I noticed there is a Super Grade out in only 2 calibers - a .30-06 Spr and a .300 Winchester Magnum.
Apparently the quality and tolerances that are being produced at the FN plant in South Carolina is superior.
They are made to the exact ISO 9001 standard of the quality that the U.S. Government insists upon for military firearms.
The trigger design of the new Mod 70 seems to draw the most criticism - die-hards want the old trigger back.
Many believe that the Winchester trigger was one of its best features.

Here is a comment that caught my eye ...

"Without a question the new action is better (than the pre 64) The old Model 70 was made of a steel that was very hard and brittle, similar to the old Springfields Winchester has put a better, more modern steel in these rifles, said custom gunmaker Sterling Davenport."

Has anyone tried the new Winchester Mod 70 yet?

Warrior

quote:

Has anyone tried the new Winchester Mod 70 yet?

Warrior

I've had a .270 FWT for over a year now and it's as fine or finer than any M-70 I've ever owned...

Clearly the trigger is the best of all time for the M-70

quote:

Originally posted by Warrior:
They are made to the exact ISO 9001 standard of the quality that the U.S. Government insists upon for military firearms.

ISO certification does not mean that the quality of the firearm is any good, it simply means the company's quality program is standardized, and there are processes in place to monitor and correct deficiencies. Tolerances could be horrendous, but if they had a process to measure and correct things they would pass the audit and get the qual.

quote:

ISO certification does not mean that the quality of the firearm is any good,

precisely......the only guarantee we get from ISO certification is higher price!

Vapodog,

Please post some pics for us.

Much appreciated.
Warrior

quote:

Originally posted by vapodog:

quote:

Has anyone tried the new Winchester Mod 70 yet?

Warrior

I've had a .270 FWT for over a year now and it's as fine or finer than any M-70 I've ever owned...

Clearly the trigger is the best of all time for the M-70

V-Dog,
How complicated is the new trigger? I've never seen one up close and personal. In your estimation, could it handle dirt, gunk and the usual crud as well as the former (reliable) trigger?

quote:

V-Dog,
How complicated is the new trigger? I've never seen one up close and personal. In your estimation, could it handle dirt, gunk and the usual crud as well as the former (reliable) trigger?

I've not touched it....it was great right from the factory and there was no need to adjust.....nor have I taken the stock off the barreled action.....so I'm really not in a position to say if it'll handle dirty situations. As a matter of fact....it hasn't gone hunting yet.....so no advice is available on this subject here.

I have two of them. A Sporter in 270 Win and a Safari Express in 375 H&H. My smith adjusted the triggers on both and he says that they are better than the old M70 trigger. I have to agree. It is easier to get rid of creep on over-travel. He also said the metal finish and tolerances are better than any of the New Haven M70s.

I shot the 270 and it shoots great. First trip to the range I was getting 5 shot groups about 1". With a little more load work up, I hope to improve that. I haven't had an opportunity to take the 375 out yet.

I shoot a .270 WSM in the new Featherweight Deluxe that is both georgeous and will shoot one holers, when I do my part. I call it "Pretty Boy" because of it's beautiful wood, that has red streaks that actually glow in the sunlight. A 130 grain bullet at 3450 fps and a 140 grainer at 3260 fps, what more could you ask for that lightweight Sheep or Goat rifle. Good shooting.

I have not shot one but I did look at several of them in Carters, probably Houstons biggest seller, does that count !

While I am sure that the shop compliance with ISO 9001 helps the quality, I am not sure that I will snag one just yet.

One reason I say that is that when discussing the pre-64, the Classic, and the new Model 70, one the most prominent Model 70 gunsmiths recommended the Classic and to stay away from the new one. Of course this was in conjunction with custom work and for a 416 Rem Mag.

I do think that overall they are a good factory rifle though. Sounds very good and promising for you guys too.

One thing the new M70 rifle did do was brought out some new in box M70 Classics for sale at much more reasonable prices.

I recently purchased a new model 70 stainless featherweight in .308 Win. Fit and finish are quite good and the wood is fairly pretty. The trigger out of the box was over 5 lbs. I took the gun apart and after removing the epoxy from the screws was easily able to get a crisp 3 lb pull. I have not put lots of cartridges through it yet, but so far, I have been quite happy with its accuracy and handling.

quote:

Originally posted by vapodog:

quote:

Has anyone tried the new Winchester Mod 70 yet?

Warrior

I've had a .270 FWT for over a year now and it's as fine or finer than any M-70 I've ever owned...

Clearly the trigger is the best of all time for the M-70

I completely agree, I have a Super Grade in .300 Win Mag, nicest Model 70 I have ever owned. Here is a pic of it, much nicer than the New Haven guns were...

Nice combo with the Kahles scope.
Looks like a CL 3-10x50 mm.
What is the weight of the rifle?

Warrior

I also have a new Stainless Featherweight in .308 -- great minds think alike and my assessment is identical to trigger and finish. I haven't been able to shoot it yet so can't give an accuracy report but will do so. The action is wonderfully slick.

I a have .300WM in the featherweight. Out of the box, it shot 1" or less with my 180gr TSX's. I have two more coming.

I much prefer the new trigger as well.

I sold my pre-64's as they are not nearly the gun the new ones are.

I bought one thinking it was a standard sporter that I was going to build something on. When I pulled the action out of the stock I got sick. Not only did it have the new trigger it has different threads on the barrel. Its made different than the older style guns where I can't put an old style trigger in it. I'm one of those old die hards that thinks the original Win 70 trigger is the best trigger made for a hunting rifle. It is the most durable and easy to adjust. I will say the new guns are well made and nice looking.

I am looking hard at an Extreme Weather, but can't decide what cartridge. I am leaning toward the 06 or 7RM.

Anyone know if the SC gun's receivers are cast or forged?

I'm not fanatical either way, but am wondering.

from the Winchester website:

quote:

Receiver -- Today's Model 70 has a forged receiver just like the originals. Forged, then machined from a solid piece of steel for maximum strength.

quote:

Originally posted by dogcat:
I a have .300WM in the featherweight. Out of the box, it shot 1" or less with my 180gr TSX's. I have two more coming.

I much prefer the new trigger as well.

I sold my pre-64's as they are not nearly the gun the new ones are.

WHAT ! This cant be true . We all know those pre-64's are the best !

Actually I did not come easily over to Winchester - having to be persuaded a bit by some custom rifles and by Allen Day and a few others here at the time.

But I was thinking of selling a pre64 or two to get the Classics that are more available now and priced better too.

I better have another look and maybe at a Super Grade of the new M-70's.