Winchester M-70 (1st Version)

     Notes: The Model 70 is an internationally popular American-made bolt-action rifle, first introduced in 1936 as the “Model 70 Sporting Rifle” and steadily improved and modified over the years.  The Model 70 of this period is considered a classic among sportsmen and can be found the world over.  The 1st-version, also called by many the “pre-1964 pattern” or the “Rifleman’s Rifle,” is considered the most desirable of the M-70s, one in good condition will fetch high real-world prices these days. The actions are made using a solid frame and are very strong; they are also very reliable and have served as the basis over the years for a number of custom rifles and Model 70 modifications.  The action itself had a cone breech, a partially-shrouded bolt head, and a trigger guard secured by a bolt running into the underside of the receiver instead of being secured to the recoil lug; this was unusual for the time. The bolt handle is swept down and back so that it would not interfere with any scope that might be mounted. Spent case ejection is to the right side and slightly upward, again so to not interfere with optics. The bolt can be opened while the rifle is on safety, allowing rounds to be removed or the weapon completely unloaded without possibility of accidental fire. The magazine is internal, and loaded from the top (and slightly to the right side), but the Model 70 can be emptied using a hinged floorplate. Early production models (made from 1936-37) and chambered for .30-06 or .270 Winchester could be fed by a stripper clip. Furniture is of walnut; the fore-end has a semi-beavertail form. The fore-end, pistol grip wrist, and steel buttplate are checkered for a surer grip.  The front sight is a bead inside a hood; the rear sight could be a peep sight or a notch sight, depending upon the wishes of the buyer.  The original safety operated across the bolt shroud; in 1938, this was changed to the right side, actuated by a manual thumb catch. The entry for this rifle and its descendants is a little different due to absolutely huge number of variants with differences ranging from variations in stock design to barrel differences to different methods of barrel bedding, recoil pads, and sights. Therefore, the entries are a little different from most of my entries in these pages; it is split into several sections, each with its own firing tables.

 

 

M-70 Sporter

     In its first iteration, produced until 1963, the Model 70 used a tapered barrel.  (However, it should be noted that the Model 70 was not produced from the end of 1941 until 1946, as Winchester was concentrating on war manufacture.) For most chamberings, the barrel could be 20 or 24 inches depending upon the wishes of the buyer; after World War 2, the Model 70 with a 20-inch barrel was discontinued.  The 20-inch-barrel version was never built in large quantities, and the few built in 1945 and 1946 were assembled from existing parts in storage instead of being new manufacture rifles. 20-inch barrel versions were often referred to as Model 70 Carbines. Magnum versions largely used 26-inch barrels, but in 1937, the version of the Model 70 in .375 H&H Magnum was changed to have a heavy-weight 25-inch barrel.  Most of the chamberings listed below were original chamberings (.30-06 and .270 were the first chamberings offered, though most of the rest came soon thereafter).  The 7.62mm NATO (actually, .308 Winchester) chambering was introduced in 1952, but was rare for this time period. In 1955, the .243 Winchester and .358 Winchester chamberings were introduced, followed by .300 Winchester Magnum. .338 Winchester Magnum was introduced in 1958, and .264 Winchester Magnum in 1959.  Some rare Model 70s, built after World War 2, were chambered for .300 Savage. Some rare pre-1941 models, all with 24-inch barrels, were chambered for .35 Winchester, 7.65mm Mauser, 7mm Mauser, .250 Savage, or 9x57mm Mauser.

     The Model 70 Varmint Rifle is a rare version of the Model 70 with a 26-inch heavy barrel.  Most were chambered for .243 Winchester Magnum, but a rare few were chambered for .220 Swift. 

     Most Model 70s of this period also had a SuperGrade version, which was a sort of deluxe version with furniture of select-grade walnut, a Monte Carlo stock, finer checkering, fore-end tip of ebonite, and a separate cap for the pistol grip wrist, also of ebonite.  For game purposes, these are identical to their regular versions of the Model 70.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Sporter (20” Barrel)

.22 Hornet

3.05 kg

5 Internal

$698

M-70 Sporter (24” Barrel)

.22 Hornet

3.13 kg

5 Internal

$739

M-70 Sporter (20” Barrel)

.22-250 Remington

3.22 kg

5 Internal

$825

M-70 Sporter (24” Barrel)

.22-250 Remington

3.3 kg

5 Internal

$866

M-70 Sporter

.220 Swift

3.34 kg

4 Internal

$976

M-70 Sporter (20” Barrel)

.243 Winchester

3.3 kg

5 Internal

$980

M-70 Sporter (24” Barrel)

.243 Winchester

3.36 kg

5 Internal

$1021

M-70 Sporter

.250 Savage

3.36 kg

5 Internal

$1054

M-70 Sporter (20” Barrel)

.257 Roberts

3.41 kg

                    5 Internal

$1144

M-70 Sporter (24” Barrel)

.257 Roberts

3.52 kg

5 Internal

$1185

M-70 Sporter

.264 Winchester Magnum

3.47 kg

4 Internal

$1381

M-70 Sporter

7mm Mauser

3.48 kg

5 Internal

$1389

M-70 Sporter (20” Barrel)

.270 Winchester

3.48 kg

5 Internal

$1439

M-70 Sporter (24” Barrel)

.270 Winchester

3.57 kg

5 Internal

$1480

M-70 Sporter

7.62mm NATO

3.54 kg

5 Internal

$1451

M-70 Sporter (20” Barrel)

.30-06 Springfield

3.65 kg

5 Internal

$1690

M-70 Sporter (24” Barrel)

.30-06 Springfield

3.74 kg

5 Internal

$1732

M-70 Sporter

.300 Savage

3.58 kg

5 Internal

$1369

M-70 Sporter

.300 Winchester Magnum

3.92 kg

4 Internal

$2366

M-70 Sporter

.300 H&H Magnum

3.97 kg

4 Internal

$2500

M-70 Sporter

.338 Winchester Magnum

4 kg

4 Internal

$2587

M-70 Sporter

7.65mm Mauser

3.72 kg

5 Internal

$1524

M-70 Sporter

.35 Winchester

4.13 kg

5 Internal

$2677

M-70 Sporter (Original Model)

.375 H&H Magnum

4.27 kg

4 Internal

$3311

M-70 Sporter (Late Model)

.375 H&H Magnum

4.27 kg

4 Internal

$3307

M-70 Sporter

9mm Mauser

4.06 kg

5 Internal

$2499

M-70 Varmint

.220 Swift

3.37 kg

4 Internal

$986

M-70 Varmint

.243 Winchester

3.41 kg

5 Internal

$1051

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Sporter (20”, .22 Hornet)

BA

3

1-Nil

6

3

Nil

67

M-70 Sporter (24”, .22 Hornet)

BA

3

1-Nil

7

3

Nil

81

M-70 Sporter (20”, .22-250)

BA

3

1-Nil

6

3

Nil

57

M-70 Sporter (24”, .22-250)

BA

3

1-Nil

7

3

Nil

74

M-70 Sporter (.220)

BA

3

1-2-Nil

7

3

Nil

88

M-70 Sporter (20”, .243)

BA

3

2-Nil

6

3

Nil

58

M-70 Sporter (24”, .243)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

3

Nil

76

M-70 Sporter (.250)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

4

Nil

85

M-70 Sporter (20”, .257)

BA

3

2-Nil

6

4

Nil

57

M-70 Sporter (24”, .257)

BA

4

2-Nil

7

4

Nil

74

M-70 Sporter (.264)

BA

4

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

91

M-70 Sporter (7mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

82

M-70 Sporter (20”, .270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

53

M-70 Sporter (24”, .270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

70

M-70 Sporter (7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

91

M-70 Sporter (20”, .30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

61

M-70 Sporter (24”, .30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

8

5

Nil

80

M-70 Sporter (.300 Savage)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

90

M-70 Sporter (.300 Winchester Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

5

Nil

103

M-70 Sporter (.300 H&H Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

5

Nil

104

M-70 Sporter (.338 Magnum)

BA

6

1-3-Nil

8

6

Nil

118

M-70 Sporter (7.65mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

92

M-70 Sporter (.35)

BA

5

2-4-Nil

8

6

Nil

92

M-70 Sporter (.375 Magnum, Original)

BA

7

1-3-5

9

6

Nil

115

M-70 Sporter (.375 Magnum, Late)

BA

7

1-3-5

9

6

Nil

114

M-70 Sporter (9mm Mauser)

BA

5

2-4-Nil

8

6

Nil

92

M-70 Varmint (.220)

BA

3

1-2-Nil

7

3

Nil

93

M-70 Varmint (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

4

Nil

87

 

M-70 Heavy (Magnum) Rifles

     Notes: Heavy variations of the period include the Model 70 African, chambered for .458 Winchester Magnum, having a 25-inch heavy barrel, a Monte Carlo-type stock, and a rubber recoil pad.  The rear sight was a folding leaf sight.  The Model 70 Alaskan had a 25-inch heavy barrel and a rubber recoil pad; it was chambered for .338 Winchester Magnum or .375 H&H Magnum.  The Model 70 Bull Gun was a specialized target rifle with a 28-inch bull-profile barrel and a Marksman-style stock.  The Model 70 Bull Gun was meant to be used with optics and had only rudimentary iron sights.  Most were chambered for .30-06, but some were chambered for .300 H&H Magnum.  Except for the Bull Gun, these were often referred to as the “M-70 Magnum,” but this was not an official appellation and they were not referred to as such in company literature.  For that matter, the “Heavy Rifle” name I have given this set is simply a convenient grouping I have given them and not an official company name.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 African

.458 Winchester Magnum

4.31 kg

3 Internal

$4097

M-70 Alaskan

.338 Winchester Magnum

3.63 kg

3 Internal

$2613

M-70 Alaskan

.375 H&H Magnum

3.95 kg

4 Internal

$3338

M-70 Bull Gun

.30-06 Springfield

5.9 kg

5 Internal

$1782

M-70 Bull Gun

.300 H&H Magnum

5.9 kg

4 Internal

$2605

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 African

BA

8

1-3-5

9

6

Nil

119

M-70 Alaskan (.338 Magnum)

BA

6

1-3-Nil

8

6

Nil

113

M-70 Alaskan (.375 Magnum)

BA

7

1-3-5

9

6

Nil

110

M-70 Bull Gun (.30-06)

BA

5

2-3-Nil

9

4

Nil

107

M-70 Bull Gun (.300 H&H Magnum)

BA

6

1-3-Nil

9

5

Nil

124

 

M-70 Featherweight

     Notes: The Model 70 Featherweight, produced 1952-63, used a tapered 22-inch barrel, furniture made of lighter wood, an aluminum-alloy buttplate, and an alloy trigger guard which was integral to the magazine floorplate.  Only a few were chambered for .22 Hornet, .220 Swift, and .257 Roberts; a version attempted in .358 Winchester had so many problems in its development and by shooters that it was quickly discontinued, and few were ever made.  In 1955, a version was introduced firing .264 Winchester Magnum, but had slow sales. The Model 70 Westerner was based partly on the Featherweight, with a .264 Winchester Magnum version with a 26-inch barrel and a .300 Winchester Magnum version with a 24-inch barrel.  The Westerner also had a small internal magazine to save weight, and the barrel is not of any increased weight or tapered like other Model 70s. The Westerner was a rare variant that was discontinued soon after production started.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Featherweight

.22 Hornet

2.54 kg

5 Internal

$662

M-70 Featherweight

.220 Swift

2.7 kg

4 Internal

$915

M-70 Featherweight

.243 Winchester

2.72 kg

5 Internal

$980

M-70 Featherweight

.257 Roberts

2.85 kg

5 Internal

$1143

M-70 Featherweight Magnum

.264 Winchester Magnum

2.81 kg

4 Internal

$1320

M-70 Featherweight

.270 Winchester

2.89 kg

5 Internal

$1439

M-70 Featherweight

7.62mm NATO

2.87 kg

5 Internal

$1410

M-70 Featherweight

.30-06 Springfield

3.03 kg

5 Internal

$1690

M-70 Featherweight

.358 Winchester

3.13 kg

5 Internal

$2236

M-70 Westerner

.264 Winchester Magnum

2.67 kg

3 Internal

$1377

M-70 Westerner

.300 Winchester Magnum

2.89 kg

3 Internal

$2293

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Featherweight (.22 Hornet)

BA

3

1-Nil

6

3

Nil

65

M-70 Featherweight (.220)

BA

3

1-1-Nil

6

3

Nil

60

M-70 Featherweight (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

6

4

Nil

58

M-70 Featherweight (.257)

BA

3

2-Nil

6

5

Nil

57

M-70 Featherweight Magnum

BA

4

1-2-Nil

7

5

Nil

61

M-70 Featherweight (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

53

M-70 Featherweight (7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

70

M-70 Featherweight (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

61

M-70 Featherweight (.358)

BA

5

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

70

M-70 Westerner (.264 Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

8

5

Nil

89

M-70 Westerner (.300 Winchester Magnum)

BA

5

2-3-Nil

8

5

Nil

89

 

M-70 Target

     Notes: The Model 70 Target Rifle, introduced in 1937 and built (with a break) until 1960, originally had the same chamberings as the Model 70 Sporter (except for the rarer or more exotic chamberings); however, by the mid-1950s, only .243 Winchester and .30-06 were offered.  The Target Rifle had a heavy, match-quality 24-inch barrel. The National Match rifle was similar, but had a Marksman Stock (high, straight comb, sharply-curved pistol grip wrist, broad fore-end), and micrometer-adjustable sights and more-flexible scope mounts to take a greater variety of scopes, used a floating barrel, and was chambered only in .30-06. The National Match also has a fully adjustable trigger and is lighter than the corresponding Target Rifle.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Target

.22 Hornet

4.43 kg

5 Internal

$712

M-70 Target

.22-250 Remington

4.68 kg

5 Internal

$874

M-70 Target

.243 Winchester

4.76 kg

5 Internal

$1030

M-70 Target

.257 Roberts

4.99 kg

5 Internal

$1193

M-70 Target

.264 Winchester Magnum

5.13 kg

4 Internal

$1369

M-70 Target

.270 Winchester

5.08 kg

5 Internal

$1488

M-70 Target

7.62mm NATO

5.02 kg

5 Internal

$1460

M-70 Target

.30-06 Springfield

5.3 kg

5 Internal

$1740

M-70 Target

.300 Winchester Magnum

5.46 kg

4 Internal

$2329

M-70 Target

.300 H&H Magnum

5.53 kg

4 Internal

$2464

M-70 Target

.338 Winchester Magnum

5.57 kg

4 Internal

$2551

M-70 Target

.375 H&H Magnum

5.95 kg

4 Internal

$3275

M-70 National Match

.30-06 Springfield

4.35 kg

5 Internal

$1744

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Target (.22 Hornet)

BA

3

1-Nil

7

2

Nil

82

M-70 Target (.22-250)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

2

Nil

77

M-70 Target (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

3

Nil

80

M-70 Target (.257)

BA

4

2-Nil

7

4

Nil

78

M-70 Target (.264 Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

85

M-70 Target (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

74

M-70 Target (7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

96

M-70 Target (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

84

M-70 Target (.300 Winchester Magnum)

BA

5

2-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

96

M-70 Target (.300 H&H Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

96

M-70 Target (.338 Winchester Magnum)

BA

6

1-3-Nil

8

5

Nil

110

M-70 Target (.375 H&H Magnum)

BA

7

1-3-5

8

5

Nil

107

M-70 National Match

BA

4

2-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

86

 

 

Winchester M-70 (2nd Version)

     Notes: In 1961, Winchester was acquired by Olin (then a huge arms company).  They produced the same Model 70s as the 1st Version above for a while, but production of those versions of the M-70 was discontinued in 1963, and design work was begun to modernize the M-70 to simplify production and reduce costs of manufacture.  This resulted in the 2nd Version, often called the “1964-type.”  Though some of the changes did in fact improve the design of the M-70, the 2nd Version M-70s were poorly finished and with the omission of the bolt guide, much of the renowned smoothness of action of the M-70 was lost.  The action was used until 1971 (even after Winchester announced a new version of the M-70 in 1968), until public pressure forced Olin/Winchester to improve that action.  The Olin-manufactured versions of the M-70 make them the leas-desired version of the M-70; shooters and experts feel that Olin took to many shortcuts in their M-70 design.

