I have a shot at a 1971 Winchester Model 70 in .300 Win Mag for $400. I have a model 70 Controlled Round Feed with a Detachable Box Magazine that is very accurate.

My question is: I know some of the post '64 rifles were pretty rough, but does anyone have any information about this era? The stock seems nicely fitted, and there is a black recoil pad. Also, the rifle is LIGHT.

Thanks in advance,

Ric

I have one of the "junk" post-'64 push feed 70's in .300 Win Mag. It shoots 5/8" groups with 180 gr. Grand Slams all day. I think mine's a 1984 manufacture. I love it.

Thanks Mag,

I know the mod 70's right after '64 had some serious stock questions. This one appears to be well done(I had a Rifle Mag that dealt with the different post '64 versions, but can't find it now). For the money, I doubt I would be wrong headed.

Ric

They were for the most part excelent shooters as the poster above stated...

That's not an unreasonable price in the area I live in if it's in good shape. I've had several from that era and all were good shooters even if not fitted well.

In 1964 I was living in Davison Michigan, home of the Williams Gunsight Co. At that time, they were "jobbers" for Wincester over a large region. Everyone there moaned and complained loudly when the model 70 was "redesigned". The first post-64 rifles were not much to look at, the barrel channels had about 1/8 gap the entire length and the stock had impressed checkering and a new shape that no one liked. That being said, I was at their range one day, trying to improve on my 243's 1 to 2 inch groups, when someone brought one of the "new" model 70's, also chambered in 243, to the bench next to me. In the course of events, he asked if he could shoot some of my loads. He then proceeded to put five shots in about 1/2 inch at 100 yards. My jaw dropped. Yes. This was the ugly rifle that no one liked - but boy! could it shoot.

By the early 70's, Winchester had tried hard to address many of the concerns (probably also noting the drop in sales). The model 70's produced then still had the push feed bolt, but the stocks had improved considerably. They still had a lot of good gunsmiths then so I am certain that a rifle from that period will perform very well. I would not hesitate to buy one. The action would still be a good candidate for a custom stock.

There's nothing wrong with the push feed model 70. As a matter of fact, the push feed action gives the chambered shell more support and the right receiver ring wall has more strength because it's not necessary to mill metal away for claw extractor clearance. I shoot a push feed Model 70 XTR Featherweight in .270 Win. that I bought in 1981. Never had any problems with it. Shoots 1" 3 shot groups and has an excellent trigger (after I hit it with a stone). A great rifle for $325.

Seems the struggles Winchester had then were the years between 1964-68. Post '68 rifles were back on top and post productions were just as reputable and surpassed pre-64 rifles.
That '71 should more than keep you happy.

I purchased a Mod 70 XTR 300 Win Mag in 1979 at Elmendorf AFB, AK. I used this rifle for several years, bagging my first moose with it, and found it extremely reliable and accurate. I had a Redfield wide angle or wide view scope which enhanced its accuracy many times over. I shot a Caribou in Nebesna, AK with it in 1980 and thanks to my training as a double expert marksman with the USAF Security Police, it was as with the moose--one shot, one kill. I believe it to be one of the most rugged, dependable, and accurate weapons I have ever shot...and I have shot many different rifles in my 50 something years all over the US.

I have a piece of junk Model 70 Deluxe in 270, 1969 I think. The DARN thing will only shoot 3/4" at 100yds. Stock is hand checkered with an ebony tip and glass bedded. It doesn't even have a recoil pad, just a black Winchester butt plate. Don't believe the old hype. The pre 64's were practically a hand made custom gun. It was only a matter of time for them to change the manufacturing process. Now my father-in-laws 59 30-06 featherweight is something to see........

But I love my POST 64.