When I was in the 8th grade back in the early 80’s, my father rewarded me for high marks in school by giving me an M70 Featherweight .270 Win. I practically slept with the gun
How was the accuracy with that rifle? I'd really like to have a Featherweight in .308 but I've heard the light weight barrel is too thin and accuracy is ehhh at best.
Those days will never exist again, society and crazy stupid people will swallow this world whole. My first rifle was a savage 110 chambered in .30-06 the last one was savage 110 lightweight storm in .270
I absolutely love this channel. This guy isn't just spitting some quick research power points. When you hear someone who knows their shit just spitting out awesome "by the way" facts and it goes over the history and anatomy, you know you're in class and the professor is on a roll. Thousands of times more informative than any gun reviewers you'll find.
I'm from Ireland and what a great watch. I've just bought this rifle in 243 cal. But over here we have to leave it in gun shop as it takes about 3 months to get it put on fire arms license. Can't wait to hunt with the great Winchester 70 model,
Richard Todd: its a shame that government interferes with personal liberties. No doubt we’ll have similar or more severe hurdles in America when the Socialists eventually take control here.
im in ireland aswell havent shot any deer yet but i do shoot rabbits and the odd fox. i would love to get a 270 how is it working for you and is the 243 working well?
I’ve had the pre-64 and have just picked up a brand new Model 70 Extreme Weather. In my opinion the ones made now are the best they’ve ever been. I have two more on order: another Extreme Weather in 7mm Rem mag and a Safari Express in .458Win mag. It doesn’t bother me where a firearm is made as long as the quality is there. And with the Model 70 it absolutely is there.
I have a nearly new model 70 .458 for sale. Only reason it's for sale is I have a custom Dakota takedown in .458 Lott and 3 other .458's that are more sentimental to me.
@@markloomis1415 I just picked up a new Model 70 Safari Express in .458 Win. Really like that caliber. Hope you are enjoying yours! I ‘ve had the 7mm Rem for a couple months now. Another fantastic rifle.
Currently have 8 Model 70's in my collection. 7mm, 30-06, .308, 300 Win Mag, .338 Win Mag, 270 Win.. Including the beautiful new one in Maple in my second M70 chambered in 300 Win. Mag. Just bought an M70 Hunter Strata camo in 7mm with the 24" barrel. I just love the Winchester Model 70. My first hunting rifle. In my opinion a beautiful rifle! Have watched this video several times. Thank you!
Great video! Thanks. I love the Model 70. I have 3 current productions: the 30-06 in High Grade, the .300 Win Mag in the Featherweight and the .375 H&H magnum in the Safari Express. The workmanship is superb and the function is smooth as silk. Truly the Rifleman's Rifle!
I really need to own another model 70 I lost my last one years back on a sad time I lost my job and hard times were at hand just love that rifle I made a great shot on a red stag at 250 yards safari style after watching this video I can hardly wait to acquire another one hoping for a .270 caliber
I have one that was made post 64, pre FN,. My rifle was made between 2001-06. It is a coyote brown varmint, 22-250. Although it's supposed to be the one no one wants and it's a push feed, I absolutely love it. Smooth as butter, never jammed up or failed to extract, and shoots dimes all day with hand loads. It would take a lot to get that rifle from me.
For my price range, it is my favorite bolt action rifle. I own several and never sell them. I have owned Ruger M77s, Model 700s, A bolts, and Tikkas. Sold most but kept the M70s. To me it is something I pass on to my sons, the others I have no qualm selling them in a garage sale.
I keep coming back to this video. Incredible amount of information on Model 70 in such a short video! Thank you once again for posting. Also, thank you for showcasing your beautiful rifles. Cheers from Toronto, Canada!
I just purchased my first Model 70, Super Grade SS with the walnut finish, chambered in 300 win-mag. I cannot wait to put glass on it, zero it, and take it into the woods! Thanks for this video, very informative!
Great video and information on the classic model 70 Thanks for the information and sharing your collection of model 70 hunting rifles. Love your channel
I just picked up one of the new Production model 70 safari rifles in 416 Remington Magnum. And boy has it been a shooter. Several groups from .480” to .740” with the 300 grain tsx. Absolutely love this rifle. Starting load work up on 340 grain woodleigh bullets this weekend.
Great video! I just ordered a M70 Featherweight in 300 WSM. I've been trying to find one for a while and finally located one at a shop in Colorado. I can't wait to break it in and then take it on my first elk hunt.
I won my m70 supergrade maple 30-06 at a gun raffle in Pennsylvania when I went there for a whitetail hunt from Ny. It’s an amazing rifle. I honestly prefer the maple over the walnut. Kinda wish it was a 270 or 308 but still a great rifle and cartridge.
Thanks for the video, you just made me feel even better by talking about how nice of a rifle it is, “even though I already new it was a fantastic rifle, lol.” Keep up the great videos my friend. ✌️😎👍🇺🇸
I have a LH Classic Sporter from the mid 90's...control feed, cut checkering and steel floor plate in cal .270...great rifle...well done video, thanks!
It is the rifle I love the most! My classic sporter is my go to hunting rifle for decades. The ONLY drawback is the loud disengagement of the safey lever but I even prefer ir to my Blaser R8, both in .300! Nice vídeo, and thanks you much!
I pinch my safety hard with two fingers to control the noise. It doesn’t allow the click noise when you control the switch from both sides. Love this rifle so much I want to be buried with it but I know juniors gonna want a moment alone before they lower the casket. Lol
The more "You Know" Thanks for the great video. Im getting one soon. Had it narrowed down to the Ruger Hawkeye, Remington 700 or this Winchester Model 70 but now I know.
Follow-up: Recently received my Model 70 SG in French Walnut, with the VX5-HD 2-10x Firedot Duplex reticle. The dealer added Talley low scope mounts that seem to have the center of the scope at the perfect cheek weld for me too. And, while I have no idea how great the pre-64's were...I can't see how much could be better than this one. The damn thing has a quality feel to it, like it were a custom Gibson guitar or something. I just hope I don't burn out the barrel anytime soon. A work of art.
