There are few classic hunting rifles that are as iconic as the Winchester Model 70. In fact, the pre-64 Model 70 was the great gun writer Jack O’Connor’s favourite hunting rifle. A lot has changed since the Model 70’s introduction in 1936, but it remains the flagship rifle in Winchester’s lineup to this day. Lets take a look to understand the attributes that have allowed the Winchester Model 70 to remain a timeless classic to this day.
Design
As an aside, between 1964-1992 the Winchester Model 70 utilized a completely different operating system. This design was in use in some capacity until 2006. If you are interested in the push feed Model 70, you can check it out here. This article pertains to the controlled round feed Model 70.
At it’s heart, the Model 70 is a variant of the Mauser 98. The action features a large controlled feed extractor and a mechanical ejector. The biggest improvements over the Mauser 98 are the weight, coned bolt face, and side mounted winged safety. These modifications lightened the rifle, smoothed cartridge feeding, and allowed for easy use of a riflescope over the Mauser design.
Features and Specifications
The Winchester Model 70 has many of the same features that made the Mauser 98 so popular. One of which is the 3-position safety. In the first position, the rifle has the safety on and the bolt locked, avoiding snags on brush unlocking the action. When it comes time to unload the rifle, the second position unlocks the bolt without ever taking the rifle off of safe. Finally, with the safety disengaged both the trigger and bolt are free to function properly.
Controlled feed vs push feed is largely a matter of personal preference. However, my preference is for a controlled feed system because it allows for a mechanical ejector. This means that spent cases eject with force proportional to the speed with which the bolt is pulled back. This is a useful feature as in the field you can fling cases well clear of the action. At the range, by slowly pulling the bolt back the case pops neatly out on to the bench. Many handloaders prefer this because it minimizes dented cases.
While the reviewed configuration is named the Featherweight, by modern standards it is an average weight hunting rifle. To be fair, at the time of its introduction 7lbs for a bolt action rifle was very light. This lends to a rifle that is heavy enough to be shootable without becoming cumbersome to carry.
Build Quality
The build quality of the Winchester Model 70 Featherweight impressed me. From the factory, there are a number of touches that are rare on most new rifles. The wood to metal fitment was excellent, with no rough edges. The walnut stock is a welcome upgrade over the more commonly used beech, and the cut checkering provides a positive purchase on the rifle.
Another pleasant surprise was the high quality Pachmayr recoil pad that came standard on the rifle. Many expensive rifles, such as the newer Sakos, come with a sub-par recoil pad. The recoil pad on the Model 70 Featherweight was soft, well fit, and markedly improved the shooting experience.
Finally, the action iss well finished and feels smooth and solid. The safety moved easily without feeling sloppy. The recessed crown protects the muzzle and the deep bluing creates the look of a classic hunting rifle.
Accuracy and Reliability
Reliability is as you would expect from a well finished Mauser style action. That is to say, flawless. Cartridges fed smoothly and consistently from the magazine and ejection was well clear of the rifle and the optic. As a side note, the Model 70 is designed to feed from the magazine. Single loading cartridges into the chamber could potentially damage the extractor. The Model 70 does have a beveled extractor. Despite this, the action did not want to close on single fed cartridges.
Accuracy was nothing special, but was adequate. The Model 70 does not carry a reputation for benchrest grade accuracy, and this example was no different, shooting around 1.5 MOA for 10 shot groups with most loads. This is partially due to the stock geometry, which is optimized for offhand shooting, not off of a bench. With ammo it preferred, our Model 70 approached 1 MOA for 10 rounds, which is plenty for most hunting.
Closing Thoughts
In closing, the Winchester Model 70 continues to be a well-built option for hunters looking for a classic rifle. The fit and finish puts it above the older Husqvarnas, Parker Hales, and Rugers and it is the best new production Mauser style rifle. It is no longer the lightest or the most accurate hunting rifle available. However, for most hunting applications the panache, reliability, and practical accuracy make the Winchester Model 70 an excellent hunting rifle to this day.