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

[Rob404]

If you ever plan to sell or trade up a CRF Winchester will always bring more money than the push feed

 

[Rob404]

I paid twice what a Push Feed sells for this 338Win Clunker and was glad to pay it

 

[0002S]

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.

There is nothing wrong with a wood stocked Pre 64. There will be a premium over a post 64 because of the collectors market. There is nothing wrong with either and I’d look for the best wood for the money. At the end of the day, you‘re paying for the wood grain, else you’d be considering a modern rifle/stock combo.

Here is a 30.06, featherweight from 1954. Nothing special and the fallow didn’t know the difference. I do know the history of the rifle and it’s past owners reason for owning it. That makes it special to me.

If you find a nice Pre 64 for a fair price you can’t go wrong.

 

[Rob404]

Looks nicer in Wood and will soon make its way to Jim Kobe for a re blue

 

[cajunchefray]

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.

This.
The current Featherweight Model 70s are great handling rifles. The current stock design dates from the late 1980s available in both push feed, and Controlled Round Feed. Best handling mass production rifles.

I prefer CRF, that’s just personal.

I’ve owned Pre-64, 1990s New Haven, and current FN made Model 70s. I really like the current models, the metal work is premium, wood is nice and they all shoot well.
Look for a current production Featherweight.
Your son will like it.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

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.

Still have the link for the one in 7x57? I bought one of those for my son, wish I had a few more of them.

 

[CJW]

Still have the link for the one in 7x57? I bought one of those for my son, wish I had a few more of them.

It was on on GI but was over a year ago. I'm sure it sold by now.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

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.

I agree. A 30-06 for hunting doesn't need snap over. But a GI facing a charging battalion of Germans might need it. That's why those fine former military actions are control feed.

 

[RIDE-RED350r]

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!
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I don't mean to get too far off topic here, but I agree on the old service rifles.

For quite a few years I had a desire to pick up a tastefully sporterized Springfield '03. Well, a couple years ago I found one I liked and the price wasn't disagreeable. Paid a pinch under $500. I figured for that price I couldn't go wrong and if it didn't shoot I could always have it re-barreled to 35 Whelen which is something else that captures my interest.


This rifle was made in 1930 and has the forged floor plate. I believe it was sporterized a good many years ago. The stock has some hand checkering/stippling on it, definitely not picture perfect, but looks like it may have been done by a previous owner. Not terrible but definitely not done by a professional. Also, a Redfield fully adjustable rear aperture and fine front post was added. I figured there is $100 in value just in the rear aperture.

So I take this old girl to the range for the first time and find out that it's still a very good shooting rifle. I was able to make 1.5 MOA or under at 100yds with basic factory ammo. Not bad at all for a 90+ year old rifle. As much as it would be cool to make it a 35 Whelen, I just can't bring myself to messing with a still very good shooting old rifle. It won't make the swimsuit calendar, but I really like it.

My only minor complaint is it seems the front post may be a bit shorter than optimal. To shoot POA at 100yds, the rear elevation has to be about bottomed out. Might look into working up a 220gr load recipe for it and see if the heavier bullet likes the front/rear sight relationship better. Crazy because that front post seems very tall to look at it.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

To the OP, Winchester is still making these rifles.

@RIDE-RED350r technically it's a bit more complicated. FN Herstal actually makes the new Winchester rifles, and does a very nice job too.

The Winchester Repeating Arms Company was a prominent American manufacturer of repeating firearms and ammunition. The firm was established in 1866 by Oliver Winchester and was located in New Haven, Connecticut. The firm went into receivership in 1931 and was bought by the Western Cartridge Company, a forerunner of the Olin Corporation. The Winchester brand name is still owned by the Olin Corporation, which makes ammunition under that name. The Winchester name is also used under license for firearms produced by two subsidiaries of the Herstal Group – FN Herstal of Belgium and the Browning Arms Company of Ogden, Utah.

 

[RIDE-RED350r]

@RIDE-RED350r technically it's a bit more complicated. FN Herstal actually makes the new Winchester rifles, and does a very nice job too.

The Winchester Repeating Arms Company was a prominent American manufacturer of repeating firearms and ammunition. The firm was established in 1866 by Oliver Winchester and was located in New Haven, Connecticut. The firm went into receivership in 1931 and was bought by the Western Cartridge Company, a forerunner of the Olin Corporation. The Winchester brand name is still owned by the Olin Corporation, which makes ammunition under that name. The Winchester name is also used under license for firearms produced by two subsidiaries of the Herstal Group – FN Herstal of Belgium and the Browning Arms Company of Ogden, Utah.

Yes, absolutely true and I'm aware. Just easier to say Winchester

 

[Daisy]

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!

I have a 2008 special edition Winchester M70 30/06 I would consider selling if Interested. It is CRF, and was made in USA before they moved production to Portugal, but after the whole push feed fiasco. I’m the only owner.

 

[bobdahunter84]

As most have said, you can't go wrong with either. Personally, I'm a sucker for the pre 64s. I have more pre 64s than most people have guns. From an investment standpoint, I think they'll hold their value better.

You actually taught me something. I'm not super well versed on the new M70s, but I always thought Alaskans were only chambered in 300 win mag , 338 win mag and 375 h&h. No idea they had a 30-06.

 

[Daggaboy375]

I have a South Carolina Model 70 in 375 that is very well made.

DB

 

[cajunchefray]

I have a 2008 special edition Winchester M70 30/06 I would consider selling if Interested. It is CRF, and was made in USA before they moved production to Portugal, but after the whole push feed fiasco. I’m the only owner.

@TN_Farmer,

This is a great possibility for your son's rifle. I had a 2008 Special Edition, in .270, and these are premium rifles.
Made in FN's plant in Columbia SC, which also made the SAW M-249, with rigorous quality control systems.

 

[RIDE-RED350r]

As most have said, you can't go wrong with either. Personally, I'm a sucker for the pre 64s. I have more pre 64s than most people have guns. From an investment standpoint, I think they'll hold their value better.

You actually taught me something. I'm not super well versed on the new M70s, but I always thought Alaskans were only chambered in 300 win mag , 338 win mag and 375 h&h. No idea they had a 30-06.

Yes. The current Alaskan is offered in all of those.

But do note that the Alaskan in 375 H&H will have a magnum length action and a second crossbolt like the Safari Express.

 

[bobdahunter84]

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!

Saw this listing today at Cabelas and reminded me of your post.

Winchester ~ 70 Alaskan ~ .30-06 Springfield

Winchester ~ 70 Alaskan ~ .30-06 Springfield for sale online.

www.gunsinternational.com

 

[TN_Farmer]

Saw this listing today at Cabelas and reminded me of your post.

Winchester ~ 70 Alaskan ~ .30-06 Springfield

Winchester ~ 70 Alaskan ~ .30-06 Springfield for sale online.

www.gunsinternational.com

Very nice!

 

[cajunchefray]

Saw this listing today at Cabelas and reminded me of your post.

Winchester ~ 70 Alaskan ~ .30-06 Springfield

Winchester ~ 70 Alaskan ~ .30-06 Springfield for sale online.

www.gunsinternational.com

@bobdahunter84 ,
Buy this M70 Alaskan 30-06. Just what you want for your son. They are only making a few(dozens, hundred) at a time to make profit on the product lines. Y’all won’t be disappointed.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

No, pre'64 Winchester Model 70 rifles are highly unreliable and pose more of a threat to the hunter using them rather than the game that they are being fired at.

Send yours over to me, right away. I'll properly dispose of it for you.