Im so lucky to now own 2 M70s, I bought one in the early 80s with the pre64 action in 30-06. Now I have inherited my fathers 30-06 which he bought back in the late 1950s original pre 64, at the range its hard to tell the difference in the actions. Dad had his customized by Winchester, new fancy stock shortened barrel do to the open sights were in the way of scope mounting. I wouldnt trade either of them for any price love them. I will hand them down to my 2 grandsons.
i enjoy your videos ty,. this one is great ,i have a 2013 m 70 featherweight compact in .243 win . and a 1959 m 70 standard in .243 win. im a m 70 fan .
I've got three of the FN/SC M70's in 257 Roberts, 7x57, and 375H&H. All accurate as can be, I'll be looking for a 270Win and a 300H&H at some point. I've always been a M-70 fan and always will be! Great Review!
@@jaybailleaux630 The recoil is almost non-existent, even with a Featherweight. The ammo can be hard to find and that was BEFORE the last 18 months of Covid-craziness. Yeah, great round!
I have a Winchester SuperGrade and they are so Amazing. Perfect Functionality combined with it looking Really Good Can't wait for Deer Season. I agree with what He said about it being Manditory for all Rifles to have a 3 Position Safety for Safety Reasons.
DD,. I absolutely agree with you that a hunting rifle MUST have a safety that locks the bolt. I will never own another rifle that does not have this feature. I can't tell you how many times I've been still hunting and looked down and had an action, bolt open, round lost, and filled it with trash. This was exactly the review I was looking for. I also like that the Safari has allen head action bolts.
Wow, you ain't kidding about proper eye relief on a scope! I used to have a CZ550 in 375H&H, and the first time I squeezed one off (having never shot anything more powerful than a 30-06), I thought I felt the scope go through my eye socket and bump the back of my skull.
On the second-hand market I recently found a Winchester 70 Stealth II still almost in mint condition, tested at 200 metres at the range it made exceptional shot patterns. I am considering buying it as an alternative to a REMINGTON 700P.
My first model 70 was and still is a 300 win. mag. post 64 model 70 xtr also a 264 model 70 xtr and also a model 70 270 xtr I love them all and i will never part with them only when I die my family will inherit them. I was 27 years old when I got my first model 70 and I shot dead center on cold bore and still do at age 65. I love my win.model 70s
There is one thing that you said that is so true.Every hunting rifle need a safety that locks the bolt.I was using a Remington model 783 in a 308 which doesnt have that feature.I was hunting in a feeding area for deer and moose,I was targeting deer.I went through some thick brush and I was walking when I fealt for my bolt.Low and behold it wasnt there I looked all over and I couldnt find it,what a piss off. The 3 position safety is the best most reliable safety ever made period.There isnt a safety that's better.You can have the safety on and work the bolt,for removing rounds that are live it's the safest by far.
Great video as always. Great insight given. Thank you. I'm a big fan of the model 70 myself, especially the pre-64 rifles. I do agree about the quality in regards to modern model 70's. My only complaint that i still have is that all model 70's from 1964 to present use 2 piece bolts instead of the 1 piece bolts found on the pre-64's.
I have both the Pre 64 and Post 64 and I will tell you a Model 70 XTR Push Feed is a great action in a Rifle for extreme accuracy and is what I would use to build a Custom Build. One you did not talk about is in wet snow the exposed safety can freeze vs a Remington 700 encloses more. Yes I have had this happen. Both Winchester and Remington make great Rifles just buy the higher priced models. Just FYI you can take a 700 bolt apart by hooking it on your boot lace so yes you can take it apart without tools also.
There was a time when I decided to get a rifle just for plinking, and a nearby store had a Cz550 in 6.5 X 55 Swede. After some thought, I went back to buy that Swede, but it was gone. So I looked around and asked what that FN Model 70 was. The salesman handed it to me and it was an FN Model 70 Special Edition, 2008, and just the stock alone told me how lucky for me that that rough finished CZ was gone. Owning that Model 70 is just pure pleasure. I would have preferred a 30/06, but the 270 Winchester is doing just fine. The rifle just oozes and drips quality from muzzle to recoil pad. I even brought it with me to an optic dtore to make sure I got quality scope mounts and bases, and when I handed it to the salesman, he said he’d be back after a bit. An hour went by and I thought they must have found something really wrong with my rifle, but finally he returned and handed me the rifle with new Warne bases and rings. He said they thought so highly of that rifle that they removed the barreled action and put a sealer coat on the inletting. What a nice thing to hear, and no charge. It was sure worth the wait. Arguably the classiest rifle made, and I own one. It’s really something to appreciate, and I got the US made in South Carolina version, just to add the final bit of desirability. It feels great in hand, better than my pre ‘64s. I kinda like them too, though. I just wish their stocks were this nice.
Winchester has always had a little Browning flare to their mod.70 and many of their lever mod. I have an Browning X Bolt in 30x06 love that gun.but if I did not have it.i would buy the Whinchester every time. Great evaluation as usual. Good luck and good hunting.
I have three super grades myself and the Alaskan model in 375 H&H cal. and I won't take any amount of money for them!! They shoot fantastic and the bolt works like a dream.... Not to mention they are a beautiful looking rifle!!!! I just wish I was 50 years younger so that I could have many more years to enjoy these fine rifles!! Go buy yourself a piece of American History and enjoy it....you won't be sorry... I know I'm not!!!
When I got home from basic training in April of 2001 I went to sportsman's warehouse went up to the sales guy and I remember saying I need a deer rifle what the best bolt action rifle he said the Winchester model 70 or the Remington model 700 I purchased the Remington 700 a ADL wood and steel model I held BDL and the Winchester model 70 but I could not get over how well the trigger pull felt on that Remington ADL that day it breaks like glass still it was a birthday present to myself I was turning 19 in 2 days it's the only Highpower rifle I own, and many dead mule deer 3 Spike Elk later I love the weapon it's like a old friend today every time I take aim with it a flood of kills and memories. Chambered in 270 Winchester the 270 Winchester was round I really did not known much if anything about at 19 but I sure love it now I Never have shot anything other than 150 grain cartridges because that's what I sighted in the Burris scope with and I keep hitting my target if ain't broke I don't fix it I guess at 40 years old now I realize most of my kill shots have over penatrated but I have boxes of 150 grain 270 ammo so all have to keep using them I rekon all my kills have never required a second shot .I love the Winchester model 70 my brother owns one in 30.06 it's left handed bolt he got it around the same time I got my rifle in 2000 if I remember correctly . The Winchester pre 64 models are the gold standard for obvious reasons in my opinion just like a pre 64 model 94 nothing feels or looks as good as Winchesters pre 64s it's strange to me with all are technology and computers that we can't recurate that quality and magic but we cant the pre 64 weapons are great quality but more than that the guns are like art,to me anyway.
