Dilema of the Winchester M70

Dan360 · 09-25-2007, 11:16 PM

I have a question for y'all. I have two very nice Winchester M70 Classics. One is a blued/wood sporter in 30-06. One is a stainless/laminate sporter in 7mm Mag. The prices on these things have gone through the roof since production was stopped on these rifles. My 30-06 has been my do-it-all hunting partner since I bought it. I'm hesitant now to take it out in the weather since they are getting harder to find. The only problem is, I can't find anything better. I bought these rifles to hunt and they have done great for me. Should I use them or find something else?

By the way, I tried something else and I just haven't been able to give myself to it. It just aint a Winchester. Anyone want a Remington 700 Stainless Mountain Rifle in 280 Remington?

Trick · 09-26-2007, 04:14 AM

Tools were meant to be used.

adobe wall · 09-26-2007, 04:42 AM

If the rifles are in excellent condition and you want to consider them investments, put them in the safe and forget about them. Doesn't sound like you want to do that, though.

Prices on most non-military firearms seem to fluctuate, I don't know that the market has settled out on Winchesters. There are so many Winchesters already made that I kinda think the price may be a bubble- like beanie babies. Been wrong before, though.

You can always find a beater Winchester bolt gun for low bucks and restock/rebarrel it.

Personally, I'd use them.

huntinfool · 09-26-2007, 05:36 AM

If I was you, I would lock those Winchesters in the safe or sell them. I got rid of all my Winchesters simply because they aren't that great except for the way they look. Remington is still around simply because their actions are better. 90% of custom gunsmiths use Remmy actions, or copycat actions for custom builds. Take it for what's it worth and also remember I am biased as I have 5 customs on the 700 action.

Another route is to get your favorite gun restocked with a McMillan fiberglass stock and save the fancy wood stock for when you retire it to the safe.

That .280 Mtn rifle would be a kick-butt do all gun with 150 grainers. It'd tromp your 30-06.

baltz526 · 09-26-2007, 05:59 AM

memories hunting with your guns, are a lot more valuable than you guns will ever be. put some dings in them safe queens. the memory is worth every one of the dings/scratches/peeling finishes/rust.

wife&3kids · 09-26-2007, 06:17 AM

[quote=huntinfool;1682583]If I was you, I would lock those Winchesters in the safe or sell them. I got rid of all my Winchesters simply because they aren't that great except for the way they look. Remington is still around simply because their actions are better. 90% of custom gunsmiths use Remmy actions, or copycat actions for custom builds. Take it for what's it worth and also remember I am biased as I have 5 customs on the 700 action.

That is a pretty broad statement about gunsmiths..
model 70 is the way to go.....
I have quite a few worth a few $$ and I shoot them all... I agree with the person who said they are tools.. I have a Beretta Onyx over and under 12 DU edition that my father gave me (one he won at a du function) and I asked him what he thought I should do with it and he said "use it"....

ICHTHYDEMON · 09-26-2007, 06:38 AM

I'd hunt with it. Its not like you can't hunt with wood/blued in the NW. I did for years and still do. My deer rifle is a Model 70 Featherweight thats W/B. I won't buy anymore W/B rifles that see hunting action,but still use the ones I have.

Just be sure to give it a thorough cleaning after hunting in nasty weather.

toas243 · 09-26-2007, 06:42 AM

OMG they are not Stratovarious Violins ,they are one of my favorite mod rifles ,take them out and hunt

Welcome to America where every thing is a collectable and worth millions ,some where ,really

Wreckless · 09-26-2007, 07:25 AM

My pre '64 mdl 70 .300 H & H still sees time in the woods. It shoots better than I do at whatever distance I want

Shoot 'em

Now, if it was a safari grade..........

alaskan · 09-26-2007, 10:46 AM

They don't make 2001 pickups anymore either, but I still drive mine. A rifle is a tool, meant to be used, go use it. It will be many generations before it will ever be worth very much, if ever.

usmyrmss · 09-26-2007, 11:21 AM

"... I bought these rifles to hunt ..."

You answered your own question.

SImudBogger · 09-26-2007, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baltz526

memories hunting with your guns, are a lot more valuable than you guns will ever be. put some dings in them safe queens. the memory is worth every one of the dings/scratches/peeling finishes/rust.

i agree. I kick the crap outta every gun i own. THats what they are made for. I have a model 70 that was made in the 70's and i plan on using it until the day i die. Even then it well be given to whomever i see worthy enough to use it.

fishgetter · 09-26-2007, 12:45 PM

"You gunna skin that Smoke Wagon, ur just stand there and bleed ?"

