough sear engagement that hard slaps, butt drops, and fast bolt manipulation did not cause an override. I really recommend to all that they slap their rifle hard and see if they can jar the trigger. There have been a couple of times that I have tripped over invisible roots and fallen face down on my rifle. No discharges to date.
Dick Chaney has shot more hunting buddies than me.
I want to keep my score to zero.
If you have noticed, the Savage new override trigger is a virtual two stage trigger. I was unable to disassemble the trigger mechanism of the rifle I handled (“do you mind if I completely disassemble your rifle to see how it ticks?”) but I expect Savage is having to do this because of the unreliability inherent in override triggers.