Can't say thank you enough for your time! I have learned more just from 3 videos. Always wanted to read the old books.. Thank for several names. Love to email you
I went thru boot camp at MCRD San Diego, and when we talked about hunting, those western jarheads praised the 300 Win Mag. I bought a M70 XTR 300 Win Mag the minute I got out of boot camp in 1980.
I love my model 70 All weather SS in 7mm Rem mag! I definitely agree with your assessment of the new production model 70's and I definitely share your enthusiasm. I am going to purchase another one soon probably a feather weight in 7mm-08 mainly because I hunt mainly whitetails in VA and PA. I wish Winchester kept the older classic cartridges, rather than doing limited production runs. Cartridges like 7x57mm Mauser, 6.5x55 Swede, .257 Roberts, .358 Win and .300 H&H. For their chambering in .264 Win mag I wish they'd start manufacturing their barrels with a faster twist rate, that was the deciding factor of getting a 7mm Rem mag over .264 WIN. They manufacturer .264 Win with 1:9" twist barrels rather than 1:8" twist which is used on 6.5 creedmoor. The 1:8" twist using high BC bullets out of a .264 WIN would be the ultimate long range deer and antelope rifle.
I hear you in everything you say and agree as to the quality of the new Model 70’s. I have an Extreme Weather SS in .338Win mag and another in 7mmRem mag on order. The classic cartridges are great and I would add the 7x64 Brenneke and 9.3x62 to the list as well but sadly your average gun buyer in the U.S. thinks the Savage Axis is a quality rifle. You can load that 7 Rem easily down to .280 levels. I load my .338 to .338/06 levels for hunting in WV as I don’t need the full horsepower but it’s available if I do need it. It’s fun too.
@@Nick-wn1xw I definitely agree with you there especially regarding rifles like the Savage Axis and Ruger American. Yes they can shoot, but can they hold up to rigorous, extreme environments, last a lifetime and to be able to pass it down to the next generation and still be in a good serviceable condition? There is a reason why old Mauser98's and Pre-64 Winchesters are still around. Those folks who buy the Axis and others like it probably never held or shouldered Winchester model 70 let alone fired rounds out of one. I've been doing the same thing with my 7mm Mag as far as loading it down and sometimes using Hornady reduced recoil loads which equal to 7x57mm or 7mm-08 performance. You don't need the extra horse power of full house 7mm mag loads on whitetails at woodland ranges. That 2700fps-2800fps range with a 140gr or 150gr bullet is the cats @$$ for whitetails within reasonable hunting ranges inside 70 yards to the occaisional cornfield shot out to 400. Deer never go far. Boom- flop! I think the 9.3x62 would fit great in their Alaskan and Safari models. The 9.3x62mm is actually gaining popularity. It's actually more popular than the 35 Whelan which is another classic cartridge to add too. I would like to see Winchester make a model 70 classic in the above mentioned cartridges.
@@Eggomania86 all I can say to what you’ve added is YES. Absolutely yes. I have my Extreme Weather 7mmRem mag now and when my supply of factory PPU loads are shot I’ll be loading it to the .280/7-08 levels. My .338 shoots sub-moa with reduced loads easily.
I like ur tremendous enthusiasm for this rifle. Thank you! Some day, i would own this Pre-2007 M70 version and it better b sooner than later for all these folks and i who knows the value of great gun design + great proud craftsmanship regardless of which nation it was produced.
SPOT ON!!! Some Springfield parts fit model 70s.1903 Springfields were designed to work all of the time in battle, sporting rifles are made to shoot a MAX of a box a year
"It's everything a hunter wants in a hunting rifle." Not today. It isn't synthetic with a vertical grip, not tactical and target enough. It doesn't have 14 adjustments to fit the stock to you, and it doesn't come with a bipod. I long for past times.
The new Portugal built and assembled Model 70's are, in my opinion the best ever made. I've owned every vintage of the Model 70, except pre-war and those I've handled, a d now have 5 of the new ones. My nephew has the same 5 model as well. That is 10 new Model 70's and all of them are flawless in looks and performance. We have 6.5 Creedmoor Long Range MB, 30-06 Alaskan, 7mmRem mag and .338 Win mag in the Extreme Weather and a .458Win mag in the Safari Express. Can't recommend them enough IF you can find them now.
Why is it that I find myself watching desert dogs videos a second time? This guy is just so intelligent and has some of the nicest hunting rifles a man could own. I also like how he doesn’t care about weight all that much in a rifle. The model 70 weighing 8 to 9 pounds is a strong rifle that’s still packable. A tikka and kimber hunting rifles are fine. All the light rifles are fine. But a lot of sacrifices are made to have such a light rifle. And if the rifle is still strong it’s more than likely gonna be extremely expensive. A man could still hunt with a 9 pound rifle with a lot of success weight is a bit over hyped these days I think
I agree. My Mossberg 22 from 1972. is heavier than most of the biggies. If two more pounds on a rifle is a big deal, then ai will just loose some off my belly if it is all that hard to lug around.
What an excellent video. I have always wanted a 30.06 although I fear its a bit overkill for GA and Fla. We have big hogs though so I justify a 30.06 sporter standard model with a Leuopold VX3i 3.5-10 scope. AHHHH... I can see it in my hands even though I haven't bought it yet. Held a 300 winchester strandard sporter today and know I will get the 30.06 soon. Video was awesome and sealed it for me. I have to get the M70.
Did you get it? I have a stainless 30-06 ultimate shadow model that I put into a Bell and Carlson stock and have a Leupold 3.5-10x40 on it. I absolutely love it!
@@NCWoodlandRoamer Hello, no didn't get the rifle and will just wait. Bought a house did a full reno and am now starting to recover financially. It will be a while before I can get a rifle. Hey did you get the Leupold3.5x10? I think it is the VX HD3 or soemthing. Thats the scope I will get on my Winchester Sporter 30.06.
