Winchester 70 South Carolina vs Portugal markings?
- Thread starter hoser45
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Art Eatman
Moderator In Memoriam
If the accuracy and other quality features are good, what difference does it make? I've toted a German-made Weatherby since 1971. All that's ever mattered is that it's sub-MOA.
Hopkins
Member
"Familiarity breeds contempt" Here in Columbia, S.C. where the Model 70's were assembled until FN shifted the assembly to Portugal, you will be hard pressed to find a FN produced Winchester Model 70 of any flavor in the local gun stores. The local's support for the product is minimal.
P.B.Walsh
Member
Hopkins, why do you think that no gun stores carries them? Or maybe I don't understand your post, could you explain a bit more? I too have noticed (for a while) that stores hardly ever have Winchester/FNH firearms, but are stocked full of Winchester ammunition.
Hopkins
Member
I admit that it is a mystery as to why the local gun stores don't stock Winchester Model 70s. FN has been primarily involved in military arms production here in Columbia, S.C. for decades. The Model 70 production here wasn't publicized by FN for whatever reason. My guess is that local interest and demand for the rifle is tempered by the cost of the rifle. Columbia is a Walmart sort of market.
Gtscotty
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I was just thinking about making this exact thread earlier this week. I just picked up a new Ultimate Shadow SS, and was curious if it was assembled in the SC plant or in Portugal. The barrel still says Morgan, UT like all the other FN M70s.
I would think that if Winchester had moved assembly you Portugal in early 2013 as was rumored, the rifles would have filtered down to the retail level by now. Winchesters website still claims that the M70s are made on SC, while at the same time stating that some of their other firearms go through final assembly in Portugal. Is it possible that Winchester scrapped it's plans to assemble M70s in Portugal all together?
I would think that if Winchester had moved assembly you Portugal in early 2013 as was rumored, the rifles would have filtered down to the retail level by now. Winchesters website still claims that the M70s are made on SC, while at the same time stating that some of their other firearms go through final assembly in Portugal. Is it possible that Winchester scrapped it's plans to assemble M70s in Portugal all together?
thomis
Member
This is news to me that they are now being made over seas, and quite disappointing. I bought my Model 70 in 2010 and the fact that it was made in the U.S. was a huge selling point to me. I'm glad I got one while S.C. made. It is one of my better-made firearms.
P.B.Walsh
Member
I have noticed they no longer have a "100% Made in the USA" icon next to the rifles.
Because I'd much rather spend my money on a rifle made by South Carolinians right here in my back yard than on a rifle assembled thousands of miles away. My hard-earned money does a lot more good locally than it does overseas.
And yes, I'm aware FN is based in Belgium, but the money paid to FN's local employees in much more likely to go back into the local economy than that of Portuguese employees.
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While I understand Fishbed's point, I will spend my money on the best rifle for that money. If it is built here, great. If not, oh well. If the new rifles are accurate and well built then I might have to add a 30-06 to the stable.
Everyone assumes FN would send the rifles to be assembled in Portugal purely to save money. Has anyone considered they may do a better job regarding fit & finish there?
FN in SC may do a fine job cranking out military rifles, but have you looked at the finish on military firearms lately? Fine for it's purpose but hardly what anyone would call a fine finish. Portugal may give them old world craftsmanship people desire for a fine hunting rifle that just isn't available in SC, or affordable.
FN in SC may do a fine job cranking out military rifles, but have you looked at the finish on military firearms lately? Fine for it's purpose but hardly what anyone would call a fine finish. Portugal may give them old world craftsmanship people desire for a fine hunting rifle that just isn't available in SC, or affordable.
Hopkins
Member
HexHead makes a good point. The FN facility in Columbia,S.C. has never had any production experience with firearms that have wood stocks to my knowledge. I'm guessing that the assembly in Portugal would be in the same plant that some of the Browning repeating shotguns are produced.
Given the state of our economy, I do try to purchase USA-made products. However, so long as the quality is there, being assembled in Portugal would not keep me from purchasing additional Winchesters. I still have fantasies about an M70 Safari in .375 H&H, perhaps a Featherweight in .270 Win. Oh, heck, who am I kidding?! There must be a dozen more M70s that I still want to add, to the half-dozen I have in my vault. So, Portugal huh? World-traveler.
Geno
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