I'm thinking of getting me a M70's, either a Classic Featherweight, blued/walnut in 308 win, ser.# 149XXX or a Classic stainless in 30-06 ser# 48XXX. Both are new and made in New Haven, Ct.

The trigger needs to be reworked on both but the SS seemed less mushy.

I'd be interested in hearing any opinions on these models.

Calibre choice isn't an issue for me, unless one is more likely to have feeding problems than the other. I've checked the feeding on both and it seemed to work OK.

Both would be restocked in a McMillan or similar stock.

What sort of tuning will I have to do with a M70 in order to ensure proper functioning?

How are the factory barrels?

[ 06-10-2002, 16:22: Message edited by: PCH ]

I'm a big fan of the M70 Winchester Classic. They should not need anything to make them feed reliably. Both mine, and my ex-wife's, work fine. I mean, they will feed resized cases out of the magazine.
I would choose neither. I can't see the difference of the extra 100 fps. of the '06, the newer premiums make anything over 165-180 grs. unnecessary, and I don't want, or can use, the '06's extra weight.
Mine is a SS Featherweight in the .308. It is eqipped with a 4X Leo, and DD mounts. The trigger will match anything I've got except the 2 lb. break of my Rifle Basix trigger on my 660 Custom. The McMillian stock was made in the ADL style. Between that, and the stock, the gun is now at 7.5 lbs. empty. It balances on the reciever ring. It is very easy to carry and live with. E

The velocity difference is not 100 fps with 180 gr bullets but 150 fps and with 200 gr bullets it's over 200 fps in favor of the 30/06. And the gain in engergy is about 400 ft lbs which is quite a bit.

Both are outstanding cartridges and very popular. Either one would be a far superior choice to just about any other cartridges.

You have to like the rifle you select so don't ask us which one of the two to get. I like them both.

PCH, I've got a Winchester Classic Stainless in .270 and love it. Trigger is probably about 4lbs but crisp so no problem at all for hunting rifle. I don't think you'll have any feeding problems with any rounds remotely close to the suggest OAL for the cartridge.

Either rifle should do 1 MOA at 100. Not benchrest rifles, but I doubt you are getting them for this. I think they will make you damn good hunting guns.

I really don't see that you're going to have a problem here. Just a matter of which one feels the best to you. My only thought is that there sure isn't a lot of 30/06 stuff lying around like in the good old days. (cases) I once bought an army Duffle Bag full of once fired 30/06 brass for $5. Sigh. But there is still lots of 1 fired 308 available worth the money. And you may not try to stock up 1,000 rds at a time like I fancy. Anyhow, go for it. They both sound tasty to me.

[ 06-11-2002, 06:54: Message edited by: Pecos45 ]