The Winchester Model 70

It was first introduced in 1936. Model 70 is regarded as the highest-quality refinement of Mauser’s controlled-feed action design. It controlled the bolt-action market for 27 years before a 1964 cost-cutting redesign knocked it off of its top spot.

Pre-’64 Model 70s remain the rifle that hunters prefer to use and collectors. After ’64 guns have their own position, however.

The History

The Winchester Model 70 is one among the most famous bolt-action rifles that have ever been made. The Winchester Model 70 was created as a hunting weapon, but it quickly became very popular with hunters and competitive shooters. Model 70s are renowned because of their accuracy, simple of operation and high durability. Its reputation for high-end quality has helped it remain the top-selling bolt-action rifle for decades. However, as manufacturing technology improved and the Model 70 became more efficient, the Model 70 lost market share to lower-cost rifles that had similar features. Winchester made a number of adjustments on the Model 70 in 1964 to remain competitive. The modifications were made in order to increase the value of this Model 70 more affordable while conserving the features that led to its popularity.

Most significant was the addition of a push feed mechanism. The ejector was taken off the bolt, and replaced by tiny extractors that rode on top of the cartridge extraction groove. It could be placed inside the magazine and then ejected by the bolt, without the requirement for a Mauser extraction device of the same type. The flat breech was introduced to provide the handle of the bolt, making it easier to grip when cycling through the operation.

In an effort to lower cost, various other improvements in order to cut costs were implemented. The original nickel-steel, milled receiver and bolt design was replaced by a forging chrome-molybdenum model, and hand-checkered barrels replaced them with pressed checkering to save on labor costs. The bolt lugs were also replaced from the screw-in style of the past and a guide-lug which ran on a track inside the receiver.

These cost-saving initiatives were met with mixed reviews. There were many who preferred models before World War II 70 and thought the rifles produced after 1964 were inferior. Certain improvements were made to Model 70 Model 70 in an attempt to reverse this perception and include an improved “anti-bind” function that was installed on the right locking bolt. The bolt was able to run more smoothly and was an excellent improvement to a rifle previously famous for its inept actions.

The look

Winchester’s Model 70 bolt-action is the model that earned the title “The Rifleman’s rifle.” While a lot of centerfire rifles have the same designation, its standing as an sporting weapon is unmatched. From the forests of North America to big-game areas in Alaska and Africa, hunters have relegated this Model 70 to the top of their weaponry.

The Model BuyWinchester 70’s popularity stemmed in large part from its top-of-the-line adjustable trigger mechanism. Additionally, it benefited of its Mauser model of two-lug extractors which allowed it to exert all control of the gun when it was removed from the magazine as well as until it completely exited the chamber. The breech’s flat design with integrated cartridge supports provided better fit to the barrel rim, and easier operation than competitors’ designs.

Following World War II, however, Winchester began to see its status diminishing as modern techniques for manufacturing firearms helped other manufacturers to reduce their costs of production. To reduce the material as well as labor costs The company took few steps. In 1964the well-known Model 70 underwent a redesign and many of its features were removed. In 1964, the cone-shaped breech on the model 70 changed to a flat one with the support for a cartridge built into. Its hook extraction was changed to a plunger ejector. Also, the nickel-molybdenum forged steel bolt and receiver were replaced with one milled from aluminum cast for the sake of cost reduction.

Some people were not thrilled with the new style. In particular, many hunters were unhappy by the fact that the updated Model 70 no longer featured a controlled-round push feed action. Some hunters were pleased with the flat-surfaced bolt, as it didn’t need to be rebuilt in the barrel’s Breech. Some preferred the stainless round steel head of the cartridge’s case to prevent erratic firing.

Winchester introduced the controlled-round feeding action in order to resolve the issues raised by certain customers in the year 1992. In addition, the company began to use synthetic wood of McMillan Bell and Carlson that can be produced at a lower cost than wood, and are stable over time.

Development

Winchester design team began work, reworking their Model 54 to create a slimmer and lighter bolt-action centerfire rifle. The Model 70 was an instant hit and for decades afterward, this Model 70 dominated the market. It even earned the nickname “The Rifleman’s Rifle” and it is arguably one of the top-selling American bolt-action firearm ever produced.

During the post-war years However, after the war, the Model 70 began to lose ground to improved design and manufacturing techniques. It was becoming more costly to produce as well, and Winchester discovered itself at a loss in the market for its Model 70 as it struggled to keep up with the latest rifles on the market.

The initial change Winchester engineers did to Model 70 Model 70 was to improve its trigger. This has been for a long time a nagging issue with the customers. The override feature of Model 52 rimfires Model 52 rimfire was adapted to the Model 70. This improved the function, as the sear has been separated from trigger assemblies. This trigger was customizable in terms of draw weight and travel.

One of the major changes they did on The Model 70 was to convert the controlled-round feed mechanism to a push feed action. The latest Model 70 is cheaper to manufacture and requires less machining on the barrel’s front the breech.

The handle and the forend were modified as well to make them more compatible with scopes in the past, which was an important concern. They rounded the contour of the bolt handle in order to help it stay clear of the lens housing of the scope during the cycle of the action. Additionally, the forend was created to be more compact and wider in the lower part, in order that it could be used to support the shooting hand while firing.

Winchester added new chambering variations to Model 70, and added chambering variations to Model 70 over the years along with reworking and improving older models. Through the 1960s, however, it had become apparent that the public was not satisfied by some of the improvements and desired more of the original model and the features that were missing. The firm listened to customers and started adding back elements of the original Model 70 throughout the next decade or so.

The Production

The early days of the Model 70 took the sporting world in a storm. It became a favorite choice for hunters in the United States and beyond, and a number of rifles set world records in shoot-offs. Despite the high quality however, this rifle was not without issues. A few examples include the absence in walnuts of the highest quality and the choice of pressing rather than hand checkering and the barrel’s channel that could allow for an excessive accumulation of grass and twigs during firing. It was successful despite these shortcomings. There were instances when the production numbers exceeded the 12 years that were produced for the Winchester Model 54.

Winchester introduced a new version of the Model 70 in 1964. It was designed to fight the rising number of sports rifles, such as Remington Model 700. Remington Model 700, and the rising cost labor. In 1964, the previous cone-breech model of the Model 70 was replaced to a flat-breech style. The old nickel-steel based receiver and bolt design was also replaced with a an entirely new chrome-forged molybdenum steel design. Full-length extractors and a Ejector that was mounted on the receiver of original design were eliminated in favor of a shorter claw extractor as well as a plunger ejector that were located on the face of the bolt were utilized (similar as those used in the Weatherby Mark V).

Though these adjustments did not bring about major issues in the operation of the rifle Many shooters were not happy over them. It wasn’t uncommon to see Model 70s made following 1964 to become jammed during the loading BuyWinchester process, or for them to fail to fully exit.

The result was it was Model 70 Classic, a more refined and precise action, that forms the base of today’s Model 70. Winchester modified the Model 70 action in 1992. It was back to the full-length extractor, as well as an ejector mounted to the receiver of earlier models, in addition to the regulated feeding system.

Winchester Model 70s continue being produced at FN/Browning’s complex in Columbia, South Carolina. Model 70’s are made conforming to ISO 9001 quality standards, including the classic control-feed function remaining unchanged. The Model 70 comes in various styles, designed in order to satisfy the needs for hunters and shooters who target. The models include light barrels and sightless models.