   

The Standard M-70

     Standard M-70s of this period had 22-inch standard-weight floating barrels.  (These were also called M-70 Sporters.) At first they were chambered for the three most popular Winchester rounds of the time as well as .30-06.  The furniture was of walnut, though lower-quality than on the 1st Version, with a glossy finish and a Monte Carlo comb and impressed checkering on the pistol grip wrist and fore-end.  Later, a recoil bolt was added through the stock above the front of the trigger guard; at the same time the checkering pattern, though still impressed, was improved. In 1967, several new chamberings were added: .225 Winchester, followed soon thereafter by .222 Remington and .22-250 Remington.  (.225 Winchester was discontinued in 1974.)

     The M-70 Varmint was produced from 1965-71; it had a pattern largely similar to the M-70 Standard rifle, but it was equipped with a 25-inch target-pattern barrel.  It has the same sort of extra mounting blocks for scopes as the M-70 Target.  In 1966, it became one of the M-70 designs where the stock was revised, with its Monte Carlo comb raised, the cheekpiece refined, a recoil bolt added through the stock, and improved (but still impressed) checkering applied.  The M-70 Varmint was at first offered only in .243 Winchester, with the .222 Remington and .22-250 Remington chamberings not added until 1969.

     The M-70 Custom, also called the M-70 Deluxe, was built only in small numbers between 1964-70.  They were based on an amalgamation of the Standard and the Magnum versions, and had select walnut furniture, ebony fore-end tips, a Williams ramp rear sight, and a ventilated rubber recoil pad.  The stock was a Monte Carlo design.  Most chamberings used 22-inch barrels, but the .300 Winchester Magnum version used a 24-inch barrel.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70

.22-250 Remington

3.18 kg

5 Internal

$840

M-70

5.56mm NATO

3.15 kg

5 Internal

$794

M-70

.222 Remington

3.14 kg

5 Internal

$775

M-70

.225 Winchester

3.19 kg

5 Internal

$846

M-70

.243 Winchester

3.3 kg

5 Internal

$996

M-70

.270 Winchester

3.6 kg

5 Internal

$1454

M-70

7.62mm NATO

3.59 kg

5 Internal

$1426

M-70

.30-06 Springfield

3.74 kg

5 Internal

$1706

M-70 Varmint

.222 Remington

4.23 kg

5 Internal

$815

M-70 Varmint

.22-250 Remington

4.29 kg

5 Internal

$880

M-70 Varmint

.243 Winchester

4.42 kg

5 Internal

$1035

M-70 Custom

.243 Winchester

3.63 kg

5 Internal

$1067

M-70 Custom

.270 Winchester

3.96 kg

5 Internal

$1526

M-70 Custom

.30-06 Springfield

4.11 kg

5 Internal

$1778

M-70 Custom

.300 Winchester Magnum

4.25 kg

4 Internal

$2363

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 (.22-250)

BA

3

1-Nil

6

3

Nil

66

M-70 (5.56mm)

BA

3

1-Nil

6

3

Nil

71

M-70 (.222)

BA

3

1-Nil

6

3

Nil

72

M-70 (.225)

BA

3

1-Nil

6

3

Nil

65

M-70 (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

3

Nil

67

M-70 (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

62

M-70 (7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

80

M-70 (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

70

M-70 Varmint (.222)

BA

3

1-Nil

7

3

Nil

86

M-70 Varmint (.22-250)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

3

Nil

80

M-70 Varmint (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

4

Nil

84

M-70 Custom (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

3

Nil

65

M-70 Custom (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

60

M-70 Custom (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

68

M-70 Custom (.300 Magnum)

BA

5

2-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

89

 

M-70 Magnum

     Notes:  The M-70 Magnum was, as the name suggests, designed to fire magnum cartridges, and used a 24-inch barrel.  The furniture was similar to the Standard M-70, but the butt had a ventilated rubber recoil pad.  The Magnum was produced from 1964-71; most of the chamberings were offered along with the introduction of the Magnum, but the 7mm Remington Magnum chambering was not offered until 1968.  In 1966, the Monte Carlo comb was raised to better fit with scope use, and an extra recoil bolt was added through the stock.  The checkering was still impressed, but it was modified to offer a better grip.

     From 1965-71, the M-70 African was produced; this version had an altered stock with a raised Monte Carlo comb to better fit with scopes and the contours of the cheekpiece were revised to reduce felt recoil.  Though this version of the African still had a 22-inch floating barrel, it had a heavy profile; in general, this version of the African was more heavily-built than the Standard version.  Recoil bolts were added beneath the chamber and in front of the bolt handle.  The fore-end had an ebony tip, a ventilated rubber recoil pad was added to the butt, and the checkering was hand-cut instead of impressed.  The iron sights were a specially-designed leaf rear and brass-tipped front on a ramp.  The African was chambered only for .458 Winchester Magnum; the magazine size was rather small compared to other M-70s of this period.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Magnum

.264 Winchester Magnum

3.54 kg

3 Internal

$1335

M-70 Magnum

7mm Remington Magnum

3.63 kg

3 Internal

$1493

M-70 Magnum

.300 Winchester Magnum

3.86 kg

3 Internal

$2237

M-70 Magnum

.338 Winchester Magnum

3.96 kg

3 Internal

$2458

M-70 Magnum

.375 H&H Magnum

4.25 kg

3 Internal

$3182

M-70 African

.458 Winchester Magnum

5.01 kg

3 Internal

$4040

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Magnum (.264 Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

71

M-70 Magnum (7mm Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

77

M-70 Magnum (.300 Magnum)

BA

5

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

80

M-70 Magnum (.338 Magnum)

BA

6

1-3-Nil

7

6

Nil

92

M-70 Magnum (.375 Magnum)

BA

6

1-3-Nil

8

6

Nil

89

M-70 African

BA

7

1-3-5

9

5

Nil

102

 

M-70 Mannlicher

     Notes: The M-70 Mannlicher, produced in small numbers from 1969-71, was never popular with shooters and did not sell well.  The Mannlicher used a Monte Carlo comb, but also had a full-length fore-end under its short 19-inch barrel.  The Mannlicher was designed to appeal to European shooters, but the chamberings chosen were basically American chamberings instead of those popular with Europeans; Americans and Canadians did not like the design and short barrel, while Europeans did not like the then-unfamiliar chamberings, and the Mannlicher did not sell very well in North America, Europe, or pretty much anywhere else.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Mannlicher

.243 Winchester

3.45 kg

5 Internal

$962

M-70 Mannlicher

.270 Winchester

3.77 kg

5 Internal

$1420

M-70 Mannlicher

7.62mm NATO

3.75 kg

5 Internal

$1392

M-70 Mannlicher

.30-06 Springfield

3.91 kg

5 Internal

$1672

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Mannlicher (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

6

3

Nil

53

M-70 Mannlicher (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

6

4

Nil

48

M-70 Mannlicher (7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

6

4

Nil

63

M-70 Mannlicher (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

55

 

M-70 Target

     Notes: The M-70 Target was produced from 1964-71; it used a 24-inch heavy barrel and had extra mounting blocks for a scope to allow more flexibility in scope mounting and what can be mounted.  The stock was a Marksman-type stock as listed for the 1st Version National Match Rifle above, but also had a true pistol grip with an alloy hand stop and an ergonomic grip.  Like the International Army Match Rifle, the Target rifle had a detachable box magazine.

     The M-70 International Army Match Rifle was produced only in small numbers in 1971.  All were chambered for 7.62mm NATO, and used 24-inch heavy floating match-quality barrels.  The stocks were relatively massive, with a wide fore-end and a large butt with an adjustable buttplate and cheekpiece.  Under the fore-end was an accessory rail (designed for certain accessories which could be slid onto the rail and secured).  The trigger was fully adjustable by the shooter using external screws. Unlike most other M-70s, the International Army Match Rifle used a detachable magazine.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Target

7.62mm NATO

4.63 kg

5

$1447

M-70 Target

.30-06 Springfield

4.81 kg

5

$1728

M-70 International Army Match

7.62mm NATO

4.99 kg

5

$1460

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Target (7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

93

M-70 Target (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

81

M-70 International Army Match Rifle

BA

4

2-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

98

 

 

Winchester M-70 (3rd Version)

     Notes: In 1981, Winchester was sold to the US Repeating Arms Company.  Winchester, under the USRAC auspices, took back the design of the rifle, starting with the classic, 1st-Version M-70 and then updating and improving it to a large degree, incorporating more advanced manufacturing processes and general improvements in rifle design over the years.  Some of these improvements included a claw-type extractor which improved reliability, a three-position safety (safe, fire, and a position which allowed the bolt to be pulled back, but locked the firing pin so that the weapon could not be even accidentally fired), and a straight-comb stock that reduced felt recoil. The standard stock and fore-end was made from refined walnut, with a longer and lower Monte Carlo comb than earlier models. The butt on most versions has a non-slip, ribbed rubber buttplate. Iron sights on most of them consist of a simple peep-type adjustable rear sight and a hooded front sight post on a low ramp unless otherwise stated. (The 3rd-Version M-70 was meant to be used with a scope, and is drilled and tapped to allow the use of several models of telescopic sights and later, allowed the attachment of a MIL-STD-1913 or Weaver Rail.) Older 1st-Version and 2nd-Version designs were dropped, and replaced with an absolutely huge number of variants with differences ranging from variations in stock design to barrel differences to different methods of barrel bedding, recoil pads, and sights. Therefore, the entry is a little different from most of my entries in these pages; it is split into several sections, each with its own firing tables.

     The “standard” design, the M-70XTR Sporter, was one of the few versions of the improved design that was actually introduced under Olin, in 1978; versions of it were still being sold when Winchester was bought out by FN.  The Sporter was offered for a long time only in .270 Winchester and .30-06 Springfield; most of the other chamberings were added in 1989, except for .25-06 Remington, which was added in 1990.  In 1989, the “XTR” suffix was dropped (though the designation was later revived for a new version of the M-70), and several new chamberings were added.  Barrels are standard-weight 24-inch barrels.  The stock was originally almost identical to that of the 2nd-version M-70 Standard rifle, except that the walnut is of better quality, the Monte Carlo comb is lower, and the buttplate is non-slip-textured rubber.

     In 1997, two chamberings of the Sporter were re-issued in a form able to take the BOSS muzzle device.  Also in 1997, the M-70 Sporter Stainless was introduced; this is identical to the standard Sporter for game purposes, but has a barrel and action of bright stainless steel.  Sporter Stainless versions of the .270 Winchester and .30-06 Springfield chamberings were made that could take the BOSS muzzle device. 

     The M-70 SM (Synthetic Matte-finish) was produced from 1992-95 and is essentially the Sporter with a matte black synthetic stock.  The external metalwork also has a dark, matte finish.  It is basically a lighter, more weatherproof M-70 Sporter.

     In 1986, a version was introduced to appeal to European buyers, the M-70 XTR European Featherweight.  It did not, nor did it appeal to US and Canadian buyers, and it was produced for only a few months.  The European Featherweight was built of lighter wood than the standard Sporter, but had the same basic stock design.  The European Featherweight’s fore-end was shorter than that of the standard Sporter.  The stock was laminated, but not necessarily weatherproof, though it had more weather resistance than an un-laminated stock.  The iron sights consisted of an open notch rear which was adjustable and a post front sight which was hooded; it was also drilled and tapped for a scope.  The barrel was a round, standard-profile 22-inch barrel.

     A minor version of the M-70, the Mini-Carbine, was produced from 1985-86.  Not really a carbine, the Mini-Carbine was produced only in .243 Winchester in small numbers; the only real difference between the Mini-Carbine and the Sporter was in the stock’s length of pull, which was about 25mm shorter than that of the Sporter, and the weight, which was 0.05 kg less.

     Super, Collector, and Exhibition Grades of most 3rd-version M-70-series rifles were made, differing largely in the quality of wood used, hand-fitting of components, sometimes specially-chosen barrels being used, and other refinements such as custom finishes and even some engraving, ebony or fancy wood fore-end and pistol grip wrist caps, and other such refinements.  These versions also have other extra features, such as sling swivels standard at the toe of the butt and under the front of the fore-end, and a non-rotating collar-type extractor that is a bit more reliable than the already-very-reliable M-70 3rd-Version extractor. Though the real-world cost of such rifles is high, for game purposes, they are the same as their “normal” counterparts. In 1996, they were the first versions to come in types with barrels able to take the BOSS muzzle device, though on the same chamberings as the Sporter.  The M-70 Magnum, below, also has its own Super, Collector, and Exhibition-Grade versions. (The Super Grade is what was called the Custom Grade on earlier versions of the M-70.)

