After years of shooting Rem. 700's I finally decided to buy a Winchester Model 70. I chose the Featherweight version for its graceful lines and esthetic good looks. I ordered a 6.5X55 Swede. A caliber I considered a good starting point for my son and one I wanted to tinker with at the reloading bench.
I have to say I'm more than a little disappointed in Winchesters stock finishing work. Wood to metal fit is more than obviously flawed e.g. tight on one side of the foreend and a substantial gap on the other. Chips missing of the polyurethane finish on the exterior and globs of finish in the bedding area.
Since this is my first Win. I was wondering if it is normal for thew center action screw to be tightened precisely the same. It seems if I don't tighten it just right, the hinged floor plate won't close, and it never really seems to snap shut. It just seems to barely hang on the release button.
I want to send the stock out to be redone on the outside and full length glass/pillar bedded on the inside.
I'm open to any suggestions or comments.
Thanks in advance...
__________________
Jim B.
NRA Life Member
ANJRPC
Federated Sportsmen
UBNJ
The folks who paid attention to fit and finish retired many years ago. The few dedicated craftsmen still taking up firearms are working in custom shops. Yes, the center action screw will warp the action. The standard used to be a gorilla couldn't get the front screw tight enough, the rear screw should be people tight and the center just snug enough to stay put. [X(]
__________________
Jest an ol' man livin' in the mountains.
It sounds like you got a lemon to me , I have the same rifle but with none of the problems you said you have . Mine is the Featherweight Classic in 6.5X55 swede I got it for $300 at a auction . Its new but they didn't have the box so nobody bid on it .
WOW
I bought a used one in 257 Rob. a couple years ago. The stock was just perfect, fit and finish excellent and it shoots like a dream.
Guess i won't be looking at new guns when I'm ready to purchase again.
__________________
A Computer lets you make more mistakes faster than any invention in human history--with the possible exception of handguns and tequila.
Model 70 Featherweight
