Can anyone tell me the difference between a Winchester 70 Featherweight and a Winchester 70 Lightweight? The latter has "Lightweight" stamped on the barrel (.308 calibre).

The Lightweight was the budget version of the Featherweight, for lack of a better way to describe it. It had the same action and barrel contour as the Featherweight, but had a plain stock without the Schnabel forend. In some years the stock was hardwood, others it was walnut.

Thanks IDShooter - I have been given a Lightweight with a synthetic Hogue stock as a present and am very pleased with the accuracy and the general feel and appearance of the weapon. Budget or not this .308 is a sweet rifle!

Winchester also made a Lightweight Carbine in various calibers with a shorter barrel. I have them in .223, .243 and .308 and they have very nice walnut stocks. Take care...
Oberndorf