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Sporter

.22-250 Remington

3.22 kg

5 Internal

$857

M-70 Sporter

5.56mm NATO

3.19 kg

5 Internal

$811

M-70 Sporter

.243 Winchester

3.34 kg

5 Internal

$1012

M-70 Sporter

.25-06 Remington

3.51 kg

5 Internal

$1282

M-70 Sporter

.270 Winchester

3.64 kg

5 Internal

$1471

M-70 Sporter

.30-06 Springfield

3.78 kg

5 Internal

$1723

M-70 Sporter w/BOSS

.270 Winchester

3.84 kg

5 Internal

$1521

M-70 Sporter w/BOSS

.30-06 Springfield

3.98 kg

5 Internal

$1773

M-70 SM

.22-250 Remington

3.02 kg

5 Internal

$869

M-70 SM

5.56mm NATO

2.99 kg

5 Internal

$823

M-70 SM

.243 Winchester

3.13 kg

5 Internal

$1025

M-70 SM

.25-06 Remington

3.29 kg

5 Internal

$1296

M-70 SM

.270 Winchester

3.41 kg

5 Internal

$1485

M-70 SM

.30-06 Springfield

3.54 kg

5 Internal

$1738

M-70XTR European Featherweight

6.5mm Swedish

3.06 kg

5 Internal

$1176

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Sporter/SM (.22-250)

BA

3

1-Nil

7

3

Nil

73

M-70 Sporter/SM (5.56mm)

BA

3

1-Nil

7

3

Nil

76

M-70 Sporter/SM (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

3

Nil

74

M-70 Sporter/SM (.25-06)

BA

4

2-Nil

7

4

Nil

65

M-70 Sporter (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

69

M-70 Sporter (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

78

M-70 Sporter w/BOSS (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

3

Nil

69

M-70 Sporter w/BOSS (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

8

3

Nil

78

M-70 SM (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

69

M-70 SM (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

78

M-70XTR European Featherweight

BA

4

2-Nil

7

5

Nil

68

 

M-70A

     The M-70A is perhaps the first of the versions of the M-70 to receive the 3rd-version action and trigger updates; however, for the most part, it is a carry-over from the 2nd version, and has many of the 2nd-versions’s inferior features.  It was produced from 1969-78. The stock design is of the Monte Carlo type, with a plastic non-slip buttplate, and a round-tipped fore-end.  The M-70A has impressed checkering on the pistol grip wrist and the fore-end.  Barrels were round, standard-profile, and shorter than what would become the standard on 3rd-version rifles at 22 inches. The magazines are smaller than normal, and the internal magazine were “blind” – they lacked the hinged floorplates that most 3rd-version M-70s had.  Most of the chamberings were introduced with the M-70A, but the .25-06 chambering was introduced in 1972 (along with an option for a 24-inch or 26-inch barrel, instead of the 22-inch barrel).  The .25-06 chambering, along with its longer barrels, was discontinued in 1974.  Shortly after the M-70A’s introduction, several magnum chamberings were introduced; the magnum versions had 24-inch barrels and rubber recoil pads.

     A minor variant, the M-70A Police, was produced from 1980-83.  It differs from the standard M-70A only in the more limited chamberings (7.62mm NATO or .30-06 Springfield) and the oil-finished stock.  For game purposes, it is identical to a standard M-70A of the same chambering.  The M-70A XTR was also almost identical to the standard M-70A; however, the Monte Carlo comb of the M-70A XTR was much longer and lower than that on the standard M-70A.  The metalwork had a deep polished blue finish, and stocks were of walnut instead of cheaper woods, with machine-cut wrap-around checkering on the fore-end (the checkering on the pistol grip wrist was still impressed.  The M-70A XTR was produced from 1978 until well into 1980s and for game purposes is identical to the standard M-70A, including most of the chamberings and barrel lengths. (The .25-06 chambering was never used on the M-70A XTR.)

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70A

.222 Remington

3.09 kg

4 Internal

$772

M-70A

.22-250 Remington

3.13 kg

4 Internal

$837

M-70A

.243 Winchester

3.25 kg

4 Internal

$992

M-70A (24” Barrel)

.25-06 Remington

3.44 kg

4 Internal

$1282

M-70A (26” Barrel)

.25-06 Remington

3.46 kg

4 Internal

$1302

M-70A

.270 Winchester

3.54 kg

4 Internal

$1451

M-70A

7.62mm NATO

3.53 kg

4 Internal

$1422

M-70A

.30-06 Springfield

3.67 kg

4 Internal

$1703

M-70A Magnum

.264 Winchester Magnum

3.68 kg

3 Internal

$1427

M-70A Magnum

.300 Winchester Magnum

4.02 kg

3 Internal

$2363

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70A (.222)

BA

3

1-Nil

6

3

Nil

71

M-70A (.22-250)

BA

3

1-Nil

6

4

Nil

65

M-70A (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

6

3

Nil

65

M-70A (.25-06, 24”)

BA

4

2-Nil

7

4

Nil

65

M-70A (.25-06, 26”)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

73

M-70A (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

60

M-70A (7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

79

M-70A (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

68

M-70A Magnum (.264 Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

79

M-70A Magnum (.300 Win Magnum)

BA

5

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

89

 

M-70 Black Shadow

     The M-70 Black Shadow is perhaps an unremarkable sort of synthetic-stocked version of the M-70; it’s stock, though synthetic, is basically identical to that of the Sporter, the though the pistol grip wrist is a little deeper than on the Sporter.  The stock is made of matte black synthetic glass resin covered with nylon, and the external metalwork is matte-blued.  In both cases, the rifle is designed to not give away any unwanted reflections as to not alert prey.  The Black Shadow is perhaps heavier than expected for such a rifle; it does have some extra strengthening in its stock and receiver.  The Black Shadow has no iron sights, but is drilled, tapped, and grooved to allow for a large variety of scope mounts.  The barrels are of standard profile and 24 or 26 inches long, though they are floating and are tipped with a target crown.  The magazine capacity of its magnum-firing versions is also atypical for an M-70. Perhaps the most important thing about the Black Shadow is that is lays the foundation for several similar and improved versions of this rifle later after the FN takeover.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Black Shadow (24” Barrel)

.270 Winchester

4.31 kg

5 Internal

$1494

M-70 Black Shadow (26” Barrel)

.270 Winchester

4.34 kg

5 Internal

$1515

M-70 Black Shadow (24” Barrel)

7mm Remington Magnum

4.33 kg

5 Internal

$1533

M-70 Black Shadow (26” Barrel)

7mm Remington Magnum

4.35 kg

5 Internal

$1554

M-70 Black Shadow (24” Barrel)

.30-06 Springfield

4.43 kg

5 Internal

$1747

M-70 Black Shadow (26” Barrel)

.30-06 Springfield

4.46 kg

5 Internal

$1768

M-70 Black Shadow (24” Barrel)

.300 Winchester Magnum

4.64 kg

5 Internal

$2329

M-70 Black Shadow (26” Barrel)

.300 Winchester Magnum

4.67 kg

5 Internal

$2392

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Black Shadow (.270, 24”)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

72

M-70 Black Shadow (.270, 26”)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

82

M-70 Black Shadow (7mm Magnum, 24”)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

90

M-70 Black Shadow (7mm Magnum, 26”)

BA

4

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

102

M-70 Black Shadow (.30-06, 24”)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

82

M-70 Black Shadow (.30-06, 26”)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

92

M-70 Black Shadow (.300 Magnum, 24”)

BA

5

2-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

94

M-70 Black Shadow (.300 Magnum, 26”)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

106

 

M-70 DBM

     Notes: A special variant of the M-70 Sporter, the M-70 DBM (Detachable Box Magazine), was produced from 1992-95.  Available in most of the same chamberings as the Sporter, the DBM is fed by a 3-round box magazine which fits flush with the bottom of the stock, and drops out with the push of a button.  The DBM used a 24-inch standard-weight barrel, but is a little heavier than the Sporter.  In game terms, the DBM shoots for the most part like the Sporter, and the lines below are often combined.  The DBM-S, offered from 1993-95, was the same, except for its synthetic stock and the lighter weight as a result.  In most cases, however, it still shoots like the DBM.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 DBM

.22-250 Remington

3.54 kg

3

$857

M-70 DBM

5.56mm NATO

3.51 kg

3

$811

M-70 DBM

.243 Winchester

3.68 kg

3

$1012

M-70 DBM

.270 Winchester

4.01 kg

3

$1470

M-70 DBM

7mm Remington Magnum

4.02 kg

3

$1509

M-70 DBM

.30-06 Springfield

4.16 kg

3

$1721

M-70 DBM

.300 Winchester Magnum

4.28 kg

3

$2286

M-70 DBM-S

.22-250 Remington

3.24 kg

3

$869

M-70 DBM-S

5.56mm NATO

3.21 kg

3

$822

M-70 DBM-S

.243 Winchester

3.37 kg

3

$1024

M-70 DBM-S

.270 Winchester

3.67 kg

3

$1484

M-70 DBM-S

7mm Remington Magnum

3.68 kg

3

$1523

M-70 DBM-S

.30-06 Springfield

3.81 kg

3

$1737

M-70 DBM-S

.300 Winchester Magnum

3.92 kg

3

$2302

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 DBM/DBM-S (.22-250)

BA

3

1-Nil

7

3

Nil

73

M-70 DBM/DBM-S (5.56mm)

BA

3

1-Nil

7

3

Nil

76

M-70 DBM/DBM-S (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

3

Nil

74

M-70 DBM/DBM-S (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

69

M-70 DBM/DBM-S (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

78

M-70 DBM/DBM-S (7mm Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

86

M-70 DBM/DBM-S (.300 Magnum)

BA

5

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

90

 

M-70 Featherweight

     In 1984, a Featherweight version of the M-70 was introduced.  It used a 22-inch barrel with a light profile, furniture with a simple straight-backed stock and made of less-dense wood.  Fore-end checkering was deleted on the Featherweight.  The fore-end has a half-stock design with a Schnabel tip.  Despite being a lightweight option, Winchester made surprising choices in chambering for the Featherweight, and the chambering choices were wide and varied.  The .257 Roberts and 7mm Mauser chamberings were discontinued in 1985, but the 6.5mm Swedish chambering was added in 1991 and the 7mm-08 Remington in 1992.  Though light in weight and not such a burden to carry around on long hunts, the heavier and Magnum chamberings do have a bit of an oomph factor, and some shooters criticize the short barrel length used on the Magnum chamberings.

     Many light versions of the rest of the M-70 series were developed over time and labeled “Featherweight;”  I went back and forth about it, but decided to put those “Featherweights” with the rest of the types of rifles in the M-70 series, with a few exceptions.

     There were several variants of the Featherweight over the years; the Featherweight All-Terrain (sometimes called the Featherweight All-Terrain Classic), introduced in 1996 and still in production, has a composite graphite/fiberglass stock of the same design as the standard Featherweight, and most of the metalwork is stainless steel.  The Featherweight Classic, introduced in 1992, is virtually identical to the standard Featherweight except in minor details, and for game purposes is identical to the standard Featherweight except that the chamberings were more limited on the Featherweight Classic, and there is a weight difference (it’s not really a Feather in weight anymore).  The Featherweight Classic was introduced in 1992.

     The Featherweight Stainless is primarily distinguished by its black graphite/fiberglass stock with a rounded fore-end.  It was introduced in 1997, and later was one of the first M-70s to be able to take the optional BOSS (Barrel Optimized Shooting System) muzzle attachment, which is essentially a muzzle brake with adjustable muzzle weights to improve the balance of the rifle and customize that balance to the shooter.  The metalwork is primarily bright stainless steel.  In about 2005, the Featherweight All-Terrain added the powerful new chambering of .325 Winchester Short Magnum.

     The Featherweight Ultra Grade is a deluxe version with a stock of specially selected French walnut, and ebony fore-end cap, and metalwork of bright or polished blue stainless steel.  The actions are highly engraved, and the whole delivered in a special presentation case.  The Featherweight Ultra Grade was made only in .270 Winchester, and only a few were built, in 1989.  For game purposes, the Featherweight Ultra Grade is identical M-70 Featherweight Classic in .270 Winchester.  The Featherweight Win-Tuff, produced from 1992-95, is identical to the standard Featherweight in game terms; it has a laminated weatherproof stock with a deep brown finish and a straight comb.