I SUGGEST YOU SKIN THAT SMOKE WAGON!!!!!!!!!

billc_sbio · 09-26-2007, 12:51 PM

I also think on this (and these are just my own thoughts on the matter) that the Browning/USFA link is still there, just not the New Haven factory.

At some time in the future it's probably not all that far fetched to think that you'll see those rifles offered again, albeit made at the Miroku plant in Japan just as they have with Model 12s in 20 & 28 ga., Mod 42s in .410, Model 1886s in .45-70, Model 71s in .348 Win. and Model 1892s in .44 Mag and .357 Magnum to name just a few.

Personally I DON'T think we've seen the last of the Model 70 rifle production...it's just "turned off" for now.

SImudBogger · 09-26-2007, 12:57 PM

Its an american classic

baltz526 · 09-26-2007, 01:00 PM

A Quick Update on Winchester Rifles and Shotguns.There have been many questions over the past several weeks about the future and status of Winchester brand rifles and shotguns. We hope that the questions and answers below will help clear up any misconceptions and assure you that we are aggressively moving forward in providing a line of rifles and shotguns with the quality, durability and good design you expect from the greatest firearms brand of all time. Q.I heard that your company is closing down the Winchester firearms factory in Connecticut. Is this true? A. Yes, this is true. On January 17 of 2006 it was announced that U.S. Repeating Arms Company (the company that makes Winchester brand Model 94s, Model 70s and the Model 1300 Speed Pump Shotgun) would be shutting down one of the factories which makes Winchester guns. The factory is located in New Haven, Connecticut. Q.Why is the plant being closed? A. Over the years, many efforts were made to improve profitability at the manufacturing facility in New Haven, and the decision to shut this factory was made after exhausting all available options. Q. Are there other factories making Winchester products? A. Yes. Our other factories will continue production uninterrupted. Products made at these factories include the Super X line of shotguns including the new Super X3 autoloader and the new Super X Rifle (SXR) centerfire autoloader. Both are made in Belgium and assembled in Portugal. In addition, we will continue with our line of quality Select over and unders: the only production Belgium-made over and unders in the world. Our special historic guns -- 1885s, 95s, as well as other limited series rifles -- continue to be made at our factory in Japan. These factories are unaffected by the New Haven closure and we continue forward with our production and future plans. Q.How does this announcement affect the service and repair of the Winchesters I own or Winchesters I may buy this year? A. Service is not affected at all by the plant closure. It continues from our network of Winchester Authorized Repair Centers (ARCs) and/or from our service facility in Arnold, Missouri. We have a continuing commitment to service that is an unchanged part of the Winchester legacy. Q.Was an official press release sent out by U.S. Repeating Arms concerning the closure? A.Yes there was. It was released January 17, 2006. The text is included below: For Immediate Release -- January 17, 2006
U.S. Repeating Arms Company To Close New Haven, CT Facility -- U.S. Repeating Arms Company, maker of Winchester brand rifles and shotguns will close its New Haven, Connecticut manufacturing facility. Many efforts were made to improve profitability at the manufacturing facility in New Haven, and the decision was made after exhausting all available options.
Effective March 31, 2006 the New Haven manufacturing facility will stop manufacturing the Winchester Model 70, Model 94 and Model 1300.
Winchester Firearms will continue to sell and grow its current line of Select Over & Under shotguns, the new Super X3 autoloading shotgun, the new Super X autoloading rifle and Limited Edition rifles. The company also plans to introduce new models in the future. There will be no change in Customer Service.
This action is a realignment of resources to make Winchester Firearms a stronger, more viable organization. Winchester Firearms plans to continue the great Winchester legacy and is very excited about the future.

ehunter · 09-26-2007, 01:01 PM

I am hunting with my 06 and it will out last me dang it

. My stock is battered and patched so the value is to me

Dan360 · 09-26-2007, 10:33 PM

Thanks for the words everyone. I will indeed SKIN THAT SMOKE WAGON! I personally like controlled feed actions over push feed actions. I don't have anything against Remingtons. I just have a thing for Winchesters, mostly because of my Dad. He is a die-hard M70 fan and still trucks his pre-64 through the woods without a second thought. Dad was always my hero and I new he'd never steer me wrong. In reality, nothing he favors is probably that much better than anything else, but I can't help by hold value when "Dad Says So."

Flatfish · 09-27-2007, 08:50 AM

Hunt em.

Winchester will open up again, with guns being made overseas. Labor issues here in the states are keeping them quiet for a while.

With the demand present for the rifles, they would be retarded to not produce them.

And if by some set of circumstances, they do not go back into business, someone WILL produce a rifle to fill the niche left. I don't know if it will be Cooper, Kimber,or maybe one of the biggies(Rem, Savage, ruger etc), or whoever. Mark my words, there IS a market for the product. Someone will take the market if the 70 is not reintroduced soon.

