Winchester Model 70... new or pre-64?

[TN_Farmer]

I am looking to get a rifle for my son.

I was initially looking for a new Winchester Model 70 Alaskan in 30-06; however, I can't find this rifle anywhere.
I actually can't find a wood stock 30-06 Model 70 anywhere (except for the Super Grade Maple).

Is Winchester even making these rifles anymore?
Do they make an extreme limited amount?

I did come across some pre-1964 rifles. They are running about the same price as what the new rifles would run (if I could find one).
Assuming the rifle is in good condition, are the pre-64 Model 70 rifles worth it compared to a new Model 70?

Thanks!

 

[Clodo Ferreira]

Hi TN,

Yes of course! More so in standard lenght 30-06 cartridges, if the rifle is in good condition, metal and wood, perhaps I would chose the original pre-64....
The new FN made ones are superb of course....!!!

Good luck!

CF

 

[Daggaboy375]

To quote my grandfather:

There are no flies landing on Pre64 Winchester Model 70 rifles.

DB

 

[RIDE-RED350r]

To quote my grandfather:

There are no flies landing on Pre64 Winchester Model 70 rifles.

DB

I would say the same is true of the new ones too.

To the OP, Winchester is still making these rifles. I think it's a matter of timing your search to when production runs start filtering in to retailers. Scouring sites like GB will be your best bet in finding what you are looking for.

Pre-64 or current production, I would not shy away from either.

 

[Bill Wittman]

I purchased a new Winchester Super Grade stainless Model 70 for my 2022 Namibian plains game safari. I worked up a load using the Nosler Accubond 180 that shot into slightly more than .5".
I took 6 animals including an eland at ranges from 60 to perhaps 155 yards without a problem. The gun worked flawlessly.
This was my first experience with Model 70s having shot Remington-based action rifles my entire life. I can see why the Winchester folks are so dedicated. That is a really great action.
I have no experience with pre-64s but I can say the new rifles are just fine.

 

[mark-hunter]

I am looking to get a rifle for my son.

All Winchester rifles are usable.
But only pre 64 is legendary rifle, a rifleman's rifle.
Buy THE legend for your son.

 

[Nevada Mike]

I have three Winchester M70 Classic rifles and I would choose these over any but a true Mauser 98 when (and if) I buy another rifle. They are handsome, accurate and reliable.

 

[chashardy]

I have three new Model 70's and a pre-1964 Model 70 in 30.06. All four are great rifles. No noticeable difference in how the action operates--silky smooth in all of them. The new rifles have better wood and the finish on them is actually better than the pre-'64. Buy either with confidence.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

I vote pre-64. He can tell his friends then that it’s a pre 64.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

The current production M70’s are just as good if not better than the Pre64’s in terms of accuracy, and function. I think the fit is slightly better on the Pre64’s as it was all hand done vs mass production, but current production wood seems to be better unless you’re looking at some of the custom Pre64’s or Super Grades.

I wouldn’t hesitate to buy either, and depending on his intended use and hunting application would probably lean more towards the current production 30-06 (unless it’s a Pre-War or a really good condition Pre64).

I say this as someone who’s a pretty big Winchester collector and probably has more Pre64’s than most gun owners have guns.

 

[Deepfork]

The Winchester Mod 70 Classic rifles made in the earlier 90s are around in the more common calibers in great condition for well under $1000. They have the pre 64 action with some improvements. In my book they are some of the finest Mod 70s ever made.

 

[Bullthrower338]

Hard to beat old steel and walnut, either will serve you well but Pre-64’s just make me feel good. Maybe look for a M54 Winchester, It would make a great gift. I would rather have a rifle that took some effort to find in great shape and 60+ years old than a new production gun any day. He can go buy a new gun every year for the rest of his life but the pre-64 that his dad spent time finding will probably be the most special rifle he owns long after you are gone.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