     Like the Sporter, the standard Featherweight has Custom, Collector, and Exhibition Grades.  For game purposes, they are identical to the standard Featherweight for game purposes.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Featherweight

.22-250 Remington

2.65 kg

5 Internal

$837

M-70 Featherweight

5.56mm NATO

2.63 kg

5 Internal

$790

M-70 Featherweight

6.5mm Swedish

2.87 kg

5 Internal

$1176

M-70 Featherweight

7mm Mauser

2.79 kg

5 Internal

$1360

M-70 Featherweight

7mm-08 Remington

2.75 kg

5 Internal

$1261

M-70 Featherweight

.243 Winchester

2.74 kg

5 Internal

$992

M-70 Featherweight

7mm Remington Magnum

3.01 kg

4 Internal

$1490

M-70 Featherweight

.257 Roberts

2.95 kg

5 Internal

$1156

M-70 Featherweight

.270 Winchester

2.99 kg

5 Internal

$1451

M-70 Featherweight

.280 Remington

3.02 kg

5 Internal

$1510

M-70 Featherweight

7.62mm NATO

3.09 kg

5 Internal

$1422

M-70 Featherweight

.30-06 Springfield

3.11 kg

5 Internal

$1703

M-70 Featherweight

.300 Winchester Magnum

3.2 kg

4 Internal

$2227

M-70 Featherweight All-Terrain

.270 Winchester

2.68 kg

5 Internal

$1465

M-70 Featherweight All-Terrain

7mm Remington Magnum

2.69 kg

4 Internal

$1504

M-70 Featherweight All-Terrain

.30-06 Springfield

2.79 kg

5 Internal

$1718

M-70 Featherweight All-Terrain

.300 Winchester Magnum

2.87 kg

4 Internal

$2242

M-70 Featherweight All-Terrain

.325 Winchester Short Magnum

2.74 kg

3 Internal

$1612

M-70 Featherweight Classic

.22-250 Remington

3.29 kg

5 Internal

$837

M-70 Featherweight Classic

.243 Winchester

3.4 kg

5 Internal

$992

M-70 Featherweight Classic

6.5mm Swedish

3.56 kg

5 Internal

$1176

M-70 Featherweight Classic

.270 Winchester

3.71 kg

5 Internal

$1451

M-70 Featherweight Classic

.280 Remington

3.75 kg

5 Internal

$1510

M-70 Featherweight Classic

7mm Remington Magnum

3.74 kg

4 Internal

$1490

M-70 Featherweight Classic

7mm-08 Remington

3.41 kg

5 Internal

$1261

M-70 Featherweight Classic

7.62mm NATO

3.63 kg

5 Internal

$1422

M-70 Featherweight Classic

.30-06 Springfield

3.72 kg

5 Internal

$1703

M-70 Featherweight Classic

.300 Winchester Magnum

3.83 kg

4 Internal

$2227

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Featherweight/Classic (.22-250)

BA

3

1-Nil

6

3

Nil

65

M-70 Featherweight (5.56mm)

BA

3

1-Nil

6

3

Nil

70

M-70 Featherweight (6.5mm)

BA

4

2-Nil

7

5

Nil

68

M-70 Featherweight (7mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

70

M-70 Featherweight (7mm-08)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

77

M-70 Featherweight (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

6

4

Nil

65

M-70 Featherweight/All-Terrain (7mm Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

5

Nil

75

M-70 Featherweight (.257)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

5

Nil

64

M-70 Featherweight/All Terrain (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

60

M-70 Featherweight (.280)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

62

M-70 Featherweight (7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

79

M-70 Featherweight/All-Terrain (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

68

M-70 Featherweight/All-Terrain (.300 Magnum)

BA

5

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

78

M-70 Featherweight All-Terrain (.325 Short Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

5

Nil

95

M-70 Featherweight Classic (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

6

3

Nil

65

M-70 Featherweight Classic (6.5mm)

BA

4

2-Nil

7

4

Nil

68

 

M-70 Laredo Long-Range Hunter

     Notes: The Laredo Long-Range Hunter was designed for long-range hunting in a North American or Canadian environment, where there are a lot of open spaces and medium-sized game.  The rifle features a 26-inch match-quality floating barrel using the Pillar Plus Accu Block bedding system, and a gray/black synthetic stock with a broadened fore-end that is specially-textured for a sure grip.  The pistol grip wrist is a bit deeper than normal and is likewise specially textured.  The butt has a rubber non-slip cover on it (note, this is not a recoil pad). Some extra weight has been added in strategic places to improve balance and in general increase the weight to fight felt recoil without unduly increasing the weight of the rifle.  The Laredo Long-Range Hunter is also available in a version able to take the BOSS muzzle attachment.  The Laredo Long-Range Hunter is meant to be used with a variety of optics, but it does have decent, adjustable iron sights.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Laredo Long-Range Hunter

7mm Remington Magnum

4.31 kg

4 Internal

$1552

M-70 Laredo Long-Range Hunter

7mm STW

4.38 kg

4 Internal

$1727

M-70 Laredo Long-Range Hunter

.300 Winchester Magnum

4.62 kg

4 Internal

$2396

M-70 Laredo Long-Range Hunter w/BOSS

7mm Remington Magnum

4.51 kg

4 Internal

$1605

M-70 Laredo Long-Range Hunter w/BOSS

7mm STW

4.58 kg

4 Internal

$1779

M-70 Laredo Long-Range Hunter w/BOSS

.300 Winchester Magnum

4.82 kg

4 Internal

$2446

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Laredo Long-Range Hunter (7mm Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

103

M-70 Laredo Long-Range Hunter (7mm STW)

BA

4

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

99

M-70 Laredo Long-Range Hunter (.300 Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

106

M-70 Laredo Long-Range Hunter w/BOSS (7mm Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

8

3

Nil

103

M-70 Laredo Long-Range Hunter w/BOSS (7mm STW)

BA

4

1-2-3

8

3

Nil

99

M-70 Laredo Long-Range Hunter w/BOSS (.300 Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

3

Nil

106

 

M-70 Lightweight Carbine

     Notes: The Lightweight Carbine has the same basic form as the Sporter, other than the shorter fore-end and the shorter 20-inch tapered barrel.  Unlike most M-70s, the Lightweight Carbine has sling swivels at the butt and the front of the fore-end.  The furniture is walnut, but of a lightweight grade. The result is a light, handy version of the M-70 Sporter, which can have heavy recoil in some chamberings.  The Lightweight Carbine was introduced in 1984 and mostly withdrawn from the market in 1987, but they were sold for a while longer (I have not been able to ascertain when sales of the Lightweight Carbine by Winchester stopped, but they haven’t been seen on Winchester’s site or in their catalogs for some time).

     The Lightweight Carbine was replaced in production by the Lightweight, which is basically the same rifle but with a 22-inch tapered barrel and a different mix of chamberings.  Technically, having a 22-inch barrel makes it a rifle and not a carbine (and for that matter, so is the Lightweight Carbine), but it is included here with the Lightweight Carbine since they are both basically the same weapon except for the barrel.  The Lightweight was produced from 1987-95.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Lightweight Carbine

22-250 Remington

2.72 kg

5 Internal

$820

M-70 Lightweight Carbine

5.56mm NATO

2.69 kg

6 Internal

$773

M-70 Lightweight Carbine

.243 Winchester

2.82 kg

5 Internal

$975

M-70 Lightweight Carbine

.250 Savage

2.84 kg

5 Internal

$1007

M-70 Lightweight Carbine

.270 Winchester

3.08 kg

5 Internal

$1434

M-70 Lightweight Carbine

7.62mm NATO

3.07 kg

5 Internal

$1405

M-70 Lightweight Carbine

.30-06 Springfield

3.2 kg

5 Internal

$1685

M-70 Lightweight

.22-250 Remington

2.95 kg

5 Internal

$840

M-70 Lightweight

5.56mm NATO

2.92 kg

6 Internal

$794

M-70 Lightweight

.243 Winchester

3.06 kg

5 Internal

$996

M-70 Lightweight

.270 Winchester

3.34 kg

5 Internal

$1454

M-70 Lightweight

.280 Remington

3.37 kg

5 Internal

$1513

M-70 Lightweight

7.62mm NATO

3.33 kg

5 Internal

$1426

M-70 Lightweight

.30-06 Springfield

3.47 kg

5 Internal

$1706

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Lightweight Carbine (.22-250)

BA

3

1-Nil

6

3

Nil

57

M-70 Lightweight Carbine (5.56mm)

BA

3

1-Nil

6

3

Nil

62

M-70 Lightweight Carbine (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

6

3

Nil

58

M-70 Lightweight Carbine (.250)

BA

3

2-Nil

6

4

Nil

66

M-70 Lightweight Carbine (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

6

4

Nil

53

M-70 Lightweight Carbine (7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

6

5

Nil

70

M-70 Lightweight Carbine (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

6

5

Nil

61

M-70 Lightweight (.22-250)

BA

3

1-Nil

6

3

Nil

66

M-70 Lightweight (5.56mm)

BA

3

1-Nil

6

3

Nil

71

M-70 Lightweight (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

6

3

Nil

67

M-70 Lightweight (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

62

M-70 Lightweight (.280)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

63

M-70 Lightweight (7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

80

M-70 Lightweight (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

70

 

M-70 Magnum

     Notes: The Magnum began production back in 1972, but even then used what would be the 3rd-version production methods and standards.  Production stopped in approximately 1981, but started again in 1985. For the most part it is identical to the 2nd-version M-70 Standard in stock design, but uses the superior 3rd-version action, trigger pack, and magazine design, as well as most of its other design improvements.  The Magnum used a 24-inch heavy barrel, and had a ventilated rubber recoil pad at the butt.  Like many such versions of the M-70, the Magnum had an extra recoil bolt through the stock, in this case below the chamber.  All chamberings were magnum rounds, but ranged from small-caliber magnums to medium-large calibers.  Like the Sporter, the Magnum used a 24-inch tapered barrel. Magazines were unfortunately rather small.  The Magnum did not sell well, possibly due to the relatively light weight and powerful cartridges.  Note that the 3rd-version Magnum is not simply an evolution of the 2nd-version Magnum, though they otherwise do appear very similar.

     In 1991, a new version of the Magnum was again on the market.  This new Magnum had a stock setup similar to the earlier Magnum, and did have several new chamberings, though the truly large chamberings of the old Magnum were absent.  In 1997, versions with the BOSS attachment were offered for several of the new Magnum chamberings. (It should be noted that the appellation “New” Magnum is something I am using to avoid confusion only and is not an official company name.)

     Prior to the introduction of the Magnum, an M-70 African version of this rifle was also introduced in 1970, chambered for .458 Winchester Magnum.  It remained in production longer, until 1984. Counter-intuitively, the African uses a shorter 22-inch barrel, though the barrel is of heavy weight and match-quality. Two extra recoil bolts were added to the stock, the fore-end has an ebonite cap.  It had a larger magazine capacity than the other 3rd-Version Magnum rifles. It was often criticized for its relatively light weight; to many shooters, it is too light for the powerful cartridge it fires, and it does not even have a simple recoil pad to help mitigate felt recoil.

     In 1983, the M-70 Super Express (sometimes called the Super Express Magnum) was introduced; it was a replacement for the African, though stocks of the African were sold for a year longer by Winchester.  The original stock used a Monte Carlo comb on the stock, though later versions were introduced using a stock similar to the design of the standard Magnum.  A recoil pad was added to the butt, along with two extra recoil bolts in the stock to strengthen the rifle.  Furniture remained walnut, though it was highly-polished and coated with a clear weatherproof lacquer. Metalwork was generally blued and also had a weatherproof and rust-inhibiting finish.  The barrel was free-floating, bedded with a special thermoplastic material, and the barrel was 24 inches, of heavy profile, and tipped with a target crown. At the toe of the butt and near the end of the barrel, sling swivels were added.  The rear sight is a simple open, adjustable sight, and the front a post; primary sights are meant to be scopes. Initial chamberings were .375 H&H Magnum and .458 Winchester Magnum; .416 Remington Magnum was added in 1990.  They look heavy and are in fact heavier than most M-70s; despite this, recoil is quite stiff, due to the power of the rounds it fires.

     The M-70 Custom Express uses superior grade American black walnut for its stock, and pays more attention to detail such as tolerances and the hand-cut checkering on the pistol grip wrist and fore-end.  Introduced in 1992, the Custom Express is sort of an evolution of the M-70 African, with the same improvements and alterations as on the African, though it does have a ventilated recoil pad.  In addition, it has a rear adjustable leaf Express sight.  The Custom Express is available in a wider range of chamberings, including some exotic ones.  The version in .458 Winchester Magnum uses a 22-inch heavy match-quality barrel; the other chamberings have a 24-inch match-quality heavy barrel.

     From 1992-94, a minor variant of the M-70 Magnum, the Magnum Win-Tuff, was put on the market.  It was produced only in small numbers.  The Magnum Win-Tuff differs primarily in its stock, which has a laminated weatherproof finish and a raised cheekpiece, and the butt, which has a rubber recoil pad.

 

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Magnum

.264 Winchester Magnum

3.49 kg

3 Internal

$1358

M-70 Magnum

.300 Winchester Magnum

3.82 kg

3 Internal

$2306

M-70 Magnum

.338 Winchester Magnum

3.91 kg

3 Internal

$2527

M-70 Magnum

.375 H&H Magnum

3.99 kg

3 Internal

$3251

M-70 African

.458 Winchester Magnum

3.86 kg

4 Internal

$3966

M-70 New Magnum

.264 Winchester Magnum

3.49 kg

3 Internal

$1358

M-70 New Magnum

7mm Remington Magnum

3.57 kg

3 Internal

$1516

M-70 New Magnum

7mm STW

3.66 kg

3 Internal

$1690

M-70 New Magnum

.300 Weatherby Magnum

3.87 kg

3 Internal

$2426

M-70 New Magnum

.300 Winchester Magnum

3.82 kg

3 Internal

$2306

M-70 New Magnum

.300 H&H Magnum

3.88 kg

3 Internal

$2441

M-70 New Magnum

.338 Winchester Magnum

3.91 kg

3 Internal

$2527

M-70 Super Express

.375 H&H Magnum

3.86 kg

3 Internal

$3333

M-70 Super Express

.416 Remington Magnum

4.03 kg

3 Internal

$3904

M-70 Super Express

.458 Winchester Magnum

4.08 kg

3 Internal

$4093

M-70 New Magnum w/BOSS

7mm Remington Magnum

3.77 kg

3 Internal

$1566

M-70 New Magnum w/BOSS

7mm STW

3.86 kg

3 Internal

$1740

M-70 New Magnum w/BOSS

.300 Winchester Magnum

4.02 kg

3 Internal

$2356

M-70 New Magnum w/BOSS

.338 Winchester Magnum

4.11 kg

3 Internal

$2577

M-70 Custom Express

.375 H&H Magnum

4.07 kg

4 Internal

$3363

M-70 Custom Express

.375 JRS

4.06 kg

4 Internal

$3354

M-70 Custom Express

.416 Remington Magnum

4.24 kg

4 Internal

$3934

M-70 Custom Express

.458 Winchester Magnum

4.26 kg

4 Internal

$4057

M-70 Custom Express

.470 Capstick

4.49 kg

4 Internal

$4862

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Magnum/New Magnum (.264 Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

82

M-70 Magnum/New Magnum (.300 Win Magnum)

BA

5

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

92

M-70 Magnum/New Magnum (.338 Magnum)

BA

6

1-3-Nil

8

6

Nil

106

M-70 Magnum (.375 H&H Magnum)

BA

7

1-3-5

8

6

Nil

113

M-70 New Magnum (7mm Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

5

Nil

89

M-70 New Magnum (7mm STW)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

5

Nil

95

M-70 New Magnum (.300 Whby Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

5

Nil

94

M-70 New Magnum (.300 H&H Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

5

Nil

98

M-70 New Magnum w/BOSS (7mm Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

8

3

Nil

89

M-70 New Magnum w/BOSS (7mm STW)

BA

4

1-2-3

8

3

Nil

95

M-70 New Magnum w/BOSS (.300 Win Magnum)

BA

5

2-3-Nil

8

3

Nil

92

M-70 New Magnum w/BOSS (.338 Magnum)

BA

6

1-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

106

M-70 African

BA

7

1-3-5

8

7

Nil

102

M-70 Custom Express (.375 H&H Magnum)

BA

7

1-3-5

8

5

Nil

122

M-70 Custom Express (.375 JRS)

BA

7

1-3-5

8

5

Nil

111

M-70 Custom Express (.416 Magnum)

BA

7

1-3-5

9

5

Nil

126

M-70 Custom Express (.458 Magnum)

BA

7

1-3-5

8

5

Nil

106

M-70 Custom Express (.470 Capstick)

BA

8

1-2-3

9

6

Nil

120

M-70 Super Express (.375 Magnum)

BA

7

1-3-5

8

5

Nil

116

M-70 Super Express (.416 Magnum)

BA

7

1-3-5

8

5

Nil

119

M-70 Super Express (.458 Magnum)

BA

8

1-3-5

8

5

Nil

114

 

M-70 Ranger

     Notes: The Ranger was introduced in 1985; several sources say it is still in production, but is not currently offered on Winchester’s web site as of the time I write this (mid-August 2011).  It is a simplified version of the M-70 Sporter, less expensive (in real-life terms) than the Sporter, but intended for the same type of work.  The Ranger has plain hardwood stock (most were made of beech) and used a simpler push-type feed.  Originally, the Ranger had no iron sights, relying on buyers to add optics, and did not have a hinged floorplate for the magazine; but these were added in 1990 (with the sights being detachable).  The 7mm Remington Magnum chambering was not introduced until 1997, and the Ranger did in general have less chambering choices than the Sporter.  The lesser-quality wood is a little lighter than that on the Sporter, and the fore-end is simply rounded instead of having a cap.  Like the Sporter, the Ranger has a 24-inch standard-weight barrel.