@@lenoxchew4732 Hey, I understand. I have the VX3i 3.5-10x40, those were before the HD. I have a couple of the newer HD ones as well they are great scopes. Good luck on getting a model 70! They are fantastic rifles.
I only last week for the first time fired and sighted in a Model 70 Featherweight Classic made in New Haven, CT in 1994. It's beautiful, handles well, and shoots great with loads that I hadn't yet tailored to the rifle. I'm looking forward to assembling loads with the bullets seated for the leade of it and seeing what it can do with those.
Love my Nikon Buck Master,,, mounted it to a Browning 308 about 10yrs ago. Zeroed only that 1 time and still to this day it hammers 3" steel plates from 200yrds out every time as long as you don't jerk the boom boom button.
Awesome educational video on the Winchester 70. Even before this video i wanted one, but now after watching, i 'really' want one. I am a Lefty but i am used to shooting RH rifles all my life. I would probably be more comfortable, faster, and proficient w/ a RH Model 70.
I own two model 70s one is from 85 and it is chambered in 458 Win mag and the other is from 93 and it is chambered in 375 H&H MAG and I really love both rifles.
One of the greatest rifles of all time and IMO, the greatest American rifle even if it is now foreign made. The design is timeless. I want the Shot show special thumbhole version in .300 Win mag with multi coloured laminated stock.
There's foreign made and then there's foreign made. Fabrique National de Herstal of Belgium is one of the most-respected firearms manufacturers in the world, and one with a long connection to the U.S. No less than John Moses Browning, the preeminent FA genius, licensed many of his designs to FN after his relationship with Winchester ended. Both Winchester and Browning, two great old American brand names, are now owned by FN. If it had to be a foreign company, then it is good that it was them.
I won't argue about the quality of the new M70 rifles but I want my Winchester MADE IN AMERICA, period. The last of the New Haven M70's were among the best they ever made and I'm glad I have mine.
My 1997 stainless classic with plastic stock was crap. Horrible matchining around the magazine plate, barrel finish wasn't great, pitted and light rust. It's a 338 win mag and by the 3rd shot groups open up to 2". I put a HS precision stock on it and had it bedded and still shoots the same way. I'm happy with my FN made rifles . You were lucky I guess.
@@ValcoBayrunner I think you may want to look at your ammunition. The .338" bullets out there tend to be good big game killers but lack in the accuracy department. Try Nosler Ballistic Tip bullets (or Hornady SST) and see if that helps. The .358" bullets are notorious in the same way. I will spare the story that goes with the lesson but I followed this advice after Bobby Hart looked at my rifle and made the suggestion to me. That bedded HS Precision stock should have solved any potential accuracy issues related to the stock. Strangely enough my accuracy was about 2 MOA prior to finding the solution, and that was with a custom rifle that cost about double what your Winchester cost. Imagine my disappointment when my dream rifle did not drive tacks!
Excellent review. For up here in Alaska, I like the Winchester 70 Extreme stainless steel with Bell & Carlson synthetic stock that has an aluminum bedding block.
I have to hand it to FN. They have done an incredible job with Browning and Winchester. The quality of the new Winchester Model 70 Super grade is top notch. Every person has certain brands that they prefer. It's like the old chevy or ford thing. It's a matter of preference. But you can hand any hunter a Winchester model 70 supergrade and they'll smile. Period.
Asa lefty, I've always been a fan of Remington and lately, Savage. But if FN ever does respond to 11% of the shooting world and build a LH Model 70, I will buy one! Semper Fidelis, TreeTop
When I was in the 8th grade back in the early 80’s, my father rewarded me for high marks in school by giving me an M70 Featherweight .270 Win. I practically slept with the gun
How was the accuracy with that rifle? I'd really like to have a Featherweight in .308 but I've heard the light weight barrel is too thin and accuracy is ehhh at best.
Those days will never exist again, society and crazy stupid people will swallow this world whole. My first rifle was a savage 110 chambered in .30-06 the last one was savage 110 lightweight storm in .270
You lucky dog!
I got one when I was 14 in .270 win. It has killed a lot of animals.
Never mind the great gun; what an awesome dad you had. Dads like that are more rare than a pre 64’ Winchester these days.
I absolutely love this channel. This guy isn't just spitting some quick research power points. When you hear someone who knows their shit just spitting out awesome "by the way" facts and it goes over the history and anatomy, you know you're in class and the professor is on a roll. Thousands of times more informative than any gun reviewers you'll find.
yep this guys a hidden gem on youtube when it comes to guns hunting and the outdoors
Agreed sir !
I'm from Ireland and what a great watch. I've just bought this rifle in 243 cal. But over here we have to leave it in gun shop as it takes about 3 months to get it put on fire arms license. Can't wait to hunt with the great Winchester 70 model,
Richard Todd: its a shame that government interferes with personal liberties. No doubt we’ll have similar or more severe hurdles in America when the Socialists eventually take control here.
It will be a sad day when the government comes to get my guns. For them that is.
thats just sad. why dont you move to the US, we could use some good immigrants besides the millions of fence jumpers who come in every year
im in ireland aswell havent shot any deer yet but i do shoot rabbits and the odd fox. i would love to get a 270 how is it working for you and is the 243 working well?
Remington was 30 years behind Winchester with the Model 700 BDL.
Here in Alaska. A Winchester model 70 should be a mandatory rifle. Ruger m77 maybe runner up.
I’ve had the pre-64 and have just picked up a brand new Model 70 Extreme Weather. In my opinion the ones made now are the best they’ve ever been. I have two more on order: another Extreme Weather in 7mm Rem mag and a Safari Express in .458Win mag. It doesn’t bother me where a firearm is made as long as the quality is there. And with the Model 70 it absolutely is there.
I have a nearly new model 70 .458 for sale. Only reason it's for sale is I have a custom Dakota takedown in .458 Lott and 3 other .458's that are more sentimental to me.
@@markloomis1415 I just picked up a new Model 70 Safari Express in .458 Win. Really like that caliber. Hope you are enjoying yours! I ‘ve had the 7mm Rem for a couple months now. Another fantastic rifle.
