Rehashing an old Model 70 debate

[vogel.r.john]

It’s cold and raining outside so I did what any rational person does and started my annual rifle inspection process. I usually go through and check for rust, dings etc and pulled out my first hunting rifle, a post 64 model 70 chambered in 7mm Rem Mag. It has been a players minute since its last range visit and even longer since it’s actually been taken afield, but while I looked it over, I couldn’t help but appreciate how smooth the bolt ran, the crisp trigger and the overall fit and feel. For a moment, I forgot why I have neglected it. Until I remembered…..

I replaced it with a pre 64 model 70 chambered in 30-06 as my main hunting rifle.

The differences between the two are obvious and well documented in every gun rag and forum, and though the quality dropped considerably as Winchester attempted to take on the Remington 700, it leaves me wanting to ask a rather taboo question…

Does the Winchester model 70 post 64 actually suck as much as the critics say?

Discuss

 

[jcupdrew]

It’s cold and raining outside so I did what any rational person does and started my annual rifle inspection process. I usually go through and check for rust, dings etc and pulled out my first hunting rifle, a post 64 model 70 chambered in 7mm Rem Mag. It has been a players minute since its last range visit and even longer since it’s actually been taken afield, but while I looked it over, I couldn’t help but appreciate how smooth the bolt ran, the crisp trigger and the overall fit and feel. For a moment, I forgot why I have neglected it. Until I remembered…..

I replaced it with a pre 64 model 70 chambered in 30-06 as my main hunting rifle.

The differences between the two are obvious and well documented in every gun rag and forum, and though the quality dropped considerably as Winchester attempted to take on the Remington 700, it leaves me wanting to ask a rather taboo question…

Does the Winchester model 70 post 64 actually suck as much as the critics say?

Discuss

I have a modern model 70 featherweight and it is a fantastic rifle. The action is like glass and never malfunctions. Shoots incredible. Trigger is a little heavy, but crisp. I don’t have a pre 64 model 70 to compare, but don’t know how it could get much better, aside from stock work if it’s hand checkered.

 

[beaudette.brian]

Well. I’ve never owned a push feed model 70. So I can’t speak from personal experience. But I’ve owned a handful of the CRF rifles from the late 90s and later but all of them made in the US. I can’t hate on them much at all really. All functioned and shot extremely well. I’ve heard many attest that many of the push feed guns were shooters as well. But my heart lies with the 1950’s and earlier pre 64’s. Lower quality starts showing up long before 1964 in my opinion. But I think the old hunters of the time loved the model 70 for its fit and finish and dependability. As fit and finish went to the wayside I feel like maybe those old timers felt like they were let down by the lack of class being produced at the time. I think those same fellas would drop dead to walk into a gun shop today and see the lazer engraving, matte finishes, composite stocks and similar that make up our ultra utilitarian rifles of today. I love the rust blue and fine checkering on a solid piece of walnut!