     Introduced in 1987 and built until 1997, the Ranger Youth & Ladies rifle was a minor variant of the Ranger, differing chiefly in having a shorter, lighter stock with a shorter length of pull and somewhat lighter weight.  It also used some chamberings than the standard Ranger came in. The 5.56mm NATO chambering was discontinued from 1989-97, when it reappeared, accompanied by a 7mm-08 chambering.  Except for this, it is identical to the standard Ranger.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Ranger

5.56mm NATO

3.03 kg

5 Internal

$811

M-70 Ranger

.243 Winchester

3.17 kg

5 Internal

$1012

M-70 Ranger

.270 Winchester

3.46 kg

5 Internal

$1471

M-70 Ranger

7mm Remington Magnum

3.48 kg

4 Internal

$1510

M-70 Ranger

.30-06 Springfield

3.59 kg

5 Internal

$1723

M-70 Ranger Youth & Ladies

5.56mm NATO

2.88 kg

5 Internal

$811

M-70 Ranger Youth & Ladies

.243 Winchester

3.01 kg

5 Internal

$1012

M-70 Ranger Youth & Ladies

7mm-08 Remington

3.18 kg

5 Internal

$1281

M-70 Ranger Youth & Ladies

7.62mm NATO

3.26 kg

5 Internal

$1443

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Ranger/Youth & Ladies (5.56mm)

BA

3

1-Nil

7

3

Nil

76

M-70 Ranger/Youth & Ladies (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

3

Nil

74

M-70 Ranger (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

69

M-70 Ranger (7mm Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

5

Nil

86

M-70 Ranger (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

78

M-70 Youth & Ladies (7mm-08)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

87

M-70 Youth & Ladies (7.62mm NATO)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

89

 

M-70 SHB/SSM

     The M-70 SHB (Synthetic Heavy Barrel) uses what is essentially a synthetic version of the Sporter’s stock with a faux wood finish.  It was produced from 1992-95. The metalwork is mostly in matte metal, which contrasts with the bright machine-jeweled bolt.  The SHB was chambered only for 7.62mm NATO, and borrowed the 26-inch heavy barrel of the M-70 Varmint.  A short-lived synthetic-stock version, the M-70 SSM (Synthetic Sporter, Matte finish) used the same finish, but the Sporter pattern; it was essentially a Sporter with a synthetic matte-finish stock, which made the rifle lighter and more weatherproof.  Unlike most synthetic-stocked versions of the M-70, the M-70 SSM had checkering molded into the fore-end and pistol grip wrist.  In addition, sling swivels were attached under the fore-end and butt, something the standard Sporter lacks. The SSM was produced only for a few months in 1992 and is rather hard to find these days.

     For a few months in 1992, the M-70 SSM Magnum was produced and marketed.  It is essentially a standard Magnum with a matte black synthetic stock and a dark matte finish to the external metalwork.  In addition, the SSM Magnum has sling swivels under the fore-end and the butt, something the standard Magnum lacks.  Unlike most synthetic-stocked M-70s, the SSM Magnum has checkering molded into the fore-end and pistol grip wrist.  The result is a lighter, more weatherproof Magnum.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 SHB

7.62mm NATO

4.08 kg

5 Internal

$1484

M-70 SSM

.270 Winchester

3.27 kg

5 Internal

$1485

M-70 SSM

.30-06 Springfield

3.4 kg

5 Internal

$1738

M-70 SSM Magnum

7mm Remington Magnum

3.21 kg

3 Internal

$1530

M-70 SSM Magnum

.300 Winchester Magnum

3.44 kg

3 Internal

$2321

M-70 SSM Magnum

.338 Winchester Magnum

3.51 kg

3 Internal

$2543

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 SHB

BA

4

2-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

102

M-70 SSM (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

69

M-70 SSM (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

78

M-70 SSM Magnum (7mm Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

5

Nil

89

M-70 SSM Magnum (.300 Win Magnum)

BA

5

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

92

M-70 SSM Magnum (.338 Magnum)

BA

6

1-3-Nil

8

6

Nil

106

 

M-70 Sporter Win-Tuff

     Another minor variant (of the Sporter, not the Win-Tuff below), the M-70 Sporter Win-Tuff, differs primarily in its weatherproofed, laminated wood stock with a raised cheekpiece, and a rubber recoil pad on the butt.  The Sporter Win-Tuff was produced only from 1992-94, and only in small numbers and in two chamberings.  Unfortunately, neither the recoil pad nor the slight extra weight have any effect in game terms, and the Win-Tuff shoots the same as a standard Sporter of the same caliber.

     The Win-Tuff Magnum (not to be confused with the Magnum Win-Tuff) is essentially a magnum-firing version of the Win-Tuff Sporter, and shares the same basic design of Win-Tuff Sporter, including the weatherproofed and warp-resistant stock, iron sights with an adjustable peep at the rear, drilling and tapping for a scope.  The finish is, like the Win-Tuff Sporter, brown finish for the furniture, and a blued finish for the metalwork.  The Win-Tuff Magnum shares the lighter-than average weight of its brother rifles, but does have a greater magazine capacity than other magnum M-70 rifles, though it is not the lightest of the M-70 series firing magnum rounds.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Sporter Win-Tuff

.270 Winchester

3.94 kg

5 Internal

$1546

M-70 Sporter Win-Tuff

.30-06 Springfield

4.08 kg

5 Internal

$1798

M-70 Magnum Win-Tuff

7mm Remington Magnum

3.87 kg

3 Internal

$1591

M-70 Magnum Win-Tuff

.300 Weatherby Magnum

4.17 kg

3 Internal

$2501

M-70 Magnum Win-Tuff

.300 Winchester Magnum

4.12 kg

3 Internal

$2381

M-70 Magnum Win-Tuff

.338 Winchester Magnum

4.21 kg

3 Internal

$2602

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Sporter Win-Tuff (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

69

M-70 Sporter Win-Tuff (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

78

M-70 Magnum Win-Tuff (7mm Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

           4           

Nil

89

M-70 Magnum Win-Tuff (.300 Whby Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

94

M-70 Magnum Win-Tuff (.300 Win Magnum)

BA

5

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

92

M-70 Magnum Win-Tuff (.338 Magnum)

BA

6

1-3-Nil

8

5

Nil

106

 

M-70 Stainless

     In 1992, a version of the Sporter was introduced with almost all of the metalwork (the barrel, receiver, action, and bolt) in matte stainless steel.  (The Stainless is not to be confused with the Sporter Stainless, above.) The stock, while of the Sporter design, is made from matte black fiberglass/graphite composite.  The Stainless has most of the chamberings of the Sporter, including some magnum chamberings.  The barrel is standard for the M-70, 24 inches long with a standard round profile. Due to its construction, the Stainless is very light, which of course affects recoil.  In 1997, several chamberings were offered in versions which can take the BOSS muzzle device.

     The Featherweight Stainless is primarily distinguished by its black graphite/fiberglass stock with a rounded fore-end.  It was introduced in 1997, and later was one of the first M-70s to be able to take the optional BOSS (Barrel Optimized Shooting System) muzzle attachment, which is essentially a muzzle brake with adjustable muzzle weights to improve the balance of the rifle and customize that balance to the shooter.  The metalwork is primarily bright stainless steel.  Except for the ability to take the BOSS attachment and a greater availability of chamberings, the Featherweight Stainless is identical to the Featherweight All-Terrain (above) for game purposes.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Stainless

.22-250 Remington

2.95 kg

5 Internal

$869

M-70 Stainless

.243 Winchester

3.06 kg

5 Internal

$1025

M-70 Stainless

.270 Winchester

3.33 kg

5 Internal

$1485

M-70 Stainless

7.62mm NATO

3.44 kg

5 Internal

$1457

M-70 Stainless

.30-06 Springfield

3.46 kg

5 Internal

$1738

M-70 Stainless Magnum

7mm Remington Magnum

3.24 kg

3 Internal

$1466

M-70 Stainless Magnum

.300 Weatherby Magnum

3.49 kg

3 Internal

$2324

M-70 Stainless Magnum

.300 Winchester Magnum

3.45 kg

3 Internal

$2303

M-70 Stainless Magnum

.338 Winchester Magnum

3.53 kg

3 Internal

$2525

M-70 Stainless Magnum

.375 H&H Magnum

3.6 kg

3 Internal

$3252

M-70 Stainless w/BOSS

.243 Winchester

3.26 kg

5 Internal

$1075

M-70 Stainless w/BOSS

.270 Winchester

3.53 kg

5 Internal

$1535

M-70 Stainless w/BOSS

.30-06 Springfield

3.66 kg

5 Internal

$1788

M-70 Stainless Magnum w/BOSS

7mm Remington Magnum

3.44 kg

3 Internal

$1516

M-70 Stainless Magnum w/BOSS

.300 Weatherby Magnum

3.69 kg

3 Internal

$2474

M-70 Stainless Magnum w/BOSS

.300 Winchester Magnum

3.65 kg

3 Internal

$2353

M-70 Stainless Magnum w/BOSS

.338 Winchester Magnum

3.73 kg

3 Internal

$2575

M-70 Featherweight Stainless

.22-250 Remington

2.38 kg

5 Internal

$849

M-70 Featherweight Stainless

.243 Winchester

2.46 kg

5 Internal

$1005

M-70 Featherweight Stainless

.270 Winchester

2.68 kg

5 Internal

$1465

M-70 Featherweight Stainless

7mm Remington Magnum

2.69 kg

4 Internal

$1504

M-70 Featherweight Stainless

7.62mm NATO

2.73 kg

5 Internal

$1436

M-70 Featherweight Stainless

.30-06 Springfield

2.79 kg

5 Internal

$1718

M-70 Featherweight Stainless

.300 Winchester Magnum

2.87 kg

4 Internal

$2242

M-70 Featherweight Stainless w/BOSS

.22-250 Remington

2.58 kg

5 Internal

$899

M-70 Featherweight Stainless w/BOSS

.243 Winchester

2.66 kg

5 Internal

$1055

M-70 Featherweight Stainless w/BOSS

.270 Winchester

2.88 kg

5 Internal

$1515

M-70 Featherweight Stainless w/BOSS

7mm Remington Magnum

2.89 kg

4 Internal

$1554

M-70 Featherweight Stainless w/BOSS

7.62mm NATO

2.93 kg

5 Internal

$1486

M-70 Featherweight Stainless w/BOSS

.30-06 Springfield

2.99 kg

5 Internal

$1768

M-70 Featherweight Stainless w/BOSS

.300 Winchester Magnum

3.07 kg

4 Internal

$2292

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Stainless (.22-250)

BA

3

1-Nil

7

3

Nil

73

M-70 Stainless (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

3

Nil

74

M-70 Stainless (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

69

M-70 Stainless (7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

89

M-70 Stainless (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

78

M-70 Stainless Magnum (7mm Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

5

Nil

84

M-70 Stainless Magnum (.300 Whby Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

5

Nil

90

M-70 Stainless Magnum (.300 Win Magnum)

BA

                    5

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

90

M-70 Stainless Magnum (.338 Win Magnum)

BA

6

1-3-Nil

8

6

Nil

103

M-70 Stainless Magnum (.375 H&H Magnum)

BA

7

1-3-5

8

6

Nil

109

M-70 Stainless w/BOSS (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

2

Nil

74

M-70 Stainless w/BOSS (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

3

Nil

69

M-70 Stainless w/BOSS (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

8

3

Nil

78

M-70 Stainless Magnum w/BOSS (7mm Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

3

Nil

84

M-70 Stainless Magnum w/BOSS (.300 Whby Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

90

M-70 Stainless Magnum w/BOSS (.300 Win Magnum)

BA

5

2-3-Nil

7

3

Nil

90

M-70 Stainless Magnum w/BOSS (.338 Win Magnum)

BA

6

1-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

103

M-70 Featherweight Stainless (.22-250)

BA

3

1-Nil

6

4

Nil

65

M-70 Featherweight Stainless (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

6

4

Nil

65

M-70 Featherweight Stainless (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

60

M-70 Featherweight Stainless (7mm Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

5

Nil

75

M-70 Featherweight Stainless (7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

79

M-70 Featherweight Stainless (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

68

M-70 Featherweight Stainless (.300 Magnum)

BA

5

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

78

M-70 Featherweight Stainless w/BOSS (.22-250)

BA

3

1-Nil

6

3

Nil

65

M-70 Featherweight Stainless w/BOSS (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

3

Nil

65

M-70 Featherweight Stainless w/BOSS (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

60

M-70 Featherweight Stainless w/BOSS (7mm Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

75

M-70 Featherweight Stainless w/BOSS (7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

79

M-70 Featherweight Stainless w/BOSS (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

68

M-70 Featherweight Stainless w/BOSS (.300 Magnum)

BA

5

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

78

 

M-70 Target Rifles

     Notes: This is a general grouping of 3rd-Version Winchester M-70s that are designed for either competition shooting or otherwise for enhanced accuracy.  Several versions of the 3rd-Version M-70 Target Rifles are used by police and military snipers, including rumors of their being used in Afghanistan and Iraq by US and NATO military and special operations snipers in some roles.

