Can y’all school me on Winchester model 70’s? Specifically the biggest differences between the feather weight and the spotter version. Looking at adding a Winchester 70 to the collection but know very little about them. Are they like Remington and the ones from the 70’s/80’s just a little better? Any particular sub models or year(s) of production to stay away from? I know I don't want a pre ‘64, but I would consider an older one in the right configuration and pretty wood. Not looking for a specific caliber, I have a rifle already for any practical hunting I’ll ever do, just want Winchester model 70 in the safe. Thanks y’all.

Why dont you want the pre 64? They are more costly so if thats why then I understand. I love mine but I dont know the answers to your questions.

My opinion the later model 70’s are better than the older push feed ones, the pre 64 is a heirloom/ collectors item.
I’d buy a new controlled round feed without hesitation some may not like the newest trigger, however it is better than the xmark pos on Remingtons.

The pre64 is certainly a collectors item but are you saying its not also a great hunting rifle? I believe it is but curious if im wrong. I plan to buy another one in a year or so but it wont be for collecting.

the Featherweight has a Schnabel forend, scroll checkering

prettier , more classic to fondle

When I was a kid, the LGS had a Featherweight in .257 Roberts. I’m still mad I never found a way to buy it.

Something about the way they look I just don’t care for. Not being a long time Winchester fan, a pre 64 really does nothing for me.

Mine, in .243, is a thing of beauty.

If you just want one to have one look around for a 70'/80's manufactured push feed model. Never owned one but from what I hear they shoot just find and they generally cost less than the CRF models.

I've owned a pre 64 30-06 and FN manufactured 7x57. Both handle and shoot well.

I've got two featherweights, one New Haven classic in
270. And a newer BACO model in 243. Both are tack track drivers.

I picked one up, a 25-06, when they were being made by FN in Columbia, SC. I consider it my bean field rifle, meaning the rife I take when I'm expecting shots at the end of my range.

I have a SC Featherweight in 7-08. They weren't made in SC very long.

I think it has a thinner barrel too, but I'm not certain.

Then buy a remington CDL and put a timney or triggertech in it.

I love Winchester Model 70s. My favorite is a Featherweight in .270, and I have several other including featherweights, Sporters, XTR, Extreme Weather, etc. OP, if I were you, looking to add one to the collection and not hunt with it much, I'd look for a sporter with really nice wood, or even a supergrade, with is mostly a sporter profile with upgrades in the wood and finish. The new ones being finished in Portugal are very nice rifles. Some of the purists don't like the new trigger design for whatever reason. I have no issue with it.

Absolutely the model 70 is an excellent hunting rifle at any age or generation, my comment about a pre 64 gun is exactly as I stated it’s a collectors item demanding higher prices. If I wanted a m70 I’d be looking for a newer production one with all the pre64 features without the cost.

The first thing you need to know is that pre-64 was a controlled round feed. Sixty-four to about 1992 were push-feed. Since then they are much like the pre-64s with some minor improvements. When most people say Model 70, they aren't thinking of the push-feeds.

Are you referring to something I said? As far as I know model 70’s were push feed from 1965 until 2006 and when Winchester was purchased by whoever they brought back the control round feed as a marketing ploy to assist slumping sales. They at that time came out with the moa trigger.

These later rifles that resemble the pre 64 action are far superior to the old guns. And do not carry the intrinsic value of the old ones.

Nothing wrong with the push feed rifles. I have a couple and they are good shooters. Some of the push feed XTR rifles that came out of New Haven were very nice rifles, both in terms of finish and also accuracy.

I agree with you, I had one in 22-250, and 243 that were both pretty salty. I really liked the wood on the 22-250 as well and it was probably a 1990’s gun

I took my 25-06 Model 70 to a 200-yard range for the first time yesterday. It was also my first time shooting beyond 100 yards. I was very happy with the results.

No, I was addressing the OP. He needs to be aware that when people speak about the Model 70 they have in mind, usually, the CRF version. It was re-introduced on a limited basis in 1992 and went full production in 1994.

Very nice! Tell us more about it.