Braxton Taylor
History
One of the longest tenured bolt action rifles still available, the Winchester Model 70’s endurance speaks volumes to its success and reliability. Of course, its most faithful followers swear that the Pre-64 models possess a level of superiority to those that come after. Prior to 1964, the Winchester Model 70’s bolt featured a Mauser-style, or controlled feed, action. After that, Winchester decided to cut costs and go with a push feed action. Rifle hunters lamented this change (they still do), claiming that the push feed would allow for more malfunctions. But even Jack O’Connor conceded that alterations to the Model 70 proved beneficial, if not just as reliable.
Features
Besides the differences in the Pre-64 Model 70 and those after, most of these rifles feature a three-position safety, hinged floorplate, and push feed action. Newer Model 70s, however, now harken back to the Pre-64 model with a classic controlled feed claw extractor. To be honest, both actions offer great reliability and choosing one is largely a subjective matter.
The Model 70 also has a hammer forged, free-floated barrel, blade ejector, and recessed target crown. These premium features include a premium price tag, but there’s a reason the Model 70 was coined the “Rifleman’s Rifle,” and the title remains relevant now.
Availability
The Model 70 still thrives today and there are so many iterations of the rifle, that choosing one might be a daunting task. However, that’s good news. From the Featherweights and Super Grades to the Long Range MB models with synthetic stocks and fluted barrels, you can find a model that fits even the most specific needs. Prices for the Winchester Model 70s start around $1200 if you want to buy new. Of course, you can find a reliable, well-used Model 70 for about half the price if you do some pawn/gun shop surfing. Excellent-condition Pre-64 Model 70s go upwards of a few grand. My long list of rifle regrets includes a Model 70 Featherweight in .270. Like a lot of my old hunting rifles, I had little invested in the gun, but talked myself into selling it because it wasn’t my cartridge of choice.
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