     The first of the 3rd-Version M-70 types of these rifles was the original M-70 Target, produced from 1972-80.  It was a close duplication of the 1st-Version M-70 Target rifle, with the same Marksman stock and fore-end design, as well as a heavy, match-quality barrel; however, the 3rd-Version Target rifle’s barrel was two inches longer at 26 inches, and tipped with a target crown.  The action was improved to 3rd-Version standards, making it even smoother and more reliable than the 1st-Version Target rifle’s action.  The fore-end had a hand-stop added at about the place that most shooters placed their hand under the fore-end, though Winchester would custom make the fore-end with the hand-stop placed for an individual shooter upon request.  The Target rifle also had sling swivels at the front of the fore-end and the toe of the butt; the front sling swivel could be removed from its base, and some brands and types of bipod attached instead (though a bipod was not sold standard with the Target rifle).  The Target rifle had no iron sights, since virtually all competition target shooter would use some kind of scope; however, the drilling and tapping allowed for the mounting of virtually any scope base, ring, or mount, including (it would prove later) Weaver and MIL-STD-1913 rails.

     About the same time, Winchester released the Ultra Match.  It was a “Custom Grade” pattern, built in limited numbers, with production stopping in 1981 after a low yearly production. The stock was the same as that of the M-70 Target (a Marksman stock), but the parts were hand-fitted to greater tolerances than the M-70 Target.  It featured a floating, heavy, match-grade 26-inch barrel, tipped with a counterbored muzzle (a bit better than a target crown accuracy-wise, but having the same effect in game terms).  The barrel is bedded using fiberglass resin. Like the Target rifle, the Ultra Match had no iron sights, since virtually all competition target shooter would use some kind of scope; however, the drilling and tapping allowed for the mounting of virtually any scope base, ring, or mount, including (it would prove later) Weaver and MIL-STD-1913 rails.  It also had a hand-stop on the fore-end and sling swivels, but the checkering at the fore-end and pistol grip wrist was hand-cut and finer than on the Target rifle.  The trigger pack was adjustable for pull weight and pull length by the shooter using a screwdriver. Chamberings were identical to those on the Target rifle, as was the weight, and for game purposes it shot the same as the Target rifle.

     Close on the M-70 Target’s heels was the 3rd version of the M-70’s International Army Match Rifle, produced from 1973-81 and virtually identical to the 2nd version M-70 model of the same name, except for more modern manufacturing methods and improvements in the action and trigger pack. All used 24-inch heavy floating match-quality barrels.  The stocks were relatively massive, with a wide fore-end and a large butt with an adjustable buttplate and cheekpiece.  Under the fore-end was an accessory rail (designed for certain accessories which could be slid onto the rail and secured).  The trigger was fully adjustable by the shooter using external screws. Unlike most other M-70s, the International Army Match Rifle used a detachable magazine; however, this version of the International Army Match rifle could be also top-loaded too, and had stripper clip guides to facilitate this.  The International Army Match Rifle had excellent adjustable iron sights, but was primarily designed for use with optics, and had extra drilling and tapping to accommodate a wide variety of scopes and scope mounts. The 3rd version International Army Match Rifle was chambered for .30-06 instead of 7.62mm NATO.

     The M-70 Sharpshooter, produced from 1992-95, was initial a made-to-order version of the M-70, but competition and police shooters showed enough interest in the Sharpshooter to induce larger-scale production.  It remains, however, one of the rarer of the 3rd-Version M-70s.  The Sharpshooter has a McMillan A2 synthetic stock with special texturing for a good grip, especially on the fore-end, pistol grip wrist, and the buttplate (which is rubber). The McMillan A2 stock has a deeper-than-normal pistol grip wrist, special glass bedding for the barrel, a length of pull adjustable with spacers, and an optional adjustable cheekpiece. The barrel is a Schneider heavy-profile match-quality floating barrel with a length of 24 or 26 inches, tipped with a target crown.  Unlike most other M-70s, it comes standard with a Harris bipod adjustable for height and cant.  Though the iron sights are not meant to be the primary sights, they are finely-adjustable and can be removed and replaced with different iron sights.  The Sharpshooter is drilled and tapped for scope mounts of several different types, including a Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail.  The stock has a small amount of carefully-added extra weight for strength, balance, and to decrease felt recoil.

     The Custom Sharpshooter II was designed for certain types of completion and is designed more for civilian use and competitions; it was introduced in 1992. The stock is a McMillan synthetic target stock; the 26-inch Schneider stainless steel barrel is of match-quality, is free-floating, and uses the Pillar Plus Accu-Block bedding system.  The butt has a ventilated recoil pad, and is adjustable for length of pull by use of spacers.  Weight has been carefully added by the use of light alloy and stainless steel weights in various places in the stock and frame.  Unlike the Sharpshooter, the Custom Sharpshooter II does not come standard with a bipod. A second version of the Custom Sharpshooter II was introduced in 1993; this version is mechanically and construction-wise almost identical to the initial Custom Sharpshooter II, but it has a gray sporting-style synthetic stock (still made by McMillan) and comes in different chamberings.  Note that the .270 Winchester chambering of this second version of the Custom Sharpshooter II was discontinued in 1995, though the others, 7mm STW and .300 Magnum, continued.  The .270 Winchester and .300 Winchester Magnum chamberings are identical in game terms to the original Custom Sharpshooter II.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Target/Ultra Match

7.62mm NATO

4.76 kg

5 Internal

$1419

M-70 Target/Ultra Match

.30-06 Springfield

4.94 kg

5 Internal

$1685

M-70 International Army Match Rifle

.30-06 Springfield

4.99 kg

5

$1734

M-70 Sharpshooter (24” Barrel)

7.62mm NATO

4.99 kg

5 Internal

$2012

M-70 Sharpshooter (26” Barrel)

7.62mm NATO

5.04 kg

5 Internal

$2078

M-70 Sharpshooter (24” Barrel)

.300 Winchester Magnum

5.16 kg

4 Internal

$2356

M-70 Sharpshooter (26” Barrel)

.300 Winchester Magnum

5.21 kg

4 Internal

$2421

M-70 Custom Sharpshooter II

.22-250 Remington

4.81 kg

5 Internal

$962

M-70 Custom Sharpshooter II

7mm STW

5.21 kg

4 Internal

$1789

M-70 Custom Sharpshooter II

7.62mm NATO

4.96 kg

5 Internal

$1547

M-70 Custom Sharpshooter II

.30-06 Springfield

4.99 kg

5 Internal

$1828

M-70 Custom Sharpshooter II

.300 Winchester Magnum

5.13 kg

4 Internal

$2451

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Target/Ultra Match (7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

105

M-70 Target/Ultra Match (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

93

M-70 International Army Match Rifle

BA

4

2-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

84

M-70 Sharpshooter (24”, 7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

98

With Bipod

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

2

Nil

128

M-70 Sharpshooter (26”, 7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

107

With Bipod

BA

4

2-3-Nil

8

2

Nil

139

M-70 Sharpshooter (24”, .300 Magnum)

BA

5

2-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

97

With Bipod

BA

5

2-3-Nil

8

2

Nil

126

M-70 Sharpshooter (26”, .300 Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

109

With Bipod

BA

5

1-2-3

8

2

Nil

141

M-70 Custom Sharpshooter II (.22-250)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

2

Nil

82

M-70 Custom Sharpshooter II (7mm STW)

BA

4

1-2-3

8

3

Nil

98

M-70 Custom Sharpshooter II (7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

8

3

Nil

103

M-70 Custom Sharpshooter II (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

92

M-70 Custom Sharpshooter II (.300 Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

106

 

M-70 Ultimate Classic

     The M-70 Ultimate Classic sort of straddles the line between a standard version and a deluxe version; the woodwork is walnut specially-selected for its grain pattern, and part of the receiver, bolt handle, trigger guard, and magazine floor plate have gold-inlaid engraving.  The barrels are also unusual; they are 24 inches, but may be round, heavy fluted, half-octagon, or full octagonal barrels as the buyer wishes.  When introduced in 1996, chamberings were restricted to .300 H&H Magnum and .300 Weatherby Magnum, but in 1997, the rest of the chamberings listed were added.  Due to denser wood and depending upon the barrel, the Ultimate Classic is heavier to some degree than a Sporter or Magnum of the same chambering.

     The M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum, like the Ultimate Classic above, sort of straddles the line between a standard version and a deluxe version. When introduced in 1996, chamberings were restricted to .300 H&H Magnum and .300 Weatherby Magnum, but in 1997, the rest of the chamberings listed were added.  Due to denser wood and depending upon the barrel, the Ultimate Classic is heavier to some degree than a standard Magnum of the same chambering.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Ultimate Classic (Round Barrel)

.25-06 Remington

3.69 kg

5 Internal

$1282

M-70 Ultimate Classic (Round Barrel)

.270 Winchester

3.82 kg

5 Internal

$1471

M-70 Ultimate Classic (Round Barrel)

.30-06 Springfield

3.97 kg

5 Internal

$1723

M-70 Ultimate Classic (Fluted Barrel)

.25-06 Remington

3.7 kg

5 Internal

$1289

M-70 Ultimate Classic (Fluted Barrel)

.270 Winchester

3.83 kg

5 Internal

$1478

M-70 Ultimate Classic (Fluted Barrel)

.30-06 Springfield

3.98 kg

5 Internal

$1730

M-70 Ultimate Classic (Half-Octagon Barrel)

.25-06 Remington

3.7 kg

5 Internal

$1286

M-70 Ultimate Classic (Half-Octagon Barrel)

.270 Winchester

3.83 kg

5 Internal

$1475

M-70 Ultimate Classic (Half-Octagon Barrel)

.30-06 Springfield

3.98 kg

5 Internal

$1727

M-70 Ultimate Classic (Octagonal Barrel)

.25-06 Remington

3.8 kg

5 Internal

$1289

M-70 Ultimate Classic (Octagonal Barrel)

.270 Winchester

3.93 kg

5 Internal

$1478

M-70 Ultimate Classic (Octagonal Barrel)

.30-06 Springfield

4.09 kg

5 Internal

$1730

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Round Barrel)

.264 Winchester Magnum

3.73 kg

3 Internal

$1352

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Round Barrel)

7mm Remington Magnum

3.82 kg

3 Internal

$1510

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Round Barrel)

7mm STW

3.92 kg

3 Internal

$1684

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Round Barrel)

.300 Winchester Magnum

4.09 kg

3 Internal

$2288

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Round Barrel)

.300 Weatherby Magnum

4.14 kg

3 Internal

$2408

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Round Barrel)

.300 H&H Magnum

4.15 kg

3 Internal

$2422

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Fluted Barrel)

.264 Winchester Magnum

3.74 kg

3 Internal

$1358

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Fluted Barrel)

7mm Remington Magnum

3.83 kg

3 Internal

$1516

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Fluted Barrel)

7mm STW

3.93 kg

3 Internal

$1690

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Fluted Barrel)

.300 Winchester Magnum

4.1 kg

3 Internal

$2306

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Fluted Barrel)

.300 Weatherby Magnum

4.15 kg

3 Internal

$2426

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Fluted Barrel)

.300 H&H Magnum

4.16 kg

3 Internal

$2441

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Half-Octagon Barrel)

.264 Winchester Magnum

3.74 kg

3 Internal

$1356

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Half-Octagon Barrel)

7mm Remington Magnum

3.83 kg

3 Internal

$1513

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Half-Octagon Barrel)

7mm STW

3.93 kg

3 Internal

$1688

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Half-Octagon Barrel)

.300 Winchester Magnum

4.1 kg

3 Internal

$2299

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Half-Octagon Barrel)

.300 Weatherby Magnum

4.15 kg

3 Internal

$2419

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Half-Octagon Barrel)

.300 H&H Magnum

4.16 kg

3 Internal

$2433

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Ultimate Classic (Round Barrel, .25-06)

BA

4

2-Nil

7

4

Nil

65

M-70 Ultimate Classic (Round Barrel, .270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

69

M-70 Ultimate Classic (Round Barrel, .30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

78

M-70 Ultimate Classic (Fluted/Octagonal Barrel, .25-06)

BA

4

2-Nil

7

4

Nil

68

M-70 Ultimate Classic (Fluted/Octagonal Barrel, .270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

72

M-70 Ultimate Classic (Fluted/Octagonal Barrel, .30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

81

M-70 Ultimate Classic (Half-Octagon Barrel, .25-06)

BA

4

2-Nil

7

4

Nil

67

M-70 Ultimate Classic (Half-Octagon Barrel, .270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

70

M-70 Ultimate Classic (Half-Octagon Barrel, .30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

80

                            M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Round Barrel, .264 Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

79

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Round Barrel, 7mm Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

86

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Round Barrel, 7mm STW)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

83

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Round Barrel, .300 Win Magnum)

BA

5

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

89

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Round Barrel, .300 Whby Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

90

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Round Barrel, .300 H&H Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

94

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Fluted/Octagonal Barrel, .264 Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

82

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Fluted/Octagonal Barrel, 7mm Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

89

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Fluted/Octagonal Barrel, 7mm STW)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

86

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Fluted/Octagonal Barrel, .300 Win Magnum)

BA

5

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

92

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Fluted/Octagonal Barrel, .300 Whby Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

94

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Fluted/Octagonal Barrel, .300 H&H Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

98

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Half-Octagon Barrel, .264 Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

81

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Half-Octagon Barrel, 7mm Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

88

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Half-Octagon Barrel, 7mm STW)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

84

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Half-Octagon Barrel, .300 Win Magnum)

BA

5

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

91

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Half-Octagon Barrel, .300 Whby Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

93

M-70 Ultimate Classic Magnum (Half-Octagon Barrel, .300 H&H Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

96

 

M-70 Varmint

     The Varmint was one of the first 3rd-version-quality M-70s introduced, going all the way back to 1969, with production continuing until 1995.  The Varmint was renamed the Varmint XTR in 1978, but the XTR suffix was dropped in 1989. The original stock was virtually identical to the Sporter, but had noticeably less drop at the heel.  In 1989, this stock was altered, having a Monte Carlo comb and a cheekpiece.  At the same time, the weight was reduced somewhat, despite a larger stock and longer barrel. The receiver was drilled and tapped for scope mounts, but the Varmint came with no iron sights.  The barrel was heavy, and had a counterbored muzzle; pre-1989 barrels were 24 inches, while 1989 or later barrels were 26 inches. Original chamberings were .222, .22-250, and .243; 5.56mm was added in 1985, and 7.62mm in 1990.  However, the .222 chambering was dropped in 1990.

