I envision buying another foul weather rifle. How would you compare the Browning Stainless Stalker against the Win 70 Classic Stainless Composite in terms of out of the box accuracy and synthetic stock quality (serious or Tupperware) ?
Posts: 2420 | Location: Belgium | Registered: 25 August 2001
I had both and not thrilled with either of them. Initial quality favors the Browning and it will shoot much better then the Winchester.The factory synthetic stock on the Browning is free floated from recoil lug forward and is an OK stock while the Winchester is flimsy. The trigger on the Winchester is a much better trigger after being adjusted.
Posts: 1779 | Location: Southeast | Registered: 31 March 2003
Quote: On what objective criteria do you base your opinion that an A-bolt will shoot better than a Win Model 70 Classic
There may be too many variables to base that opinion but he specifically asked about 2 rifles and I have owned both a SS Stalker and a MOdel 70 SS classic and in the same caliber BTW. I have also owned more Model 70's then Brownings in different calibers as well as walnut/blued and plastic/steel. I have friends that have both rifles in stainless steel as well. Browning A bolts easily outshoot the Model 70's I have owned and my friends share the same experience. The Abolt is a better made rifle bottom line that is the one thing that comes to mind.
Posts: 1779 | Location: Southeast | Registered: 31 March 2003
I've had both and I would say, that on average the Browning will shoot better than the Winchester. That said, I own a M70 Classic Featherweight, that is one of my favorite rifles. It is as accurate as any rifle I've ever owned, and I love it. Browning Abolts have a reputation for being very accurate, and I like the feel of their stocks also, but the metal looks cheap and the finish looks like cheap paint. I just can't stomach it. On the other hand, if I was stuck with an Abolt for the rest of my life, I would probably get through it. I love the looks of the Winchester M70, and the Featherweight stock is beautiful in my eyes. I've seen several M70s that were accurate, I've yet to see my first Abolt that was NOT accurate. I'm sure an inaccurate Abolt exists out there, I just haven't runs across one, nor has any of my shooting pals, who are huge Browning fans.
Andre, my experience is what Sempre said. For one reason or another I have had both rifles disassembled and like most factory syn. stocks they both suck, but I would give a slight edge to the Browning. The magazine system for the a-bolt is simply better than the Win and having to shuck out all your shells IMO. Regards-D.
Posts: 3563 | Location: GA, USA | Registered: 02 August 2004
I, too, wouldn't trade my abolts for Win 70's. Like everybody said, the Abolts are VERY accurate, with the right load. However, I have a Tikka T3 that is even more accurate. Damn plastic clip sucks though. The T3 seems to have a very stiff barrel and mine shoots 150, 165, and 180 gr (3006) to within the same 2 inch circle at 100 yards.
Andre: Out of the box, the Browning is probably more accurate and has a better stock. Don't hunt with the Browning near salt water; you will be sorely disappointed. I have seen them become useless because of salt and ice in the bolt.
