Winchester44
FNG
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2025
- Messages
- 24
I’m looking for some advice from those who have spent a lot of time with the New Haven Model 70 Classics.
I have a Winchester Model 70 Classic Stainless in .300 WSM that was built around 2000. It’s the controlled-round-feed version with the original 24” stainless barrel (1:10 twist) and factory synthetic stock. As far as I know, it’s completely original other than having the factory trigger professionally adjusted years ago. That trigger is honestly one of the best hunting rifle triggers I’ve ever used.
This rifle has quite a bit of sentimental value to me, which is one reason I’m reluctant to move on from it. At the same time, I’ve always felt it was something of a mixed bag.
On one hand, the action is incredibly smooth, the quiet controlled-round-feed design and the trigger is outstanding. Every time I cycle the bolt or dry-fire it, I’m reminded why so many people still love the Model 70.
On the other hand, the factory synthetic stock has always felt unbelievable cheap. It feels Ruger 10/22 cheap, and from what I’ve read, it’s known to flex and provide mediocre bedding. I’ve also been disappointed in the stainless finish. Despite keeping it wiped down with an oil cloth after use, just like the rest of my hunting rifles, it has developed numerous small rust spots on both the barrel and the action over the years. In fact, it’s the rustiest firearm in the gun safe. For comparison, my Remington 870 Wally world duck gun, which has spent years in wet duck blinds and around saltwater, has less surface rust than this rifle. I don’t know if that’s typical of these New Haven stainless rifles or if I simply got an outlier.
Accuracy has also been disappointing. The only load I’ve really spent much time with has been 150-grain Nosler Ballistic Tips, and the rifle has generally been about a 3 MOA gun. I realize I probably haven’t given it a fair chance, as I haven’t done extensive load testing or tried a wide range of bullet weights.
I’ve recently started reading that many .300 WSMs seem to shoot much better with 165-180 grain bullets, and I’ve picked up a box of Federal Premium 180-grain Trophy Bonded Tips to try.
So I’m trying to decide whether this rifle deserves another chance, or whether I’m throwing good money after bad.
My questions are:
I know today’s rifles generally have better stocks and often deliver better out-of-the-box accuracy. But there’s something about this Model 70 that keeps me from giving up on it. The action, the trigger, and the overall feel remind me what made the Model 70 “The Rifleman’s Rifle.” Before I spend money on a Bell & Carlson or McMillan stock, bedding work, or anything else, I’d love to hear from people who have owned these rifles.
Is there a great rifle hiding inside this one, or should I accept that some of them simply never shot that well?
Thanks in advance!
I have a Winchester Model 70 Classic Stainless in .300 WSM that was built around 2000. It’s the controlled-round-feed version with the original 24” stainless barrel (1:10 twist) and factory synthetic stock. As far as I know, it’s completely original other than having the factory trigger professionally adjusted years ago. That trigger is honestly one of the best hunting rifle triggers I’ve ever used.
This rifle has quite a bit of sentimental value to me, which is one reason I’m reluctant to move on from it. At the same time, I’ve always felt it was something of a mixed bag.
On one hand, the action is incredibly smooth, the quiet controlled-round-feed design and the trigger is outstanding. Every time I cycle the bolt or dry-fire it, I’m reminded why so many people still love the Model 70.
On the other hand, the factory synthetic stock has always felt unbelievable cheap. It feels Ruger 10/22 cheap, and from what I’ve read, it’s known to flex and provide mediocre bedding. I’ve also been disappointed in the stainless finish. Despite keeping it wiped down with an oil cloth after use, just like the rest of my hunting rifles, it has developed numerous small rust spots on both the barrel and the action over the years. In fact, it’s the rustiest firearm in the gun safe. For comparison, my Remington 870 Wally world duck gun, which has spent years in wet duck blinds and around saltwater, has less surface rust than this rifle. I don’t know if that’s typical of these New Haven stainless rifles or if I simply got an outlier.
Accuracy has also been disappointing. The only load I’ve really spent much time with has been 150-grain Nosler Ballistic Tips, and the rifle has generally been about a 3 MOA gun. I realize I probably haven’t given it a fair chance, as I haven’t done extensive load testing or tried a wide range of bullet weights.
I’ve recently started reading that many .300 WSMs seem to shoot much better with 165-180 grain bullets, and I’ve picked up a box of Federal Premium 180-grain Trophy Bonded Tips to try.
So I’m trying to decide whether this rifle deserves another chance, or whether I’m throwing good money after bad.
My questions are:
- Is 3 MOA with 150-grain factory ammunition unusual for one of these rifles?
- Before spending money, what would you check first? Action screw torque, barrel channel, bedding, crown, etc.?
- Have others seen a dramatic improvement simply by moving from 150-grain bullets to 165-180 grain loads in the .300 WSM?
- Is the factory synthetic stock really the primary weakness of these rifles? If so, would you recommend Bell & Carlson, McMillan, or something else?
- If this were your rifle, would you invest $400-800 in a stock and bedding job, or put that money toward a newer rifle?
I know today’s rifles generally have better stocks and often deliver better out-of-the-box accuracy. But there’s something about this Model 70 that keeps me from giving up on it. The action, the trigger, and the overall feel remind me what made the Model 70 “The Rifleman’s Rifle.” Before I spend money on a Bell & Carlson or McMillan stock, bedding work, or anything else, I’d love to hear from people who have owned these rifles.
Is there a great rifle hiding inside this one, or should I accept that some of them simply never shot that well?
Thanks in advance!
Guilty. I used AI to help organize my thoughts into something readable. The rifle, the history, and the questions are all real. Left to my own devices, the post would have been about twice as long.