     The M-70 Heavy Varmint, introduced in 1993, uses a composite graphite/fiberglass stock of standard design, a blued action, and a bright stainless steel barrel.  The barrel itself is a 26-inch floating heavy barrel, bedded using the Pillar Plus Accu Block system.  The Heavy Varmint used the more advanced and reliable push-feed system.  Original chamberings were .22-250, 5.56mm, .243, and 7.62mm, but .220 Swift was added in 1994 and .222 Remington in 1997.  Though meant to be a super-accurate weapon to shoot small animals (which are difficult targets), some of the larger chamberings make a credible threat towards medium North American game, and even a worthy sniper rifle.  Though not included in the price below, the M-70 Heavy Varmint was specifically designed for use with optics, and its iron sights are rudimentary at best.

     The Coyote is a varmint rifle meant to still be useful against somewhat larger targets (such as predators like coyotes, hence the name).  It is a small-caliber, heavy-barreled variant of the standard M-70 with a 24-inch barrel, and is drilled and tapped for a telescopic sight.  Unlike other M-70s, it is a push-feed rifle; this means that individual rounds can be fed into the rifle without having to stuff them into the internal magazine first.  This allows for greater flexibility in round use, especially when using handloads and wildcat rounds.  (However, many consider the push-feed system is less reliable.) Many shooters also complain about the Coyote’s trigger, which they say is factory-set way too heavy (so sources give it at 7 pounds), though a gunsmith can adjust this.  The Coyote has a brown laminated stock of lighter wood than the rest of the Varmint rifles.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Varmint (Pre-1989)

.222 Remington

4.31 kg

5 Internal

$801

M-70 Varmint (Pre-1989)

.22-250 Remington

4.37 kg

5 Internal

$866

M-70 Varmint (Pre-1989)

5.56mm NATO

4.33 kg

5 Internal

$819

M-70 Varmint (Pre-1989)

.243 Winchester

4.53 kg

5 Internal

$1021

M-70 Varmint (1989+)

.22-250 Remington

4.08 kg

5 Internal

$887

M-70 Varmint (1989+)

5.56mm NATO

4.04 kg

5 Internal

$840

M-70 Varmint (1989+)

.243 Winchester

4.23 kg

5 Internal

$1042

M-70 Varmint (1989+)

7.62mm NATO

4.35 kg

5 Internal

$1472

M-70 Heavy Varmint

.22-250 Remington

4.48 kg

5 Internal

$890

M-70 Heavy Varmint

5.56mm NATO

4.44 kg

5 Internal

$844

M-70 Heavy Varmint

.220 Swift

4.56 kg

4 Internal

$980

M-70 Heavy Varmint

.222 Remington

4.41 kg

5 Internal

$825

M-70 Heavy Varmint

.243 Winchester

4.59 kg

5 Internal

$1045

M-70 Heavy Varmint

7.62mm NATO

4.88 kg

5 Internal

$1475

M-70 Coyote

5.56mm NATO

4 kg

5 Internal

$817

M-70 Coyote

.22-250 Remington

4.08 kg

5 Internal

$863

M-70 Coyote

.243 Winchester

4.36 kg

5 Internal

$1019

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Varmint (Pre-1989, .222)

BA

3

1-Nil

7

2

Nil

81

M-70 Varmint (Pre-1989, .22-250)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

3

Nil

76

M-70 Varmint (Pre-1989, 5.56mm)

BA

3

1-Nil

7

3

Nil

79

M-70 Varmint (Pre-1989, .243)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

3

Nil

78

M-70 Varmint (1989+, .22-250)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

3

Nil

82

M-70 Varmint (1989+, 5.56mm)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

3

Nil

86

M-70 Varmint (1989+, .243)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

4

Nil

86

M-70 Varmint (1989+, 7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

103

M-70 Heavy Varmint (.22-250)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

2

Nil

84

M-70 Heavy Varmint (5.56mm)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

2

Nil

87

M-70 Heavy Varmint (.220)

BA

3

1-2-Nil

7

3

Nil

93

M-70 Heavy Varmint (.222)

BA

3

1-Nil

7

2

Nil

89

M-70 Heavy Varmint (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

4

Nil

87

M-70 Heavy Varmint (7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

8

5

Nil

104

M-70 Coyote (5.56mm)

BA

3

1-Nil

7

3

Nil

78

M-70 Coyote (.22-250)

BA

3

1-Nil

7

3

Nil

75

M-70 Coyote (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

3

Nil

77

 

M-70 Westerner

     Notes: The Westerner, appearing for a short time in 1985 and 1986, was for the most part a retread of the old M-70A design (itself a variant of the basic 2nd-version M-70).  The Westerner used a stock design like that of the Sporter, but modified with a Monte Carlo raised stock.  The stock had a synthetic plate on the buttpad with a no-slip pattern.  The fore-end and pistol grip wrist had checkering, though it was machine checkering on the Westerner instead of the impressed checkering of the M-70A.  Aside from the basic action and more modern construction methods, differences between the M-70A included better-quality wood for the furniture, which also had a weatherproof finish and blued weatherproof metalwork.  Magazines were smaller-than-normal on standard calibers, but larger than normal in the magnum chambering.  The barrel is a plain round 22-inch barrel, with simple iron sights and a rear sight capable of only coarse adjustments, but also drilling and tapping for a scope.  The Westerner is sort of a budget M-70, cheaper (in real-life terms) than even the Ranger above.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Westerner

.270 Winchester

3.29 kg

4 Internal

$1451

M-70 Westerner

7.62mm NATO

3.28 kg

4 Internal

$1422

M-70 Westerner

.30-06 Springfield

3.4 kg

4 Internal

$1703

M-70 Westerner

7mm Remington Magnum

3.31 kg

4 Internal

$1490

M-70 Westerner

.300 Winchester Magnum

3.51 kg

4 Internal

$2227

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Westerner (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

60

M-70 Westerner (7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

80

M-70 Westerner (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

68

M-70 Westerner (7mm Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

5

Nil

75

M-70 Westerner (.300 Win Magnum)

BA

5

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

78

 

M-70 Win-Cam

     The M-70 Win-Cam, built from 1986-85, was distinguished from the Sporter primarily by its stock, which was made of hardwood with a special solution to make it more weatherproof and warp-resistant.  The stock was also laminated with a green-and-brown camouflage pattern, and the butt had a rubber recoil pad.  The stock shape was the same as that of the Sporter.  As with almost all M-70s, the Win-Cam was drilled and tapped for scope mounts, with the receiver ring and bridge additionally being drilled and tapped.  The Win-Cam has the standard round 24-inch barrel.  A variant of this, the Win-Cam Lightweight, had the same sort of stock, though it was finished in matte olive green and the fore-end was a bit shorter.  In addition, the Win-Cam Lightweight used a 22-inch barrel instead of the full 24-inch barrel.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Win-Cam

.270 Winchester

3.74 kg

5 Internal

$1546

M-70 Win-Cam

.30-06 Springfield

3.88 kg

5 Internal

$1798

M-70 Win-Cam Lightweight

.270 Winchester

3.67 kg

5 Internal

$1526

M-70 Win-Cam Lightweight

.30-06 Springfield

3.81 kg

5 Internal

$1778

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Win-Cam (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

69

M-70 Win-Cam (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

78

M-70 Win-Cam Lightweight (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

60

M-70 Win-Cam Lightweight (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

68

 

M-70 Winlite

     The M-70 Winlite (sometimes called the Winlight) is a lightweight version of essentially the same design as the Sporter, but it had a textured black McMillan stock, and a full pistol grip instead of the pistol grip wrist of other M-70 versions.  The Winlite had no checkering, but special texturing was present on the fore-end and pistol grip. The fore-end had a Schnabel trip instead of the standard Sporter rounded tip.  Magazine capacity was restricted and smaller than standard Sporter magazines. Chamberings upon introduction were restricted to ,270 and .30-06, ,but .280 was added in 1987, and in 1998, magnum versions were added.  The Winlite had a barrel of standard weight, but only 22 inches. The Winlite was produced from 1986-90.

     In 1986-90, a Winlite counterpart in Magnum chamberings was produced.  Like the Winlite above, the Winlite Magnum is a lightweight version of essentially the same design as the Magnum, but it had a textured black McMillan stock, and a full pistol grip instead of the pistol grip wrist of other M-70 versions.  The Winlite had no checkering, but special texturing was present on the fore-end and pistol grip. The fore-end had a rounded tip instead of the Winlite’s Schnabel tip.  Instead of the Winlite’s short 22-inch barrel, the Winlite Magnum used a 24-inch barrel, though again it was a standard-profile barrel, which essentially made it a light version of the standard Magnum.  Initial chamberings were 7mm Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum and .338 Magnum; .300 Weatherby Magnum was added in 1988.

     The Featherweight Winlite, produced from 1988-92, had a McMillan synthetic stock which was very light in weight; the stock was also specially textured, including further specialized texturing on the pistol grip wrist, butt, and fore-end for a sure grip on the rifle.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Winlite

.270 Winchester

2.95 kg

4 Internal

$1465

M-70 Winlite

.280 Remington

2.97 kg

4 Internal

$1524

M-70 Winlite

.30-06 Springfield

3.03 kg

4 Internal

$1718

M-70 Winlite Magnum

7mm Remington Magnum

2.98 kg

3 Internal

$1524

M-70 Winlite Magnum

.300 Winchester Magnum

3.16 kg

3 Internal

$2303

M-70 Winlite Magnum

.300 Weatherby Magnum

3.2 kg

3 Internal

$2424

M-70 Winlite Magnum

.338 Winchester Magnum

3.23 kg

3 Internal

$2525

M-70 Featherweight Winlite

.270 Winchester

2.68 kg

4 Internal

$1465

M-70 Featherweight Winlite

.280 Remington

2.71 kg

4 Internal

$1524

M-70 Featherweight Winlite

.30-06 Springfield

2.67 kg

4 Internal

$1718

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Winlite (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

60

M-70 Winlite (.280)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

62

M-70 Winlite (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

68

M-70 Winlite Magnum (7mm Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

5

Nil

86

M-70 Winlite Magnum (.300 Win Magnum)

BA

5

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

89

M-70 Winlite Magnum (.300 Whby Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

5

Nil

90

M-70 Winlite Magnum (.338 Magnum)

BA

6

1-3-Nil

8

6

Nil

103

M-70 Featherweight Winlite (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

60

M-70 Featherweight Winlite (.280)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

62

M-70 Featherweight Winlite (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

68

 

M-70 Win-Tuff

     This is not to be confused with the Sporter Win-Tuff above; the Win-Tuff here has more in common with the Winlite than the Sporter Win-Tuff.  Produced from 1986-95, the Win-Tuff was a light rifle, using lighter hardwoods in its construction.  The Win-Tuff could be easily mistaken for the Winlite at first, but the though the stock of the Win-Tuff is similarly laminated and treated to resist warping, the stock is finished in brown instead of being camouflaged.  The short, blued 22-inch barrel had a standard, round profile and the Win-Tuff had simple peep-type and post sights, with the rear peep being adjustable.  The Win-Tuff, like other M-70s, is drilled and tapped for a scope mount.  Unlike many M-70 designs, the Win-Tuff had no magnum versions designed.

     The Win-Tuff Lightweight was essentially a lighter version of the Win-Tuff, made using similar wood to the standard Win-Tuff, though the wood is less dense, and high-strength low-weight steels in its construction.  The pattern of the Win-Tuff Lightweight is otherwise virtually identical to standard Win-Tuff. The Win-Tuff Lightweight can be distinguished by the checkering on the fore-end and pistol grip wrist, which other Win-Tuffs do not have. The Win-Tuff Lightweight was built from 1987-95; when first introduced, it was chambered only for .22-250.  .22-250 was dropped in 1989, replaced by 5.56mm; in 1988, .243, .270 and .30-06 were added to the rifle, and in 1989, 7.62mm was added.

     The Win-Tuff Featherweight was initially built in small numbers from 1988-89, then brought by popular demand from 1992-96.  The initial year of its manufacture, it was chambered only for .22-250 and .243; when production began again, the rest of the chamberings were added.  Win-Tuff Featherweight uses basically the same pattern as the standard Win-Tuff, with the same 22-inch barrel.  The Win-Tuff Featherweight is a very light rifle, almost too light for some of the cartridges it fires, though it is a light load on long hunting trips where one must do a lot of hiking around.

     Seemingly to confuse the issue, there was also Win-Tuff Sporter (again, not to be confused with the Sporter Win-Tuff above).  The Win-Tuff Sporter was produced from 1992-95, with the same sort of stock as the standard Win-Tuff, including the brown finish.  However, the Win-Tuff Sporter had a full 24-inch barrel (standard round profile).  The Win-Tuff Sporter had two standard-power chamberings, and four magnum chamberings.  It’s weight is near that of similar M-70s of the same caliber.

     The Win-Tuff Magnum (not to be confused with the Magnum Win-Tuff) is essentially the magnum-firing version of the Win-Tuff Sporter mentioned in the precious paragraph, and shares the same basic design of Win-Tuff Sporter, including the weatherproofed and warp-resistant stock, iron sights with an adjustable peep at the rear, drilling and tapping for a scope.  The Win-Tuff Magnum shares the lighter-than average weight of its brother rifles, but does have a greater magazine capacity than other magnum M-70 rifles (though it is not the lightest of the M-70 series firing magnum rounds).