Yeah the brand new ones are way better than the old pre’64 rifles. I have a five year old featherweight in .30-06 and it is a great gun.
Really like that Super Grade. What a gorgeous rifle!
Yeah, that is one gorgeous firearm ! Gotta get one
Looking at getting one but sold out everywhere right now (in Canada). But I'm going to wait because I really want a Model 70 Super Grade in 30-06.
Currently have 8 Model 70's in my collection. 7mm, 30-06, .308, 300 Win Mag, .338 Win Mag, 270 Win.. Including the beautiful new one in Maple in my second M70 chambered in 300 Win. Mag. Just bought an M70 Hunter Strata camo in 7mm with the 24" barrel. I just love the Winchester Model 70. My first hunting rifle. In my opinion a beautiful rifle! Have watched this video several times. Thank you!
Great video! Thanks. I love the Model 70. I have 3 current productions: the 30-06 in High Grade, the .300 Win Mag in the Featherweight and the .375 H&H magnum in the Safari Express. The workmanship is superb and the function is smooth as silk. Truly the Rifleman's Rifle!
Great review … I am a Winchester nut and now have 3 Super Grades plus a 70 Feather Weight in 223 WSSM. All shoot like a dream. Would own nothing less.
The best review on a Model 70 I've seen, its a great rifle, very glad to see Winchester making a decent rifle again.
I really need to own another model 70 I lost my last one years back on a sad time I lost my job and hard times were at hand just love that rifle I made a great shot on a red stag at 250 yards safari style after watching this video I can hardly wait to acquire another one hoping for a .270 caliber
yes sir 270 all day;-)
Get the wsm you won't regret it.
I have one that was made post 64, pre FN,. My rifle was made between 2001-06. It is a coyote brown varmint, 22-250. Although it's supposed to be the one no one wants and it's a push feed, I absolutely love it. Smooth as butter, never jammed up or failed to extract, and shoots dimes all day with hand loads. It would take a lot to get that rifle from me.
For my price range, it is my favorite bolt action rifle. I own several and never sell them. I have owned Ruger M77s, Model 700s, A bolts, and Tikkas. Sold most but kept the M70s. To me it is something I pass on to my sons, the others I have no qualm selling them in a garage sale.
That is one fine pre64 Model 70 you got there. Truly blessed to have that one.
I keep coming back to this video. Incredible amount of information on Model 70 in such a short video! Thank you once again for posting. Also, thank you for showcasing your beautiful rifles. Cheers from Toronto, Canada!
I just purchased my first Model 70, Super Grade SS with the walnut finish, chambered in 300 win-mag. I cannot wait to put glass on it, zero it, and take it into the woods! Thanks for this video, very informative!
Awesome video and great to watch again after I bought a 6.5CM Featherweight version about 10 months ago.
Great video and information on the classic model 70
Thanks for the information and sharing your collection of model 70 hunting rifles.
Love your channel
After watching your video I think I need to buy another Model 70. Nice job on the video !
Excellent video. Awesome presentation style! Thank you for uploading.
I bought a late model 70 last year , and I love that rifle , smooth as butter bolt !
I just picked up one of the new Production model 70 safari rifles in 416 Remington Magnum. And boy has it been a shooter. Several groups from .480” to .740” with the 300 grain tsx. Absolutely love this rifle. Starting load work up on 340 grain woodleigh bullets this weekend.
I absolutely agree with you- Super Grade is a fantastic tool that performs. Looks great also.
Great video! I just ordered a M70 Featherweight in 300 WSM. I've been trying to find one for a while and finally located one at a shop in Colorado. I can't wait to break it in and then take it on my first elk hunt.
I won my m70 supergrade maple 30-06 at a gun raffle in Pennsylvania when I went there for a whitetail hunt from Ny. It’s an amazing rifle. I honestly prefer the maple over the walnut. Kinda wish it was a 270 or 308 but still a great rifle and cartridge.
Thank you for such a great exploration of this fine rifle.
Love the maple on the Supergrade! I want one of those!
Thanks for the video, you just made me feel even better by talking about how nice of a rifle it is, “even though I already new it was a fantastic rifle, lol.”
Keep up the great videos my friend.
✌️😎👍🇺🇸
Great video and my favorite rifle is my 1972 30.06 that is a tack driver.
I have a LH Classic Sporter from the mid 90's...control feed, cut checkering and steel floor plate in cal .270...great rifle...well done video, thanks!
Do they still make them in left hand if so we're can I get them, i live in australia so will need to import.
@@kyeblain2472Sadly no not since the 90's
It is the rifle I love the most! My classic sporter is my go to hunting rifle for decades. The ONLY drawback is the loud disengagement of the safey lever but I even prefer ir to my Blaser R8, both in .300! Nice vídeo, and thanks you much!
I pinch my safety hard with two fingers to control the noise. It doesn’t allow the click noise when you control the switch from both sides. Love this rifle so much I want to be buried with it but I know juniors gonna want a moment alone before they lower the casket. Lol
The more "You Know"
Thanks for the great video. Im getting one soon. Had it narrowed down to the Ruger Hawkeye, Remington 700 or this Winchester Model 70 but now I know.
Follow-up: Recently received my Model 70 SG in French Walnut, with the VX5-HD 2-10x Firedot Duplex reticle.
The dealer added Talley low scope mounts that seem to have the center of the scope at the perfect cheek weld for me too.
And, while I have no idea how great the pre-64's were...I can't see how much could be better than this one.
The damn thing has a quality feel to it, like it were a custom Gibson guitar or something.
I just hope I don't burn out the barrel anytime soon.
A work of art.
Awesome explanation and history biopic of the Model 70
Just bought a 1981 Model 70 XTR Featherweight in 7×57 Mauser. Love it!!
Really enjoying your channel and this was a great video on one of the true legends of firearms.
Im so lucky to now own 2 M70s, I bought one in the early 80s with the pre64 action in 30-06. Now I have inherited my fathers 30-06 which he bought back in the late 1950s original pre 64, at the range its hard to tell the difference in the actions. Dad had his customized by Winchester, new fancy stock shortened barrel do to the open sights were in the way of scope mounting. I wouldnt trade either of them for any price love them. I will hand them down to my 2 grandsons.
i enjoy your videos ty,. this one is great ,i have a 2013 m 70 featherweight compact in .243 win . and a 1959 m 70 standard in .243 win. im a m 70 fan .
