Is This A Good Buy?

[270man]

Savageman,

My opinion doesn't count much and I ordinarily wouldn't be giving it -- but since I have always considered the Winchester M70 Featherweight a beautiful rifle and 270Win is one of my favorite calibers, I will venture a few thoughts.

Since USRA discontinued the Winchester M70 bolt action and the M94 lever action rifles, I have seen some very exhorbitant prices being asked for them (new and used). This always happens when something goes out of production.

A friend of mine had a M70 FWT in 270 and was extremely unhappy with the accuracy. He traded it for a Rem M700 BDL in the same caliber and now gets the accuracy he demands. The accuracy of one sample doesn't prove anything. I have two M70s (270 and 223) that are very accurate. My unscientific opinion is that the above example may have had more to do with barrel weight than with brand. My friend's M70 had the FWT barrel contour while the M700 had Remington's standard barrel contour (with heavier weight).

If your application is for big game hunting only, the M70 FWT should serve you well. I've only owned one lightweight big game rifle, a Rem 700 Mountain Rifle, and I much prefer the standard BDL, CDL or SPS versions.

Keep in mind that the "beautiful" M70 FWT stock will probably not look so beautiful after a few seasons in the field. Finally, note that you can buy a brand new Rem 700 SPS rifle, with synthetic stock, for around $400 or even less.

Only you can decide if the M70 FWT is worth $500 used. I would not pay that much for one.

270man