The Ageless Winchester Model 70

Axlrod

WKR
Joined
Jan 8, 2017
Location
SW Montana
Nice story on the M70 from Boone & Crockett. An interesting excerpt from the article:

Work on a new bolt-action Winchester was authorized December 29, 1934, but it commenced slowly.
The first receivers got serial numbers January 20, 1936. On January 1, 1937, when the M70 was officially released, 2,238 rifles were boxed and ready to ship. List price: $61.25.


They spent a year building guns, and then officially released it, with rifles ready to ship. Not shaming current manufacturers of all types, but Winchester did it exactly opposite of the way it is done now.

 
That’s a really good article. The featherweight has one of the nicest looking stocks to ever be on an American rifle.
 
I'm glad I am not the only one who regrets selling a model 70. I had a like-new Varmint version from 1963 in .220 Swift. I sold it before I realized that not all factory rifles shoot that well. Ouch!
 
I had a moment of nostalgia last week and bought a one year only (1986) European export XTR Sporter in 6.5x55 that was unfired. Lovely little rifle with fixed sights and a monte carlo cheekpiece in nice wood.
Never shot an M70 that i didn't like. I have a buddy with a 1949 in 300h&h that i am circling like a hawk over a gopher mound waiting for him to sell.
 
The model 70 is a great rifle. The modern production ones are superb. Definitely on the top of my list when buying new.
 
My brother just scored a free pre 64 in .264 Win Mag from his father in law. Lucky dog. Trying to source ammo for it and new glass. I haven't seen it in person but apparently a beauty. I was always a ruger guy growing up but you can't beat an M70 in the looks dept. Dad and brother have several.
 
My brother just scored a free pre 64 in .264 Win Mag from his father in law. Lucky dog. Trying to source ammo for it and new glass. I haven't seen it in person but apparently a beauty. I was always a ruger guy growing up but you can't beat an M70 in the looks dept. Dad and brother have several.

For ammo, this is the first place I always start: https://ammoseek.com/ammo/264-winchester-magnum
 
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