I've got three of the FN/SC M70's in 257 Roberts, 7x57, and 375H&H. All accurate as can be, I'll be looking for a 270Win and a 300H&H at some point.
I've always been a M-70 fan and always will be! Great Review!
257 Roberts has to be a dandy fun shooter.
@@jaybailleaux630 The recoil is almost non-existent, even with a Featherweight.
The ammo can be hard to find and that was BEFORE the last 18 months of Covid-craziness. Yeah, great round!
I have three, all 1955. .308 feather wt., 30-06, and .300H&H. Tack drivers
Very very outstanding video. Great job. Keep up the good work. Thanks a lot friend. SC Navy vet. You are a great presenter.
I like the way you did this👍. Great job and lots of info. Thanks. ✌️
Excellent presentation especially the beautiful Model 70 Super Grade in Maple.
I love this channel. Very useful fact based information makes this channel the best.
I have a Winchester SuperGrade and they are so Amazing. Perfect Functionality combined with it looking Really Good Can't wait for Deer Season. I agree with what He said about it being Manditory for all Rifles to have a 3 Position Safety for Safety Reasons.
Just purchased a new Model 70 Safari Magnum; a wonderful rifle !! Your videos were key in my decision; and I thank you !!
DD,. I absolutely agree with you that a hunting rifle MUST have a safety that locks the bolt. I will never own another rifle that does not have this feature. I can't tell you how many times I've been still hunting and looked down and had an action, bolt open, round lost, and filled it with trash. This was exactly the review I was looking for. I also like that the Safari has allen head action bolts.
Wow, you ain't kidding about proper eye relief on a scope! I used to have a CZ550 in 375H&H, and the first time I squeezed one off (having never shot anything more powerful than a 30-06), I thought I felt the scope go through my eye socket and bump the back of my skull.
I couldn’t decide which hunting rifle I wanted until watching this video: my new Winchester model 70 is on it’s way
On the second-hand market I recently found a Winchester 70 Stealth II still almost in mint condition, tested at 200 metres at the range it made exceptional shot patterns. I am considering buying it as an alternative to a REMINGTON 700P.
My first model 70 was and still is a 300 win. mag. post 64 model 70 xtr also a 264 model 70 xtr and also a model 70 270 xtr I love them all and i will never part with them only when I die my family will inherit them.
I was 27 years old when I got my first model 70 and I shot dead center on cold bore and still do at age 65.
I love my win.model 70s
I love my Model 70s! Just can’t beat them.👍👍👍
They are the best as far as I’m concerned. Easily the best.
Very nice review with some History as well. Also my compliments on the rifles especially that super grade stock.
I have a pre64 chambered in .30-06 and it is the best rifle I've ever shot.
I love your rifle reviews. Like to see more.
There is one thing that you said that is so true.Every hunting rifle need a safety that locks the bolt.I was using a Remington model 783 in a 308 which doesnt have that feature.I was hunting in a feeding area for deer and moose,I was targeting deer.I went through some thick brush and I was walking when I fealt for my bolt.Low and behold it wasnt there I looked all over and I couldnt find it,what a piss off.
The 3 position safety is the best most reliable safety ever made period.There isnt a safety that's better.You can have the safety on and work the bolt,for removing rounds that are live it's the safest by far.
I love you videos, you an encyclopedia of firearms, you and Ron Semper are my go to guys for firearms.
Great video. I'm a leftie, but I shoot right handed. I really like my '70s era M-70 .375 H&H. Not controlled feed, but it takes care of business.
Great video as always. Great insight given. Thank you. I'm a big fan of the model 70 myself, especially the pre-64 rifles. I do agree about the quality in regards to modern model 70's. My only complaint that i still have is that all model 70's from 1964 to present use 2 piece bolts instead of the 1 piece bolts found on the pre-64's.
I have both the Pre 64 and Post 64 and I will tell you a Model 70 XTR Push Feed is a great action in a Rifle for extreme accuracy and is what I would use to build a Custom Build. One you did not talk about is in wet snow the exposed safety can freeze vs a Remington 700 encloses more. Yes I have had this happen. Both Winchester and Remington make great Rifles just buy the higher priced models. Just FYI you can take a 700 bolt apart by hooking it on your boot lace so yes you can take it apart without tools also.
There was a time when I decided to get a rifle just for plinking, and a nearby store had a Cz550 in 6.5 X 55 Swede. After some thought, I went back to buy that Swede, but it was gone. So I looked around and asked what that FN Model 70 was. The salesman handed it to me and it was an FN Model 70 Special Edition, 2008, and just the stock alone told me how lucky for me that that rough finished CZ was gone. Owning that Model 70 is just pure pleasure. I would have preferred a 30/06, but the 270 Winchester is doing just fine. The rifle just oozes and drips quality from muzzle to recoil pad. I even brought it with me to an optic dtore to make sure I got quality scope mounts and bases, and when I handed it to the salesman, he said he’d be back after a bit. An hour went by and I thought they must have found something really wrong with my rifle, but finally he returned and handed me the rifle with new Warne bases and rings. He said they thought so highly of that rifle that they removed the barreled action and put a sealer coat on the inletting. What a nice thing to hear, and no charge. It was sure worth the wait. Arguably the classiest rifle made, and I own one. It’s really something to appreciate, and I got the US made in South Carolina version, just to add the final bit of desirability. It feels great in hand, better than my pre ‘64s. I kinda like them too, though. I just wish their stocks were this nice.
Winchester has always had a little Browning flare to their mod.70 and many of their lever mod. I have an Browning X Bolt in 30x06 love that gun.but if I did not have it.i would buy the Whinchester every time. Great evaluation as usual. Good luck and good hunting.
I have three super grades myself and the Alaskan model in 375 H&H cal. and I won't take any amount of money for them!! They shoot fantastic and the bolt works like a dream.... Not to mention they are a beautiful looking rifle!!!! I just wish I was 50 years younger so that I could have many more years to enjoy these fine rifles!! Go buy yourself a piece of American History and enjoy it....you won't be sorry... I know I'm not!!!
