Winchester Model 70 - Any years to avoid?
#1
Winchester Model 70 - Any years to avoid?
I'm looking to pick up a .243 rifle for my son's first gun. He's only 3 so I'll have a chance to make sure it works before I give it to him. Interested in the Model 70 line and will most likely purchase used.
Looking at the Winchester history, it seems that the company has had a few ups and downs and the Model 70 has gone through quite a few changes through the years. I get that the pre '64 guns are coveted for the crf feature, and that some subsequent models have re-introduced this. My question is this: Is there any years/serial numbers that should be avoided when looking at the Model 70?
The intended use would be mainly for whitetail (maybe a coyote or two) and I prefer wood stocks. Thanks.
Looking at the Winchester history, it seems that the company has had a few ups and downs and the Model 70 has gone through quite a few changes through the years. I get that the pre '64 guns are coveted for the crf feature, and that some subsequent models have re-introduced this. My question is this: Is there any years/serial numbers that should be avoided when looking at the Model 70?
The intended use would be mainly for whitetail (maybe a coyote or two) and I prefer wood stocks. Thanks.
#2
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,320
I once owned a Model 70- manufactured in 1976. My ex-wife gave it to me for a b day gift. I'm glad they are both gone...the gun and the wife.
It was poorly made, loose fitting, crappy piece of wood for a stock and never much for accuracy. Kinda like her..........
It was poorly made, loose fitting, crappy piece of wood for a stock and never much for accuracy. Kinda like her..........
#3
Having a senior moment here, but I read that someone had re-introduced a rifle that is essentially a model 70.
I do remember that the writer liked the quality. But I cannot remember the manufacturer... DOOOH! Sorry. Maybe someone else can help me out here.
I do remember that the writer liked the quality. But I cannot remember the manufacturer... DOOOH! Sorry. Maybe someone else can help me out here.
#4
#6
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Maryland
Posts: 332
Even the CRF models of the last 15 years seem to be finicky with ammo/quality/fit. I have seen good ones and bad ones.
I know I had experience with the coyote model. And I can say out of the box, you might as well ship to a smith to have the full treatment done. Lugs lapped, crown cut, head space checked and possibly reset, glass bedded, trigger adjusted. Then after all that, it was a good gun.
But I will say this, even though out of box it may not be great, you still have a great foundation for a rifle.
I know I had experience with the coyote model. And I can say out of the box, you might as well ship to a smith to have the full treatment done. Lugs lapped, crown cut, head space checked and possibly reset, glass bedded, trigger adjusted. Then after all that, it was a good gun.
But I will say this, even though out of box it may not be great, you still have a great foundation for a rifle.
#8
Fork Horn
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 240
Steve, The pre 64 is prefered because of the "Claw" Extractor. The CRF proceeded that. There is nothing wrong with either quite honestly. I am a Winchester guy, well at least was a Winchester guy, I once bought a Remington and never really looked back unless it was an older Winchester or one I just had to have. I bought my son a Remington Mountain rifle for his first birthday in a 25-06, I know it will still be a while untill he can handle it but I like that gun and Caliber. Winchester had a few years that when you ordered one it was kind of a crap shoot whether you were going to end up with a nice piece of wood or something that looked like it came off the dollar discount rack. Remington seems to have consitanly better figured wood. I would have no desire to own a so called "Winchester" that is currently being manufactured. All that being said I still have a soft spot for many winchester rifles, just not the new ones. I believe anything yo get him he will look back after you are long gone and be happy to say my dad bought me that rifle when I was 3 years old, no matter what you get him.
#9
The years right after '64 were BAD, cheapo guns. Junk. Then gradually over the years they've gotten better and better until NOW they are (IMHO) better then the original pre-64's. These are the ones made in South Carolina and owned by the company that owns Browning. They are making some of the best made rifles out there right now.
http://www.winchesterguns.com/
http://www.winchesterguns.com/
#10
Thanks for the comments. Reading these replies, I am more than a little bit leery of buying a Model 70 from Gunbroker, sight unseen, unless the description is real specific regarding age and model.