For a classic rifle have you considered rebuilt military? While I won't take anything away from old Model 70, a 98 Mauser or Springfield 03A3 are every bit as good. All three have essentially the same action. The only advantage to Model 70 MIGHT be its 3-position side safety. Many of the military conversions come with 2-position trigger block safeties which are certainly safe enough. I'm not wild about 2-position wing (Buhler style) safeties many of these builds have added for scope relief. However, it's an easy matter to change them to a "Deluxe" Timney (excellent!) trigger with trigger block safety attached ($100-$120). Or if the sporterized gun doesn't have one, a 3-position Model 70 style safety is available ($200-$250 Mauser and $300-$500 Springfield). Best part is you can pick up one of these quality builds in 30-06 on line or at gun shows for a fraction of what you'd pay for a classic or new Model 70. I see them all the time for $300-$600. Some are real jewells. Below is my 30-06 Springfield Dad built for me in 1962. I have essentially rebuilt it entirely since then: different stock, barrel, trigger, safety, scope, base/rail, and iron sights added. Below my Springfield is the 98 Mauser I transformed from Czech military 8mm action into a 404 Jeffery dangerous game rifle (it has blond fore end tip). Started the project in April and finished it time for end of August safari. That one was a bit pricey when all was said and done, but those guns hold their value. I could probably sell the 404 for what it cost me to make it. Couldn't do that with the 30-06. Be lucky to get $500. But that's okay. I love the gun because of the connection to my dad. I'm sure my daughter and grandson will someday cherish it for the same reason ... hopefully. Will they cherish the 404? Maybe ... until they shoot it. My first shot out of that gun was memorable ... but not a cherished memory. It ain't no 30-06!

 

[RegencyBrougham]

Is Winchester even making these rifles anymore?
Do they make an extreme limited amount?

I bought a new one in 375h&h earlier this year. They were only available on the website I ordered from for a few days.

 

[Bonk]

Pre-64 Model 70's don't live up to the hype. They're good rifles but they aren't the super rifle most people would have you believe. The main thing they have going for them is nostalgia. That's not a bad thing. Buy one with confidence but I sure as heck wouldn't pass up on a modern M70 either.

 

[rdog]

For a classic rifle have you considered rebuilt military? While I won't take anything away from old Model 70, a 98 Mauser or Springfield 03A3 are every bit as good. All three have essentially the same action. The only advantage to Model 70 MIGHT be its 3-position side safety. Many of the military conversions come with 2-position trigger block safeties which are certainly safe enough. I'm not wild about 2-position wing (Buhler style) safeties many of these builds have added for scope relief. However, it's an easy matter to change them to a "Deluxe" Timney (excellent!) trigger with trigger block safety attached ($100-$120). Or if the sporterized gun doesn't have one, a 3-position Model 70 style safety is available ($200-$250 Mauser and $300-$500 Springfield). Best part is you can pick up one of these quality builds in 30-06 on line or at gun shows for a fraction of what you'd pay for a classic or new Model 70. I see them all the time for $300-$600. Some are real jewells. Below is my 30-06 Springfield Dad built for me in 1962. I have essentially rebuilt it entirely since then: different stock, barrel, trigger, safety, scope, base/rail, and iron sights added. Below my Springfield is the 98 Mauser I transformed from Czech military 8mm action into a 404 Jeffery dangerous game rifle (it has blond fore end tip). Started the project in April and finished it time for end of August safari. That one was a bit pricey when all was said and done, but those guns hold their value. I could probably sell the 404 for what it cost me to make it. Couldn't do that with the 30-06. Be lucky to get $500. But that's okay. I love the gun because of the connection to my dad. I'm sure my daughter and grandson will someday cherish it for the same reason ... hopefully. Will they cherish the 404? Maybe ... until they shoot it. My first shot out of that gun was memorable ... but not a cherished memory. It ain't no 30-06!
View attachment 570126
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View attachment 570125

A 340 Weatherby mag did it to me

 

[WisconsinKen]

Cruise GunBroker and you’ll find something that trips your trigger. I have been impressed with the fit and finish on the new Model 70’s I have handled the last couple of months.
Here is an typical example on GB of a model 70 featherweight. seemed kind of the price point

 

[0002S]

Bolt-Action Rifles: Push Feed Vs. Controlled Feed

Choose a side of the argument and how much it’s worth to you for the side you choose.

There really is no wrong answer.

 

[WisconsinKen]

Bolt-Action Rifles: Push Feed Vs. Controlled Feed

Choose a side of the argument and how much it’s worth to you for the side you choose.

There really is no wrong answer.

I can understand the theoretical advantage of a CRF on a DGR. But a 30-06 isn’t a DGR rifle. So, I am sure so will get heat from this statement but a push feed 30-06 should be fine.
But the featherweight M70s are CRF anyways and are in the $1100-$1200 range.

 

[CJW]

Cruise GunBroker and you’ll find something that trips your trigger. I have been impressed with the fit and finish on the new Model 70’s I have handled the last couple of months.
Here is an typical example on GB of a model 70 featherweight. seemed kind of the price point View attachment 570133

I handled a 30-06 FWT at a LGS a while back. Would be a nice rifle to carry. I almost bought one off the internet in 7x57. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one for a new hunter or for myself.