In name the Winchester Model 70 has been in production since 1936. While there have been many variations over the years, between 1964-2006 Winchester produced a push feed version of the Model 70. Apart from aesthetics, the the push-feed Model 70 an entirely different action than its controlled-feed brother. While purists turn their noses at the push-feed Model 70s, there are a number of them in circulation for reasonable prices.
History
In 1964 Winchester redesigned the majority of their firearms lines to reduce costs. This was done in order to compete with Remington, who had come out with a series of economical designs that undercut the prices that Winchester had been charging. Winchester’s Model 12 and Model 70 simply couldn’t compete with Remington’s Model 870 and Model 700 due to the expensive milling processes used in their manufacture.
One of the most significant changes was that Winchester redesigned their Model 70 to become a push-feed design. This redesign removed the large claw extractor, replacing it with a smaller spring loaded extractor and a plunger ejector. Further tweaking the design, in 1968 Winchester added an anti-bind groove to the bolt. This groove smooths out the action considerably.
Reliability
Despite the changes made, the push-feed Model 70’s are very reliable rifles. During the redesign, Winchester stayed with an unenclosed trigger. This style of trigger is more forgiving in icy or dusty conditions. Additionally, the triggers on the push-feed Model 70’s are decent and when adjusted are quite good.
Also, the push-feed Model 70s also feed from a fixed box magazine that holds 5 rounds in standard cartridges and 4 rounds in magnum chamberings. The Model 70 action is more reliable than most bolt action hunting rifles I have used. In my experience reliability has been on par with the more modern Tikka T3X, which is high praise.
Accuracy
Another positive of the push-feed Model 70s is they tend to shoot quite well. In fact, accuracy in my Model 70 is better than what typically is seen in Mauser-based designs. My particular specimen will commonly turn in 1.5 MOA 10-shot groups at 100 yards. This level of accuracy is quite impressive for a rifle that predates CNC manufacturing.
Ergonomics
The push-feed Model 70 has the classic ergonomics that created its reputation as the Rifleman’s Rifle. The featherweight versions sported a Schnabel forend stock, which feels trim in the hand. The 3 position safety is another great feature. Fully engaging the safety locks the bolt, while the middle position allows the rifle to be unloaded safely. Unlike many other designs, the safety physically blocks the firing pin instead of simply blocking the trigger. This is a more robust safety design that ensures the rifle cannot go off when on safe.
A minor downside of the Model 70 is the square bottom action. This is slightly more difficult to bed than round bottom designs. However, the majority of hunters will never bed their rifle and most that do will have a gunsmith complete the work. Another downside is that there is minimal aftermarket, as is the case for most older rifles. The final downside is that the push-feed Model 70 is heavier than most designs from the last several decades.
Fit and Finish
The craftsmanship on the push-feel Model 70 is solid but not exceptional. The wood of the stock is usually plain if functional. The trigger guard is cast aluminium, so dings show easily. The bluing is of good quality.
Finally, the action on a broken in push-feed Model 70 is extremely smooth. Cartridges easily flow in and out of the chamber, creating minimal disturbance to the sight picture. Once worn in it is barely perceptible when the action picks up the next cartridge.
Closing Thoughts
Traditionally, the push-feed Model 70 is thought of as a cheapened version of the pre-64 guns. This is an unfair judgement on a solid rifle. In use, they are quality, dependable rifles without any significant drawbacks compared to the older design. While perhaps less elegant than the pre-64 version, the push-feed Model 70 compares favourably to the Remington 700s and Savage 110’s it competed against. To this day the push-feed Model 70 remains a dependable tool for a wide range of hunts.