Winchester M70 Review
 

You guys know of any articles or internet forum posts regarding the performance of the new Winchester M70 made by FNH?

I would love to see some of the results of shooting it in terms of accuracy and function.

Thanks

Tom

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

American Hunter did a review.Overall it looked pretty good but the groups were all over 2" with some over 3".They liked the action but the wood was only so-so.

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

Any idea which issue?

Any body else out there have anything for me?

Thanks

Tom

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

statjunk- i search around all over as well and couldn't find anything. i think they are still too new, most guns shops i know of don't even carry them yet and i've checked all the way from cabelas(rogers, mn) to little ma and pop type stores. if i find any reviews i'll let you know.

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

Issue # 241 (November 2008, page 66-73) in Rifle magazine. John Haviland did a rather extensive write-up. I've got the mag. If you need it I can photocopy the article and send it to you. Looks like his test groups were quite decent. Let me know.

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

Thanks 03Mossy.

Thanks for the offer bugs. I actually got the magazine from a buddy of mine today. Drove all the way across town to get it. The article doesn't mention much about the accuracy. All it does is supply a table at the bottom that provides the averages, min and max. It doesn't say how many five shot groups doesn't provide the first three shot groups in each sample. Depending on what is going on there I could see 2" five shot groups being ok especially with factory ammo. It doesn't say how long he let the barrel cool between shots, doesn't say the temperature for the day, doesn't say wind conditions etc... Most importantly I'd want to know what the first three shots did in each group and how long he let the barrel cool. It also makes no mention of cleaning regiment.

I have a Ruger in 300WM that will drill two shots one on top of the other and no reasonable amount of cooling will allow it to shoot like that again, for the day It will open up to 1"-1.5" after those first two shots. That is for everything except Speer SPBT in 180gr.

If anyone can find some additional info out there I sure would like to see it.

Thanks

Tom

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

Bugs I'd be interested to read that review myself.Please email it to me when you get a chance.
Thanks!

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

Still looking for some reviews. Either forums where others have shot them for accuracy or the such.

Anybody have anything?

Thanks

Tom

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

Bnb was kind enough to send me a copy of the review.This one shot much better than the one AH tested.I always wanted one.Money's a little tight right now but some day I'd like to get one.

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

Just a side note...The March 10 2009 issue of Shotgun News has an ad from CDNN Sports, Abilene, TX. advertising new FN barreled actions in 300 WSM for $499.99 and short actions complete for $349.99. Claw extractors, and advertised as being "Manufactured In Winchester Factory". "Built at Winchester in Hartford, CT". Short actions are .308 dia. bolt face. No barrels with the short actions, naturally. Action only. SA comes either with DBM or drop floorplate bottom metal. Think I may order.....

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

I'm just having such a hard time believing that this rifle has been on the market for almost a year and no one has posted the results of their range time! WTF!

I handled one at Cabelas in 270 Win and it was smooth. Balanced perfectly and just had amazing fit and finish. Not to mention I love the Winchester CRF action and safety. They allowed me to pull the trigger twice and it was also top notch. Just want to know what kind of accuracy to expect. I've been waiting for this rifle for years.

I ordered mine in .308 and they are going to start making them in mid June.

Until then I'm on the hunt for some stats.

Tom

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

Theres a new Featherweight Deluxe 270 on gunbroker Stat. If it were 7-08 I woulda already bought it. I think Im gnna take the plunge myself when they come out as well. Just really dont have any idea where to even order one right now.

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

Your local gun dealer should be able to order it.

Tom

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

Tom

I have been waiting as well to read some reviews on those rifles as well. I'm going to be in the market this summer for a 7mm-08, and I think that would be a grrreat purchase.

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

The first rifle I purchased was a Winchester Heavy Varmit in .308. That was something like 15 years ago. It's an amazing shooter. With Federal box ammo it shoots just over a ragged hole. Like 1.5 ragged holes. However, it weights about 13lbs. Over the years I've wanted another Winchester rifle also in .308 but this time something lighter and easier to hunt with. I'd go check out a couple of rifles and the quality was so bad I just couldn't do it. The stocks felt like they should have sold at Toys R Us. So I waited. Now unquestionably Winchester is back in the saddle with FNH. At least in terms of fit and finish and the new trigger is arguable the best factory trigger I've ever handled. I just want to know if the rifles shoot worth a darn.

The wait is killing me.

Tom

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

Stat I cant imagine the new 70's being anything short of tack drivers. I think FN has a fine history of building guns. Ive never owned a Winchester rifle but I am like you on the being smitten part. I always wanted a 70 Featherweight and figured Id never get the chance so its now or never. The thing for me is it was a huge deal to actually build someone build a plant in the United States to produce guns in this day and age. Im selling one of my 700's to finance this one as well..lol.

