Winchester M70 .280 value

[dustin280zx]

I was looking for a rough estimate on the value of a Winchester Model 70 .280. My friend saw it in a pawn shop and before I make the long drive I want a fair market price.

This is what I know about it:

My friend rates the gun in "very good" condition under the NRA standards.
Has the red butt plate
Says "model 70 classic featherweight" on the barrel
.280 caliber
Tasco scope (no value to me)
Forgot to write down the serial number
Listed at $570

I know there are two different featherweight versions of the .280 with the true classic that has the pre-64 action produced in 94 I believe being worth more. This will be my first Winchester and I want to be up to date on my information to try to avoid a bad purchase as I really have no need for this, just a want.

Thanks in advance,
Dustin

 

[jmr40]

A little on the high side most calibers, but not unrealistic if in great shape and if you want the chambering. That is not a common chambering and would bring a little more to someone wanting a 280, but not to the average person. If you really want a 280 that is probably a fair price.

A new production FN made 70 is selling for around $750. A word of caution. Most of the Classics are fine rifles, some of the best Winchester ever made, but quality started slipping toward the last few years of production. Anything made 2000-2006 might have some QC issues. Most are really minor issues that can usually be corrected easily by a gunsmith. I'd look it over carefully and try to determine if it was made prior to 2000 if possible. Even with some minor issues you'd have the basis for a great rifle after having a gunsmith smooth things over. I own 3 Classics, 2 of them have been perfect. The 3rd needed some tweaking, but is now a great rifle.

Unfortunately I know of no reliable online source of information on Winchesters made after 1980 or so. There are some books that have been published with dates and SN information. Maybe someone with one can look up when the 280's were made.

FWIW, if I wanted a 280, and if this one looks good, I'd probably pay the asking price. I always try to talk them down, but it would not be a deal breaker if they don't budge.

 

[Halal Pork]

$570 for a Winchester Model 70 Classic FW in 280 is not on the high end of anything. If it does have the CRF, that is a good deal. To get an idea on prices, I searched Gun Broker's completed auctions and none I could find sold as low as $570. Please be sure you're looking at a "classic" and not a push feed though. Push feeds sell cheap. I have the same rifle you're looking at and I paid about $700.

 

[dustin280zx]

If it says "Model 70 classic featherweight" on the barrel it should be a control feed and if it says "model 70 featherweight" it should be a push feed correct? It's been there for a month so I'm going to offer 500 if it is a CRF.

 

[Halal Pork]

If it says "Model 70 classic featherweight" on the barrel it should be a control feed and if it says "model 70 featherweight" it should be a push feed correct? It's been there for a month so I'm going to offer 500 if it is a CRF.

I'm not at home now to check and I can't remember the markings on mine. Please just check the bolt. You're looking for a Mauser-type claw extractor. If you follow the link, you can see two bolts, the top being a push feed and the bottom being a CRF.

If you can get it for $500, that is well worth it. Even at $570 you wouldn't be doing half bad.

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/4971/m70boltsum7.jpg

 

[tahoe2]

That .280 Remington is a great cartridge, and a Model 70 Featherweight to boot, I would think that it's a good deal,(CRF or push feed) but I am partial to the 280 Remington, been reloading it for many years.

 

[dustin280zx]

Well I got the .280 featherweight with a simmons 3-10x44 scope for 500. It is a controlled round feed. The stock has some scratches with one little scratch in the blue on the receiver. I guess I'll have to buy a die set and some brass so I can hunt with it this year. I am very pleased with how well balanced it seems. One thing i'm trying to figure out now is the date of manufacture. serial number is G170XXX. Thanks for the help.

 

[Abel]

Mid 1990's rifle by the serial. Nice find. What scope are you gonna put on her?

 

[Lloyd Smale]

id buy it for that in a heartbeat.

 

[dustin280zx]

I'm not sure what scope I'm going to put on yet. I have a 3x9 Sightron I can put on, but I've been hearing good things about weaver optics so I may give them a shot. I want something in the 2x7 or 2.5x10 with a 44mm or less objective. I spent last evening going through the rifle and I cannot believe the quality of rifle you get for the value. Very smooth action, crisp trigger, and excellent ergonomics. If it shoots .75 or less MOA the next rifle in my collection may be another M70 instead of another Weatherby or Remington. The only problem I have now is that my fiance likes it alot and wants to use it but we'll see how she will handle the recoil as she's only 5'4" and 117 pounds.

 

[jmr40]

i'm trying to figure out now is the date of manufacture. serial number is G170XXX. Thanks for the help.

I have one with SNG184XXX that was made in a version only made around 1996. I'd feel pretty good about it knowing it was made prior to 2000.

570 for a Winchester Model 70 Classic FW in 280 is not on the high end of anything.

I own 3. Paid $400, $475 for 2 used ones. I paid $700 few months ago for a SS FWT that was still NIB with tags. This rifle was only made in limited #'s around 1996.

Winchesters made after 2000 can be quite iffy as to quality. Without knowing the exact date of manufacture paying $570 could have been quite a gamble on a rifle had it been made in 2004-2006. Knowing that it was made prior to 1996 would encourage me to pay a bit more, so yes $570 is a good price. You also have to consider that a brand new gun can be had for $700 now and the new ones are gaining a reputation for being much better than anything ever made. Why take a chance on a bad rifle when less than $150 stands between you and a new rifle with a solid reputation and a factory warranty? I sure wouldn't pay anything over $570.

 

[dustin280zx]

jrm40,

Thank you for help. This leads me to further believe this rifle was made between 92 and 94 sometime.

 

[FiveInADime]

I am jealous. I think at $500 that is a great deal. A true lifetime rifle that needs to be passed on from generation to generation.

 

[Liberty1776]

Buy it. Buy it, buy it, buy it...