Money is a great motivation.

billc_sbio · 09-27-2007, 09:49 AM

I'd be really surprised that anybody wishing a Winchester Pre-64 Model 70 style rifle would have to look any farther than a Dakota Model 97.

I know that's where I'd look if I were looking for that style rifle.

alaskan · 09-27-2007, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flatfish

Hunt em.

Winchester will open up again, with guns being made overseas. Labor issues here in the states are keeping them quiet for a while.

With the demand present for the rifles, they would be retarded to not produce them.

And if by some set of circumstances, they do not go back into business, someone WILL produce a rifle to fill the niche left. I don't know if it will be Cooper, Kimber,or maybe one of the biggies(Rem, Savage, ruger etc), or whoever. Mark my words, there IS a market for the product. Someone will take the market if the 70 is not reintroduced soon.

Money is a great motivation.

They are already making a model 70, just not under the Winchester name. Look up the FN Patrol Bolt Rifle. It's a model 70 action, heavy barrel, Hogue stocked rifle. We have two in stock, a 308Win and a 300WSM.

Riverteeth · 09-27-2007, 12:09 PM

Kimber's rifles are very similar to the Model 70: 3 position safety, controlled round feed. They look promising.

usmyrmss · 09-27-2007, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan360

Thanks for the words everyone. I will indeed SKIN THAT SMOKE WAGON! I personally like controlled feed actions over push feed actions. I don't have anything against Remingtons. I just have a thing for Winchesters, mostly because of my Dad. He is a die-hard M70 fan and still trucks his pre-64 through the woods without a second thought. Dad was always my hero and I new he'd never steer me wrong. In reality, nothing he favors is probably that much better than anything else, but I can't help by hold value when "Dad Says So."

Anything built on a Mauser '98 action would meet the criteria of controlled feed action as well.

SS Piledriver · 09-27-2007, 02:23 PM

hunt the stainless/syn make the blue/wood a safe queen.

i would hunt both of them.

blacktail · 09-28-2007, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billc_sbio

I'd be really surprised that anybody wishing a Winchester Pre-64 Model 70 style rifle would have to look any farther than a Dakota Model 97.

I know that's where I'd look if I were looking for that style rifle.

I have a Dakota Model 97 in 7mm-08. I love it. Nice and lightweight, but not too light. Excellent workmanship. Keeping my eyes open for a good deal on one in 300 mag, or 338 mag for Elk.

Mike

Tvfowlhunter · 09-28-2007, 10:50 AM

The Winchester Model 70 will be remade some day just wait.

jetjockey · 10-03-2007, 06:56 AM

Ok.. Im gonna disagree with some of you.. If I were you Id find a nice replacment, and savor the memories of the old guns until they start making the model 70 again. My dad has a pre64 model 70 in 270 and 30-06 that were handed down to him. The guns have been retired into the safe and don't see any hunting time, but the pride in ownership is still there. I believe guns are tools, but I also treat my guns like gold. My Kimber 8400 Classic in 300WSM still looks brand new, but then again, I take extremely good care of all my things. Id love to have a Montana in 270WSM for foul weather hunting and anywhere I may beat up my 300, but Id still treat it very good. Ive never understood how guys can trash a rifle and scope that are often worth up to $1500 or more.

Dan360.. If I were you, id either buy a Kimber, or used beat to heck model 70, and retire the 2 pristine Winchesters.. Then, only bring them out for special hunts. That would make the hunt even more special..

monoman · 10-03-2007, 08:56 AM

Safe Queens are for armchair hunting!

Use them.....take care of them....and when they need it, build something new on the actions.

The model 70 is my favorite,yet I sold a Big5 set last year so I could order one of my youthful dreams....They were built in so many calibers and styles, some of the custom shop guns were art.....I'd use those too!

Pre64 model 70s come up for sell every day, you will be able to get one for the rest of your life even if they never build them again.

Your great grand children will be able to rebarrel and use them.

icbig1s · 10-03-2007, 08:01 PM

How's this, I still hunt with a 1958 Rem. 740 30-06. It's almost 50 years old and still shoots. I ain't afraid to drop, scratch, bang or otherwise just drag it around thru the brush.

GDuck · 10-03-2007, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alaskan

They are already making a model 70, just not under the Winchester name. Look up the FN Patrol Bolt Rifle. It's a model 70 action, heavy barrel, Hogue stocked rifle. We have two in stock, a 308Win and a 300WSM.

I have one. FN is still making the actions somewhere, while the patrol rifle is not the model 70 classic the other FN tactical bolt guns use it. Wonder where their plant is??

G