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

Has anyone heard anything about the new Mod 70 range reports or the such?

Still looking for some info. Also heard what I will deem a rumor until I confirm it one way or the other. I heard that the actions are bedded into the bell and carlson stock with a soft squishy rubber. There by decreasing accuracy.

I would love to hear from someone that owns a new Mod 70 to find out if that is true.

Thanks

Tom

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

I haven't heard any range reports or first hand accounts with them yet myself either.

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

The winchester 70-
There are few reports because there isn't any to be had as far as dealers are concerned.
There have been the occasional feather weight and sporter in the deluxe flavor we could get ahold of, but not too many sold.

If you go to the Winchester web site, they have the shot show video of 'a day at the range with the new Model 70'-
The video shows the manufactureing process, range time, opinions of all the mostastute gun writers... yuk!

Ever wonder why gun writers never say anythingbad about anything?

The two mdl.70 fw we sold were very pretty guns, nice work and attention to detail.

Our customers have not been back in with range reports yet, we'll keep you posted.

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

Why would a written review be so important for you? I have yet to see a written review of a firearm that wasn't biased in one way or another. The big magazines surely won't write anything really negative about anything because they are afraid to get sued. The on-line gun experts are little better since they let their opinions get swayed by many things including free guns and such from various manufacturers. They will blast a product as being junk just because the competitors gave him more freebies. The best reviewer is yourself. If you like the gun get it and if you don't like how it performs afterwards, then sell it.

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

I don't think we are looking for a review ina Rag, thinking we are wanting to hear first hand from some non-industry paid individual of their opinions on the new rifles.......

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

Yes I want to hear from folks that shoot them. Especially some bench loaders.

Tom

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

It boggles my mind that no one in our circle has any first hand knowledge about this rifle's performance. The rifles are selling, I know that.

Tom

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

I got a new model 70 fwt in 300 win mag.Its seem really well made, the action is really slick ant thetrigger iscrisp.I went a the range the other dayfor a quick sight in but I didnt had time to shot group but from what I read on other forum they seem to shot really good I'll probably goat the range this week so I will let you guys know.

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

Lets see a picture of the rifle and a target when you get a chance.

Thanks

Tom

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

What other forum?

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

CDNN also has several 'Belgium Proofed' Model 70's for sale. I think in 300 and 7mm WSM.
Made in Hartford CT. Featherweight Pre-64 action. With Sights.

24" Belgium Proofed Marked Barrels.

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

The reason your not seeing any write ups on the NEW Model 70's is because these new rifles are not available to the dealers yet.

There were a small number of featherweights and a few sporters, both in the deluxe guise thet were offered to dealers.
These rifles were the bait, the process many manufacturers use to gauge the market, so as to produce the correct number of units and not end up with warehouses full of an unwanted product.

We have been told the Sporters and Featherweights are in production now and should start shipping soon.

There will be NO deluxe versions produced. As far as deluxe models are concerned, what's out there is it!

Check out the Super Grade... a very handsome rifle.

If you watched the Winchester video at their site, it is said, several times people shooting the new model 70 were getting 1", 1" plus, and one statement of 7/8" grouping. These test was from the gun writers private winchester/FNH sanctioned range event.

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

Mine is a fwt deluxe but i've seen some sporter as well they are also a few extreme weather in 270 & 30-06.A few guys on 24hourcampfire forum have them and the report have been good.I didnt shot a lot with mine yet so I cant comment on the accuracy but like I said earlier the action and trigger are very good and the wood is really nice.I'll ask my friend to shoot itbecause my shooting skill are not very good

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

Here ya go stat..

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/3057986/page/1/gonew/1#UNREAD

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

Thanks guys. I'm expecting that mine will arrive either at the endish of July or mid Aug. Expect a full range report with loading data.

Tom

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

Called Winchester and found out that first shipment goes out in August then another in October. So I'm thinking now it will be end of October. Looks like she'll have to wait till next year to get shot. Sucks.

Anybody out there hear anything?

Tom

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

I've seen a few featherweight in 308 for sale on gun broker.

RE: Winchester M70 Review
 

Yeah the one on Gubbroker isn't exactly what I'm after. I'm after an extreme weather. The one they have though is at a very good price. Only thing I've never understood is how folks justify buy at an auction when you have to pay shipping, insurance and FFL transfer fees. At that point you might as well order through a local dealer.

