Winchester M70 - good safe trigger?

[robertbartsc]

With all the fuss about so-called dangerous triggers and safeties in the news lately, I went back to many of my favorate rifles to dry fire them a couple of times and to review the loading and unloading options they have.

Anyway, one rifle, a Winchester M 70, circa 1995 has a 3-position safety, claw extractor and hinged mag floor.

It has a very clean crisp trigger that has virtually no creep. I assume this is typical of this rifle. The pull is moderate and I consider this appropriate for a hunting sporting arm. The gun can be unloaded with the safety in the mid-position which I presume is designed to prevent the gun from firing.

To be honest, since the gun kicks like hell (Win 338 mag), I do not shoot it often. Through the years, I have put many factory loads through it. It is NOT a tack driving gun with 100 yard groups averaging 1.5 - 2 inches.

I don't dry fire guns often, but did not have time to go to the range.

 

[USSR]

The Winchester trigger with their 3-position safety is one of the best original equipment triggers out there.

Don

 

[Mike J]

When I was shopping for a deer rifle back in '89 I knew very little about firearms. I bought a model 70 because that was what the older guys I had worked with used & I had found a good deal on one. Mine is the ranger model-It is the push feed action that is not as popular as the controlled round feed. I have never regretted my purchase & I'm especially glad the old guys directed me that direction since I have heard of other manufacturers having so many safety issues.

 

[Slamfire]

I don't like over ride triggers, precisely for the problems that the Remington M700 is having. However, of the over ride triggers out there, the original M70 trigger, pictured, was the best.

I believe these PBR's were the last M70's to have the original trigger. It was replaced, and for that I am sad.

 

[Moose23]

I've got a mid-80's M70 Ranger, love the rifle, shoots 1" groups at 100yds, but the trigger is heavy. No creep, just heavy. Can it be safely adjusted (by a competent gunsmith, of course) for a lighter pull?

 

[USSR]

I've got a mid-80's M70 Ranger, love the rifle, shoots 1" groups at 100yds, but the trigger is heavy. No creep, just heavy. Can it be safely adjusted (by a competent gunsmith, of course) for a lighter pull?

Assuming you are able to tie your own shoes, this is something that is easily (and safely) done by the average owner.

http://www.snipercountry.com/articles/adjustingWintrigger.asp

Don

 

[Moose23]

USSR: thanks for the link. Should be able to fumble through it. Been a long time since I tied my shoes together by accident -

 

[52grain]

How do the triggers on the new Model 70s compare to the pre-64 models?

 

[brettrow]

The new Model 70s have great triggers.

 

[robertbartsc]

When you say the "new" Model 70s have great triggers, are you referring to rifles from the circa 1995, or so?

Apparently, my rifle was purchased right after they re-designed the rifle to bring back the designs that people liked in the early pre 1964 production runs. It has been about 15 years now, but I think I read about the new M70 guns and bought one for an elk hunt.

My only complaint is that in 338 Winchester mag, it kicks like a mule and does not group real tight. I can't really shoot this one more than 8-10 times in one sitting.

 

[Geno]

All:
I have heard no safety concerns regarding M70 triggers. Both of my current manufacture model 70s have wonderful triggers. The break nicely at about 3.5 pounds.

robertbartsc:
I have to agree with you that the .338 Win Mag is a beast on the shoulders. The .338 Win Mag and the .378 Wea Mag are the two bruisers I don't much care ever to fire again.

Geno

 

[USSR]

When you say the "new" Model 70s have great triggers, are you referring to rifles from the circa 1995, or so?

No, the M70 trigger was little changed from it's inception into the 21st century. About a year or two ago, they changed it. I have not seen or used the new trigger, so I cannot comment on it.

Don

 

[robertbartsc]

The 338 win mag case does not seam real large but it must carry a lot of powder ???... ..this gun is not a lightweight either, but it still kicks like hell.

Yeh, the factory ammo is pricy but you won't be shooting it all day long either.

 

[brettrow]

When I say new I mean new as in a 2009 rifle. I believe Winchester model 70s are being made in Columbia SC now, as opposed to New Haven Connecticut.

 

[az_imuth]

I can't speak for the original M70 trigger, but the trigger on my new Columbia, SC produced Super Grade is extremely nice.

 

[Maverick223]

Never had, nor heard of, any problems with the M-70 trigger (whether old, recent, or new).

The accuracy problem may very well be you. A rifle that you don't feel comfortable with can quickly lead to a flinch. I'm not saying that is the case, but it very well could be. BTW, I don't care too much for the .338WM either, it is too sharp; I consider the .375H&H to be a gentle nudge by comparison.