I'm really happy for you! Congratulations on all your videos! I love it!
Great info that I did not know and not boring at all.
'94 to 2006 had the Classic M70 with controlled round feed.
Exactly, I have one of those in 6.5x55mm. It's almost as polished as the pre-64 rifles.
When I got home from basic training in April of 2001 I went to sportsman's warehouse went up to the sales guy and I remember saying I need a deer rifle what the best bolt action rifle he said the Winchester model 70 or the Remington model 700 I purchased the Remington 700 a ADL wood and steel model I held BDL and the Winchester model 70 but I could not get over how well the trigger pull felt on that Remington ADL that day it breaks like glass still it was a birthday present to myself I was turning 19 in 2 days it's the only Highpower rifle I own, and many dead mule deer 3 Spike Elk later I love the weapon it's like a old friend today every time I take aim with it a flood of kills and memories. Chambered in 270 Winchester the 270 Winchester was round I really did not known much if anything about at 19 but I sure love it now I Never have shot anything other than 150 grain cartridges because that's what I sighted in the Burris scope with and I keep hitting my target if ain't broke I don't fix it I guess at 40 years old now I realize most of my kill shots have over penatrated but I have boxes of 150 grain 270 ammo so all have to keep using them I rekon all my kills have never required a second shot .I love the Winchester model 70 my brother owns one in 30.06 it's left handed bolt he got it around the same time I got my rifle in 2000 if I remember correctly . The Winchester pre 64 models are the gold standard for obvious reasons in my opinion just like a pre 64 model 94 nothing feels or looks as good as Winchesters pre 64s it's strange to me with all are technology and computers that we can't recurate that quality and magic but we cant the pre 64 weapons are great quality but more than that the guns are like art,to me anyway.
👍 Imma gonna get me a new Winchester Model 70 👍
Can't say thank you enough for your time!
I have learned more just from 3 videos.
Always wanted to read the old books..
Thank for several names.
Love to email you
desertdogoutdoors@gmail.com
We have a pre 64 ft wt in 308, a 270, and a 257 Roberts and 223 in the newer featherweights. All are awesome rifles.
I went thru boot camp at MCRD San Diego, and when we talked about hunting, those western jarheads praised the 300 Win Mag. I bought a M70 XTR 300 Win Mag the minute I got out of boot camp in 1980.
I love my model 70 All weather SS in 7mm Rem mag! I definitely agree with your assessment of the new production model 70's and I definitely share your enthusiasm. I am going to purchase another one soon probably a feather weight in 7mm-08 mainly because I hunt mainly whitetails in VA and PA. I wish Winchester kept the older classic cartridges, rather than doing limited production runs. Cartridges like 7x57mm Mauser, 6.5x55 Swede, .257 Roberts, .358 Win and .300 H&H. For their chambering in .264 Win mag I wish they'd start manufacturing their barrels with a faster twist rate, that was the deciding factor of getting a 7mm Rem mag over .264 WIN. They manufacturer .264 Win with 1:9" twist barrels rather than 1:8" twist which is used on 6.5 creedmoor. The 1:8" twist using high BC bullets out of a .264 WIN would be the ultimate long range deer and antelope rifle.
I hear you in everything you say and agree as to the quality of the new Model 70’s. I have an Extreme Weather SS in .338Win mag and another in 7mmRem mag on order. The classic cartridges are great and I would add the 7x64 Brenneke and 9.3x62 to the list as well but sadly your average gun buyer in the U.S. thinks the Savage Axis is a quality rifle. You can load that 7 Rem easily down to .280 levels. I load my .338 to .338/06 levels for hunting in WV as I don’t need the full horsepower but it’s available if I do need it. It’s fun too.
@@Nick-wn1xw I definitely agree with you there especially regarding rifles like the Savage Axis and Ruger American. Yes they can shoot, but can they hold up to rigorous, extreme environments, last a lifetime and to be able to pass it down to the next generation and still be in a good serviceable condition? There is a reason why old Mauser98's and Pre-64 Winchesters are still around. Those folks who buy the Axis and others like it probably never held or shouldered Winchester model 70 let alone fired rounds out of one. I've been doing the same thing with my 7mm Mag as far as loading it down and sometimes using Hornady reduced recoil loads which equal to 7x57mm or 7mm-08 performance. You don't need the extra horse power of full house 7mm mag loads on whitetails at woodland ranges. That 2700fps-2800fps range with a 140gr or 150gr bullet is the cats @$$ for whitetails within reasonable hunting ranges inside 70 yards to the occaisional cornfield shot out to 400. Deer never go far. Boom- flop! I think the 9.3x62 would fit great in their Alaskan and Safari models. The 9.3x62mm is actually gaining popularity. It's actually more popular than the 35 Whelan which is another classic cartridge to add too. I would like to see Winchester make a model 70 classic in the above mentioned cartridges.
@@Eggomania86 all I can say to what you’ve added is YES. Absolutely yes. I have my Extreme Weather 7mmRem mag now and when my supply of factory PPU loads are shot I’ll be loading it to the .280/7-08 levels. My .338 shoots sub-moa with reduced loads easily.
I like ur tremendous enthusiasm for this rifle. Thank you! Some day, i would own this Pre-2007
M70 version and it better b sooner than later for all these folks and i who knows the value of
great gun design + great proud craftsmanship regardless of which nation it was produced.
I love ur rigid character n ur presentation of this great gun.
Good video! I’m waiting for my new 270 featherweight to come in. I had a little buyer’s remorse but I feel better now.
Your presentation is well done
Super !
Thanks for posting, very informative.
SPOT ON!!! Some Springfield parts fit model 70s.1903 Springfields were designed to work all of the time in battle, sporting rifles are made to shoot a MAX of a box a year
FN has no love for the southpaw 70s and you brought that up thank you
"It's everything a hunter wants in a hunting rifle." Not today. It isn't synthetic with a vertical grip, not tactical and target enough. It doesn't have 14 adjustments to fit the stock to you, and it doesn't come with a bipod. I long for past times.
Thanks for the information and such a fast reply.