There is a really nice used one on there for $500 that I wish I had room for. Looks like a steal to me.

Tom

I talked to one of the local gunshops and he has a bunch of 'em in stock, but he isn't selling any of them... He is stock piling them and is going to flood the market with them. He wouldn't even let me handle one.......Think he made my mind up that I'm not going to be purchasing any guns from him anytime in the near future.

statjunk....Got your PM and tried to reply. Said your board is full, and would not drop it until you cleared some out. So, I'll answer here....Yes, I did buy the SA from CDNN back in March. It comes with the CRF bolt and 3-position safe, and is NOT stamped as a Winchester. It's stamped "FN Police Special Rifle"', and also "FN-USA", Fredricksburg, VA. It sure appears to me to be every bit a Win. action. Matte finish, and a Picatinny top rib. Haven't had a chance to do anything with it yet. Maybe get working on it this winter....
If I can be of any help, let me know... Don.

Hey PA,

I tried sending you a PM but I can't. After I typed it twice it just asks me for my username and password and then tells me I'm not a member. LOL.

I also can't delete PM's. Does the same thing.

I called CDNN and they no longer have the blind mag actions only the box mags. I only want the blind type. I was strongly considering buying one and just building it up. I think since I can't score one of those I'm just going to hold on and buy the factory unit.

Tom

I seeked advice from many folks before making this decision but I decided to buy a long action. That way I could load pretty much whatever length bullets I want to. I bought the .30-06.

So to specify it's the Winchester M70 Extreme Weather in .30-06.

I picked it up yesterday. This is the third Extreme weather that I've seen. I looked at a .270Win another .30-06 and then the .30-06 that I bought. The first .270Win had the lightest trigger, I just wasn't interested in a .270. The first .30-06 had forearm flex that allowed it to touch the barrel. The last one, .30-06 was the winner. The trigger was crisp but not the lightest and the forearm cannot be flexed to the barrel.

Fit and finish: A+
Smoothness of the bolt: A
Trigger weight: B+
Length of pull: A
Fit of the recoil pad: A+
Allen screws instead of flat: A+++++

This morning I took apart the rifle to adjust the trigger. It was really nice to have the allen screws and not the flat screws. One of the things I noticed is that the action screws took little to no effort to remove. I'm going to monitor them. They may need some different form of loc-tite. The adjustment screws for the trigger are caked in some form of hardend glue. I removed it with a small screw driver and dialed the screw completely out of the housing. That is the lightest setting for the trigger. If you are a guy that usually has custom triggers put in your rifle or you have either winchester or remington triggers smithed to be made light then you might be very slightly disappointed. The trigger is light but right on the cusp of where I like them to be. If you're just a regular joe and buy and use rifles off the shelf you're going to be blown away. I won't be changing the trigger on the rifle but I would like it about a 1/2 lb lighter than it is. There is 100% zero creep in that trigger. Bet on that. It is 100% true. In the creep department it gets an A++.

The pillars are machined nicely and the underside of the action is finished just as nicely as the top. The reports of rubber in the stocks and what not is false. There is nothing in there but a piller and the stock. You can see the aluminum block for the stock, which looks pretty cool. The stock is a Bell and Carlson Medalist. I'm very happy with the stock at this point. The recoil pad is the pachenmeyer and it's real nice.

I'm going to see how she shoots before I have her glass bedded.

Ok here's the best part. I checked the rifle with the oal guage and I will be able to load 180gr and 165gr bullets to the lands and still fit them in the magazine. The freebore in this rifle is nice and tight. I have about .04" to spare on the 165gr and .07" to spare on the 180gr. I check Nosler Partition 180gr, Sierra GK 180gr, Nosler BT 165gr.

Honestly I don't know that I could be happier with this rifle right now. The only thing I would change out is the trigger to a traditional Winchester M70 trigger than a smith could easily turn down to 2.5-3lbs. Or less even. Funny the trigger is the part they advertise the most. Guess most guys buying guns don't care about all the other goodies they packed into this thing.

My opinion one of the nicest rifles under $1k on the market today.

Ordering the rings and bases today. Should have a range report with some pics in the next couple of weeks.

Tom

Congrats!Sounds like a really nice gun,Looking forward to the range report.

Warne rings and bases in the mail on the way.

I loaded up some Nosler custom brass with Winchester Large rifle primers, and Remington Coreloc 180gr as the bullets. I'm just using them to test the rifle out and to get some fire formed brass. I'm using two different powder loads. 52gr and 54gr of IMR 4350.

I loaded the bullets .002" off the lands.

I'm hoping to have some results on the accuracy by the weekend.

Tom