I finally broke down and added a third deer rifle to my collection, a Winchester Model 70 Featherweight. With three daughters, I wanted a third rife so that I could leave one behind for each family.

I did quite a bit of research before going with the Winchester and read many good things about it. I found the safety to be a little rough on the finger, and know that it should be more accurate than it's shooter. Still, I'm eager to hear from others who have purchased one of these Winchesters that include the pre-64 bolt mechanism.

Thanks in advance for your comments and feedback.

M70 featherweights are one of my favorites. I have 4 of them. I have found them all to be very accurate and great to hunt with. What caliber did you get?

Already owning a Browning .243 and Remington .270, I went with something right in the middle, a 25-06.

I also went with a Winchester to add more diversity to the group.

Great rifle, my Dad passed one down in .243 to my son when he was born. In fact, it's going hunting with me next weekend.

Great choice on the .25-06. I've used my .270 featherweight for a lot of hunts and it is one of my favorite rifles. But, if I was going to buy another it would be a .25-06. Or maybe a 25wssm, which is pretty much the same thing in a short action package.

what caliber did you get?

Great choice

Great rifles

I'm tempted to get one of these too, heard good things. Trying to decide between a used kimber or a brand new winchester. What caliber did you get?

Thanks again for all the feedback and comments.

Took it (25-06) to the range today and shot almost a full box of ammo through it. It produced groups about as tight as I can get them (1/2 inch@100yds) with a very comfortable level of recoil. I really like the feel of the pre-64 bolt mechanism as it locks the shell into the chamber. I've left the adjustable trigger at the factory setting of 3-1/2 pounds.

The Nikon 3X9 BDC "Buckmasters" scope performed equally well.

Looking forward to giving a real test later this week on a deer or hog.

Great choice Dan.. I have a Pre-64 featherweight in 243 that my dad gave me before he passed. I love how it feels and shoots.. I'm considering getting an newer one just for the heck of it, but not sure on caliber..
Maybe a 7mm-08..

I have a thread "Rub From Hell" I have a picture of that very gun next to the rub.. Wouldn't take anything for it!!

How much does featherweight weigh?

Anywhere from 7 lbs 4 oz, to 6 lbs 12 oz

Link

Great gun! I have one in .270 with a Leupold scope on it. I've been hunting with my Browning X Bolt in 25-06 up until I bought the Winchester.

Great choice!! I have been a Model 70 fan for nearly 50 years. I have 10 Model 70s in different configurations and calibers including Pre64. Most of the time I carry my Model 70 Featherweight 270. All of my Model 70s are very good looking and extremly accurate. They are the only rifle I will ever own!

Now that's a very strong recommendation!

I have been hunting a long time with many different calibers,until a couple years ago when i bought my Browning X BOLT 25-06 now its the only rifle I take to the woods and dont have to do any tracking they fall where they are standing great caliber

the ranch rifle is a classic featherweight stainless model 70 in .22-250.

we've killed probably about 200 deer between us with that gun

I have a Win 70 Classic Super Grade in .270 with a BOSS system. I got it for my college graduation present. It has had 5 rounds down the tube. It is a beautiful rifle, so nice in fact, that I don't take it out to hunt with it. I do hunt with a push feed Model 70 in 7mm mag. It is a work horse and gets the job done.

My only "wish list rifle" is a Pre 64 Model 70 Feather Weight in 6.5x55 Swedish. I've only seen one.

Dan, did it come with a 1" recoil pad as shown in that photo, or with the 1/4" hard rubber pad like the one that came with mine? Mine kicked like a mule until I went to a 1" pad.

take the brake off, get the CR weight and get that thing to hunting!

I just picked one up this morning in .270 WSM

This one came with a 1" recoil pad, making it a very comfortable shooter.

Very glad to say it didn't take long to harvest a buck with it. Took the one below this past Saturday evening.

WOAH, What caliber TxDan? (It knocked it's head off its body!!)

lol, nice whitetail! I like split browtines

Thanks. This is the first buck I've taken that had split brow tines. And he came with a pair of them.