The new Portugal built and assembled Model 70's are, in my opinion the best ever made. I've owned every vintage of the Model 70, except pre-war and those I've handled, a d now have 5 of the new ones. My nephew has the same 5 model as well. That is 10 new Model 70's and all of them are flawless in looks and performance. We have 6.5 Creedmoor Long Range MB, 30-06 Alaskan, 7mmRem mag and .338 Win mag in the Extreme Weather and a .458Win mag in the Safari Express. Can't recommend them enough IF you can find them now.
Why is it that I find myself watching desert dogs videos a second time? This guy is just so intelligent and has some of the nicest hunting rifles a man could own. I also like how he doesn’t care about weight all that much in a rifle. The model 70 weighing 8 to 9 pounds is a strong rifle that’s still packable. A tikka and kimber hunting rifles are fine. All the light rifles are fine. But a lot of sacrifices are made to have such a light rifle. And if the rifle is still strong it’s more than likely gonna be extremely expensive. A man could still hunt with a 9 pound rifle with a lot of success weight is a bit over hyped these days I think
I agree. My Mossberg 22 from 1972. is heavier than most of the biggies. If two more pounds on a rifle is a big deal, then ai will just loose some off my belly if it is all that hard to lug around.
What an excellent video. I have always wanted a 30.06 although I fear its a bit overkill for GA and Fla. We have big hogs though so I justify a 30.06 sporter standard model with a Leuopold VX3i 3.5-10 scope. AHHHH... I can see it in my hands even though I haven't bought it yet. Held a 300 winchester strandard sporter today and know I will get the 30.06 soon. Video was awesome and sealed it for me. I have to get the M70.
Did you get it? I have a stainless 30-06 ultimate shadow model that I put into a Bell and Carlson stock and have a Leupold 3.5-10x40 on it. I absolutely love it!
@@NCWoodlandRoamer Hello, no didn't get the rifle and will just wait. Bought a house did a full reno and am now starting to recover financially. It will be a while before I can get a rifle. Hey did you get the Leupold3.5x10? I think it is the VX HD3 or soemthing. Thats the scope I will get on my Winchester Sporter 30.06.
@@lenoxchew4732 Hey, I understand. I have the VX3i 3.5-10x40, those were before the HD. I have a couple of the newer HD ones as well they are great scopes. Good luck on getting a model 70! They are fantastic rifles.
Perfect rifle.
I only last week for the first time fired and sighted in a Model 70 Featherweight Classic made in New Haven, CT in 1994.
It's beautiful, handles well, and shoots great with loads that I hadn't yet tailored to the rifle.
I'm looking forward to assembling loads with the bullets seated for the leade of it and seeing what it can do with those.
I think you just sold me a Super Grade...
I'm sold and I'm a lefty. I'm quite accustomed to use a right hand bolt action, probably couldn't even run a lefty model, lol.
Love my Nikon Buck Master,,, mounted it to a Browning 308 about 10yrs ago. Zeroed only that 1 time and still to this day it hammers 3" steel plates from 200yrds out every time as long as you don't jerk the boom boom button.
Awesome educational video on the Winchester 70. Even before this video i wanted one, but now after watching, i 'really' want one. I am a Lefty but i am used to shooting RH rifles all my life. I would probably be more comfortable, faster, and proficient w/ a RH Model 70.
I own two model 70s one is from 85 and it is chambered in 458 Win mag and the other is from 93 and it is chambered in 375 H&H MAG and I really love both rifles.
Fine guns there. All of em.
I grew up with the 70.
Great video, I have a Classic Featherweight Model 70 chambered in 22-250 and also have a Montana leather sling like yours!
One of the greatest rifles of all time and IMO, the greatest American rifle even if it is now foreign made. The design is timeless. I want the Shot show special thumbhole version in .300 Win mag with multi coloured laminated stock.
There's foreign made and then there's foreign made. Fabrique National de Herstal of Belgium is one of the most-respected firearms manufacturers in the world, and one with a long connection to the U.S. No less than John Moses Browning, the preeminent FA genius, licensed many of his designs to FN after his relationship with Winchester ended. Both Winchester and Browning, two great old American brand names, are now owned by FN. If it had to be a foreign company, then it is good that it was them.
I won't argue about the quality of the new M70 rifles but I want my Winchester MADE IN AMERICA, period. The last of the New Haven M70's were among the best they ever made and I'm glad I have mine.
My 1997 stainless classic with plastic stock was crap. Horrible matchining around the magazine plate, barrel finish wasn't great, pitted and light rust. It's a 338 win mag and by the 3rd shot groups open up to 2". I put a HS precision stock on it and had it bedded and still shoots the same way. I'm happy with my FN made rifles . You were lucky I guess.
@@ValcoBayrunner I think you may want to look at your ammunition. The .338" bullets out there tend to be good big game killers but lack in the accuracy department. Try Nosler Ballistic Tip bullets (or Hornady SST) and see if that helps. The .358" bullets are notorious in the same way. I will spare the story that goes with the lesson but I followed this advice after Bobby Hart looked at my rifle and made the suggestion to me. That bedded HS Precision stock should have solved any potential accuracy issues related to the stock. Strangely enough my accuracy was about 2 MOA prior to finding the solution, and that was with a custom rifle that cost about double what your Winchester cost. Imagine my disappointment when my dream rifle did not drive tacks!
I have a new model 70 in 308 and then in March 2020 a 670 came up on Armslist and it has become one of my favorites.
Excellent review. For up here in Alaska, I like the Winchester 70 Extreme stainless steel with Bell & Carlson synthetic stock that has an aluminum bedding block.
I bring my Stainless M70 Alaskan with the laminate stock when we go to Alaska. Wish they still made those.
Great review! Very informative!
I have to hand it to FN. They have done an incredible job with Browning and Winchester. The quality of the new Winchester Model 70 Super grade is top notch. Every person has certain brands that they prefer. It's like the old chevy or ford thing. It's a matter of preference. But you can hand any hunter a Winchester model 70 supergrade and they'll smile. Period.
very true
Great video with great info! I am ordering a sporter grade model 70 today!
That super grade is badass! I want one.
Asa lefty, I've always been a fan of Remington and lately, Savage. But if FN ever does respond to 11% of the shooting world and build a LH Model 70, I will buy one! Semper Fidelis, TreeTop