Winchester Model 70: The Rifleman’s Rifle

Manufacturing and Production History

From its inception in 1936 until 1980, the Winchester Model 70 was produced by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Production shifted hands in the early 1980s when U.S. Repeating Arms took over, manufacturing the Model 70 under an agreement with Olin Corporation.

This allowed them to use the Winchester name and logo. During this period, the Model 70 continued to be built in New Haven, Connecticut, until production ceased in 2006.

In 2007, the Belgian firearms manufacturer FN Herstal announced the resumption of Model 70 production. Initially, these rifles were made in Columbia, South Carolina. However, by 2013, assembly operations had moved to Portugal. The Model 70’s enduring popularity and FN Herstal’s commitment to quality have ensured this rifle remains a key player in the market.

Pre-1964 Model 70: The Golden Era

The pre-1964 Winchester Model 70s, produced from 1936 to 1963, are often considered the pinnacle of the rifle’s design. These models were built with a Mauser-type controlled round feed (CRF) system, which used a non-rotating claw extractor to ensure reliable feeding and extraction of cartridges.

This feature, combined with high-quality machining, made the pre-1964 Model 70s highly sought after by collectors and shooters. The Mauser-inspired CRF action allowed the extractor to capture the rim of a cartridge as it was fed from the magazine, controlling its movement into the chamber.

This design significantly reduced the likelihood of jams and ensured consistent performance under various conditions. The rifles also featured machined receivers made from bar stock steel, contributing to their strength and durability.

One of the defining features of the pre-1964 Model 70s is the presence of cut checkering on the stock, adding both aesthetic appeal and improved grip. These rifles were known for their smooth operation and exceptional accuracy, making them a favorite among hunters and competitive shooters. The rifles’ serial numbers, below 700,000, are the most reliable way to identify these pre-1964 models.

Post-1964 Model 70: Changes and Challenges

In 1964, Winchester made significant changes to the Model 70 in response to rising labor costs and competition from other manufacturers, particularly Remington. The changes were intended to streamline production and reduce costs but were met with widespread disapproval from the shooting community.

One of the most notable changes was the shift from the CRF system to a push-feed action. The new bolt design enclosed the cartridge rim, similar to the Remington 700, and eliminated the non-rotating claw extractor.

While this made the rifle cheaper to produce, it also compromised some reliability and smoothness that had defined the earlier models. Additionally, the bolt was manufactured in two pieces and then brazed together, reducing production costs and adding to the rifle’s perceived shortcomings.

The post-1964 Model 70s also saw changes in stock design and the use of impressed checkering instead of cut checkering. These alterations contributed to a sense of dissatisfaction among shooters, who viewed the new models as a step down from their predecessors.

1968 and Later Improvements

In 1968, Winchester made further revisions to address some of the criticisms of the post-1964 models. An “anti-bind” feature was introduced, making the action smoother by adding a groove in the right locking lug. This improvement helped restore some of the rifle’s lost prestige, and the changes were well-received by the public.

Other modifications included the reintroduction of a steel floorplate and a stainless magazine follower, partially reversing some of the cost-cutting measures from 1964. Despite these improvements, the post-1964 Model 70s never quite regained the reputation of the pre-1964 models.

Return to Excellence: 1992 and Beyond

In 1992, Winchester made a concerted effort to return the Model 70 to its former glory. Many of the features from the pre-1964 rifles were reintroduced, including the CRF action. The post-1992 Model 70s featured a combination of classic design elements and modern materials, making them both reliable and durable.

Winchester also introduced new variants, such as the Shadow models, which featured synthetic stocks to reduce weight and cost. These rifles maintained the high performance of the original Model 70 while appealing to a broader market.

Specifications and Other Details

The Winchester Model 70 has been produced in a variety of barrel lengths and calibers to suit different shooting needs. Barrel lengths typically range from 22 to 26 inches, depending on the specific model and intended use.

The longer 26-inch barrels are often found on rifles chambered for magnum calibers, offering greater velocity and accuracy over longer distances. The 22-inch barrels are more common on lightweight, hunting-oriented models, providing better maneuverability in dense terrain.

Caliber options for the Model 70 have been extensive over its production history, reflecting its versatility as a hunting and sporting rifle. Some of the most popular calibers include .30-06 Springfield, .270 Winchester, and .300 Winchester Magnum, each offering different performance characteristics.

For example, the .30-06 Springfield is renowned for its balance of power and recoil, making it a favorite for big game hunting. The .270 Winchester, popularized by gun writer Jack O’Connor, is known for its flat trajectory and effectiveness on medium to large game. The .300 Winchester Magnum offers superior range and stopping power, making it ideal for long-distance shots and larger game.

Other specifications: The Model 70 has traditionally featured a three-position safety, allowing the shooter to lock the bolt closed or open while on “safe” or to place the rifle in a ready-to-fire position.

The trigger on the Model 70 has also been a key point of interest, with many variants offering adjustable triggers to fine-tune the pull weight to the shooter’s preference.

Additionally, the rifle’s overall weight varies depending on the specific model and materials used. Lighter synthetic-stock versions weigh as little as 6.5 pounds, while the heavier wood-stocked or magnum versions can weigh upwards of 8 pounds.

Military Usage and Legacy

The Winchester Model 70 has also seen service in the military, particularly during the Vietnam War. The U.S. Marine Corps adopted the pre-1964 Model 70 as a sniper rifle due to its accuracy and reliability.

One of the most famous snipers to use the Model 70 was Gunnery Sergeant Carlos Hathcock, who achieved legendary status with his remarkable marksmanship. Hathcock’s rifle, equipped with an 8×43 Unertl scope, is now on display at the Marine Corps Sniper Museum in Quantico, Virginia.

However, by the late 1960s, the military began to phase out the Model 70 in favor of the Remington Model 700.

The decision was influenced by the changes made to the Model 70 in 1964, which did not meet the rigorous standards required by the Marine Corps. Despite this, the Model 70’s legacy as a military sniper rifle remains intact, and it continues to be revered by those who appreciate its craftsmanship and performance.

Final Verdict

The Winchester Model 70 stands as a testament to American firearms engineering. From its introduction in 1936 to its ongoing production today, the Model 70 has earned its place as one of the most iconic rifles in history.

While it has undergone various changes and faced challenges over the decades, its reputation for reliability, accuracy, and craftsmanship has endured. Whether in the hands of a hunter, a competitive shooter, or a military sniper, the Model 70 remains “The Rifleman’s Rifle.”