I'd like to hear any opinions on this please, which one and why. I'm not sure that the wood, recoil pad and plastic black fore-end tip justifies the $300 premium on a rifle that I will shoot.

I'm thinking of a 300 WM, not that that should make any difference.

Thanks.

The supergrade looks like it is worth the extra to me. But....

I prefer the featherweight. Both for looks and carry. Loaded with scope, I think you will appreciate the lighter weight.

If the $300 is a problem, you might find a sporter with a nice piece of wood. For some reason it is listed at 4 oz lighter than super grade! Or did I read that wrong?

I like the supergrade wins but to be honest like the featherweights better. The stock on the featherweight must have been designed by a guy built just like me. Anyone of the three is a fine rifle anyone would be proud to own.

I agree with you when you say there does not appear to be $300 difference in the wood but I always thought that the bluing was a notch better on the super grades. This may have changes.

The bottom line is this. The added $300 will always stay with the gun so its not like your throwing it away.

I also like the Featherweight best.I have only seen one of these in the Dlx version.While the wood on it is nice for the added cost I would be a little disappointed was it special ordered for me and I was stuck with it.If I had a chance to hand pick one myself I would consider the extra cost reasonable.If not it's a gamble.

Super Grades have better wood, bolt thru the stock for recoil lug support, better sling swivel bases, plastic looks like ebony fore end tip, etc.
I think thats where the price difference lies.

Thanks to you all for the input.

Snellstrom, just to understand, is the "crossbolt" on the sporter not a true crossbolt then? I figured that there was a plastic plug over the hole, but now I'm wondering if there is a bolt at all. I recall some of those in the 80's; a shallow hole with a black plastic plug glued in!

I'm guessing that the extra 1/2 lb in weight is in the stock profile?

Thanks!

It's a real steel crossbolt. But it is located behind the magazine cutout rather than right behind the recoil lug.

Also, the SG gets an all steel bottom metal similar to Williams while the regular sporter gets a steel floorplate with a cast aluminum triggerguard and frame.

BTW, those plastic plug "crossbolts" had a wood screw behind them to tie the stock together...in theory anyways.

Thanks for the input and clarifications. I'll let you know which way I go!

I've never regretted upgrading any firearm at the time of purchase.

Back as promised....

I eventually went for a 300 WM Sporter.

I took a look at a 375 Safari Grade and the finish didn't blow me away. That was the only "new" Win M70 I've been able to get a look at.

Unfortunately there were no SG's to look at. I figured I can strip the finish off the sporter's stock, fit a steel grip cap and if need be a forend cap of something "special". As a result I thought that ordering a SG was hit and miss (as I can't actually choose the rifle) and for the premium that wouldn't work.

Thanks for all of the input on this. Now I get to wait for old age for a licence application here in South Africa...

ARWL

ARWL
If a Supergrade is what you want just buy a Supergrade stock and drop the whole mess in it. It won't be an exact SG but it will be close. Those stocks are available with a fairly easy search.
Good Luck!