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Win-Tuff

5.56mm NATO

2.95 kg

5 Internal

$780

M-70 Win-Tuff

.243 Winchester

3.07 kg

5 Internal

$992

M-70 Win-Tuff

.270 Winchester

3.35 kg

5 Internal

$1451

M-70 Win-Tuff

7.62mm NATO

3.34 kg

5 Internal

$1422

M-70 Win-Tuff

.30-06 Springfield

3.46 kg

5 Internal

$1703

M-70 Win-Tuff Lightweight

.22-250 Remington

2.8 kg

5 Internal

$837

M-70 Win-Tuff Lightweight

5.56mm NATO

2.77 kg

5 Internal

$780

M-70 Win-Tuff Lightweight

.243 Winchester

2.92 kg

5 Internal

$992

M-70 Win-Tuff Lightweight

.270 Winchester

3.18 kg

5 Internal

$1451

M-70 Win-Tuff Lightweight

7.62mm NATO

3.17 kg

5 Internal

$1422

M-70 Win-Tuff Lightweight

.30-06 Springfield

3.29 kg

5 Internal

$1703

M-70 Win-Tuff Featherweight

.22-250 Remington

2.67 kg

5 Internal

$837

M-70 Win-Tuff Featherweight

5.56mm NATO

2.66 kg

5 Internal

$780

M-70 Win-Tuff Featherweight

.243 Winchester

2.76 kg

5 Internal

$992

M-70 Win-Tuff Featherweight

.270 Winchester

3.02 kg

5 Internal

$1451

M-70 Win-Tuff Featherweight

7.62mm NATO

3.01 kg

5 Internal

$1422

M-70 Win-Tuff Featherweight

.30-06 Springfield

3.11 kg

5 Internal

$1703

M-70 Win-Tuff Sporter

.270 Winchester

3.45 kg

5 Internal

$1471

M-70 Win-Tuff Sporter

.30-06 Springfield

3.6 kg

5 Internal

$1723

M-70 Win-Tuff Magnum

7mm Remington Magnum

3.5 kg

4 Internal

$1510

M-70 Win-Tuff Magnum

.300 Winchester Magnum

3.71 kg

4 Internal

$2288

M-70 Win-Tuff Magnum

.300 Weatherby Magnum

3.76 kg

4 Internal

$2408

M-70 Win-Tuff Magnum

.338 Winchester Magnum

3.8 kg

4 Internal

$2509

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Win-Tuff/Lightweight/Featherweight (5.56mm)

BA

3

1-Nil

6

3

Nil

70

M-70 Win-Tuff/Lightweight (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

6

3

Nil

65

M-70 Win-Tuff/Lightweight/Featherweight (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

60

M-70 Win-Tuff/Lightweight/Featherweight (7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

79

M-70 Win-Tuff/Lightweight/Featherweight (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

68

M-70 Win-Tuff Lightweight/Featherweight (.22-250)

BA

3

1-Nil

6

3

Nil

65

M-70 Win-Tuff Featherweight (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

6

4

Nil

65

M-70 Win-Tuff Sporter (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

69

M-70 Win-Tuff Sporter (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

78

M-70 Win-Tuff Magnum (7mm Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

5

Nil

86

M-70 Win-Tuff Magnum (.300 Win Magnum)

BA

5

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

89

M-70 Win-Tuff Magnum (.300 Whby Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

5

Nil

90

M-70 Win-Tuff Magnum (.338 Magnum)

BA

6

1-3-Nil

8

6

Nil

103

 

M-70XTR

     Notes: This is not to be confused with the “XTR” appellation that M-70 Sporters received before 1989.  This version of the M-70 uses several barrel lengths (including some longer barrels and heavier construction.  This not only allows for more accuracy, but also allows for the use of more powerful ammunition.  On the average, XTRs are more solidly-built, though many shooters are not enamored of the push-feed system the action uses. The versions chambered for .30-06 JDJ, .300 H&H Magnum, and .475 A&M Magnum are extremely rare; most of them were built as a special order for specific people. Stocks are of specially-treated non-warp walnut which is also weatherproofed, and the metalwork also has a non-rust and weatherproof coating under the bluing. Barrels are typically of medium profile, floating, and target-crowned or counterbored.  Barrels were available in 22, 24, or 26-inch versions; however, 26-inch barrels were generally only found on magnum-firing versions, and the 22-inch barrel was not found on magnum-firing versions.  Magnum-firing versions could be had with a ventilated rubber recoil pad on the butt, though this was an option and not standard (though accounted for in the charts below). The recoil pads often have no game effect on recoil and often not given extra lines on the firing tables below. Though designed primarily for scopes and optic mounts, the XTR did have creditable iron sights, the rear of which was adjustable, and the front a hooded post.

     A Featherweight version of the XTR was also built; this typically substituted the wooden stock for a synthetic stock, which was usually black in color but could also be found in green or brown.  Featherweights were not found in greater caliber than .300 Weatherby Magnum.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: Rumors persist of US snipers, particularly in the Continental US, using the 7.62mm, .30-06, and .300+ Magnum versions of the M-70XTR (though use of the .458 Winchester Magnum and .475 A&M Magnum was decidedly rare).

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70XTR (22” Barrel)

.22-250 Remington

3.4 kg

5 Internal

$834

M-70XTR (24” Barrel)

.22-250 Remington

3.47 kg

5 Internal

$869

M-70XTR (26” Barrel)

.22-250 Remington

3.51 kg

5 Internal

$888

M-70XTR (22” Barrel)

5.56mm NATO

3.36 kg

5 Internal

$787

M-70XTR (24” Barrel)

5.56mm NATO

3.43 kg

5 Internal

$820

M-70XTR (26” Barrel)

5.56mm NATO

3.47 kg

5 Internal

$842

M-70XTR (22” Barrel)

.243 Winchester

3.52 kg

5 Internal

$989

M-70XTR (24” Barrel)

.243 Winchester

3.59 kg

5 Internal

$1022

M-70XTR (26” Barrel)

.243 Winchester

3.63 kg

5 Internal

$1043

M-70XTR (22” Barrel)

.270 Winchester

3.84 kg

5 Internal

$1448

M-70XTR (24” Barrel)

.270 Winchester

3.92 kg

5 Internal

$1481

M-70XTR (26” Barrel)

.270 Winchester

3.96 kg

5 Internal

$1502

M-70XTR (22” Barrel)

7.62mm NATO

3.82 kg

5 Internal

$1419

M-70XTR (24” Barrel)

7.62mm NATO

3.9 kg

5 Internal

$1452

M-70XTR (26” Barrel)

7.62mm NATO

3.94 kg

5 Internal

$1473

M-70XTR (22” Barrel)

.30-06 Springfield

3.98 kg

5 Internal

$1700

M-70XTR (24” Barrel)

.30-06 Springfield

4.06 kg

5 Internal

$1733

M-70XTR (26” Barrel)

.30-06 Springfield

4.1 kg

5 Internal

$1754

M-70XTR (22” Barrel)

.30-06 JDJ

3.97 kg

5 Internal

$1680

M-70XTR (24” Barrel)

.30-06 JDJ

4.05 kg

5 Internal

$1713

M-70XTR (26” Barrel)

.30-06 JDJ

4.09 kg

5 Internal

$1734

M-70XTR (24” Barrel)

.264 Winchester Magnum

3.82 kg

3 Internal

$1362

M-70XTR (26” Barrel)

.264 Winchester Magnum

3.86 kg

3 Internal

$1383

M-70XTR (24” Barrel, w/Recoil Pad)

.264 Winchester Magnum

4.02 kg

3 Internal

$1437

M-70XTR (26” Barrel, w/Recoil Pad)

.264 Winchester Magnum

4.06 kg

3 Internal

$1458

M-70XTR (24” Barrel)

7mm Remington Magnum

3.91 kg

3 Internal

$1520

M-70XTR (26” Barrel)

7mm Remington Magnum

3.95 kg

3 Internal

$1541

M-70XTR (24” Barrel, w/Recoil Pad)

7mm Remington Magnum

4.11 kg

3 Internal

$1595

M-70XTR (26” Barrel, w/Recoil Pad)

7mm Remington Magnum

4.15 kg

3 Internal

$1616

M-70XTR (24” Barrel)

.300 Winchester Magnum

4.15 kg

3 Internal

$2317

M-70XTR (26” Barrel)

.300 Winchester Magnum

4.19 kg

3 Internal

$2380

M-70XTR (24” Barrel, w/Recoil Pad)

.300 Winchester Magnum

4.35 kg

3 Internal

$2392

M-70XTR (26” Barrel, w/Recoil Pad)

.300 Winchester Magnum

4.39 kg

3 Internal

$2455

M-70XTR (24” Barrel)

.300 Weatherby Magnum

4.2 kg

3 Internal

$2437

M-70XTR (26” Barrel)

.300 Weatherby Magnum

4.24 kg

3 Internal

$2501

M-70XTR (24” Barrel, w/Recoil Pad)

.300 Weatherby Magnum

4.4 kg

3 Internal

$2512

M-70XTR (26” Barrel, w/Recoil Pad)

.300 Weatherby Magnum

4.44 kg

3 Internal

$2576

M-70XTR (24” Barrel)

.300 H&H Magnum

4.21 kg

3 Internal

$2452

M-70XTR (26” Barrel)

.300 H&H Magnum

4.25 kg

3 Internal

$2515

M-70XTR (24” Barrel, w/Recoil Pad)

.300 H&H Magnum

4.41 kg

3 Internal

$2651

M-70XTR (26” Barrel, w/Recoil Pad)

.300 H&H Magnum

4.45 kg

3 Internal

$2590

M-70XTR (24” Barrel)

.338 Winchester Magnum

4.25 kg

3 Internal

$2538

M-70XTR (26” Barrel)

.338 Winchester Magnum

4.29 kg

3 Internal

$2602

M-70XTR (24” Barrel, w/Recoil Pad)

.338 Winchester Magnum

4.45 kg

3 Internal

$2613

M-70XTR (26” Barrel, w/Recoil Pad)

.338 Winchester Magnum

4.49 kg

3 Internal

$2677

M-70XTR (24” Barrel)

.375 H&H Magnum

4.56 kg

3 Internal

$3262

M-70XTR (26” Barrel)

.375 H&H Magnum

4.6 kg

3 Internal

$3325

M-70XTR (24” Barrel, w/Recoil Pad)

.375 H&H Magnum

4.76 kg

3 Internal

$3337

M-70XTR (26” Barrel, w/Recoil Pad)

.375 H&H Magnum

4.8 kg

3 Internal

$3400

M-70XTR (24” Barrel)

.458 Winchester Magnum

4.83 kg

3 Internal

$4022

M-70XTR (26” Barrel)

.458 Winchester Magnum

4.87 kg

3 Internal

$4085

M-70XTR (24” Barrel, w/Recoil Pad)

.458 Winchester Magnum

5.03 kg

3 Internal

$4097

M-70XTR (26” Barrel, w/Recoil Pad)

.458 Winchester Magnum

5.07 kg

3 Internal

$4160

M-70XTR (24” Barrel)

.475 A&M Magnum

5.07 kg

3 Internal

$4830

M-70XTR (26” Barrel)

.475 A&M Magnum

5.12 kg

3 Internal

$4894

M-70XTR (24” Barrel, w/Recoil Pad)

.475 A&M Magnum

5.27 kg

3 Internal

$4905

M-70XTR (26” Barrel, w/Recoil Pad)

.475 A&M Magnum

5.32 kg

3 Internal

$4969

M-70XTR Featherweight (22” Barrel)

.22-250 Remington

3.11 kg

5 Internal

$846

M-70XTR Featherweight (24” Barrel)

.22-250 Remington

3.16 kg

5 Internal

$879

M-70XTR Featherweight (26” Barrel)

.22-250 Remington

3.19 kg

5 Internal

$900

M-70XTR Featherweight (22” Barrel)

5.56mm NATO

3.06 kg

5 Internal

$799

M-70XTR Featherweight (24” Barrel)

5.56mm NATO

3.12 kg

5 Internal

$832

M-70XTR Featherweight (26” Barrel)

5.56mm NATO

3.16 kg

5 Internal

$853

M-70XTR Featherweight (22” Barrel)

.243 Winchester

3.2 kg

5 Internal

$1002

M-70XTR Featherweight (24” Barrel)

.243 Winchester

3.27 kg

5 Internal

$1035

M-70XTR Featherweight (26” Barrel)

.243 Winchester

3.3 kg

5 Internal

$1056

M-70XTR Featherweight (22” Barrel)

.270 Winchester

3.49 kg

5 Internal

$1462

M-70XTR Featherweight (24” Barrel)

.270 Winchester

3.57 kg

5 Internal

$1495

M-70XTR Featherweight (26” Barrel)

.270 Winchester

3.6 kg

5 Internal

$1516

M-70XTR Featherweight (22” Barrel)

7.62mm NATO

3.48 kg

5 Internal

$1433

M-70XTR Featherweight (24” Barrel)

7.62mm NATO

3.55 kg

5 Internal

$1466

M-70XTR Featherweight (26” Barrel)

7.62mm NATO

3.59 kg

5 Internal

$1488

M-70XTR Featherweight (22” Barrel)

.30-06 Springfield

3.62 kg

5 Internal

$1715

M-70XTR Featherweight (24” Barrel)

.30-06 Springfield

3.69 kg

5 Internal

$1748

M-70XTR Featherweight (26” Barrel)

.30-06 Springfield

3.73 kg

5 Internal

$1769

M-70XTR Featherweight (24” Barrel)

.264 Winchester Magnum

3.48 kg

3 Internal

$1375

M-70XTR Featherweight (26” Barrel)

.264 Winchester Magnum

3.51 kg

3 Internal

$1397

M-70XTR Featherweight (24” Barrel, w/Recoil Pad)

.264 Winchester Magnum

3.68 kg

3 Internal

$1450

M-70XTR Featherweight (26” Barrel, w/Recoil Pad)

.264 Winchester Magnum

3.71 kg

3 Internal

$1472

M-70XTR Featherweight (24” Barrel)

7mm Remington Magnum

3.56 kg

3 Internal

$1534

M-70XTR Featherweight (26” Barrel)

7mm Remington Magnum

3.59 kg

3 Internal

$1455

M-70XTR Featherweight (24” Barrel, w/Recoil Pad)

7mm Remington Magnum

3.76 kg

3 Internal

$1609

M-70XTR Featherweight (26” Barrel, w/Recoil Pad)

7mm Remington Magnum

3.79 kg

3 Internal

$1630

M-70XTR Featherweight (24” Barrel)

.300 Winchester Magnum

3.78 kg

3 Internal

$2332

M-70XTR Featherweight (26” Barrel)

.300 Winchester Magnum

3.81 kg

3 Internal

$2394

M-70XTR Featherweight (24” Barrel, w/Recoil Pad)

.300 Winchester Magnum

3.98 kg

3 Internal

$2407

M-70XTR Featherweight (26” Barrel, w/Recoil Pad)

.300 Winchester Magnum

4.01 kg

3 Internal

$2649

M-70XTR Featherweight (24” Barrel)

.300 Weatherby Magnum

3.82 kg

3 Internal

$2453

M-70XTR Featherweight (26” Barrel)

.300 Weatherby Magnum

3.86 kg

3 Internal

$2516

M-70XTR Featherweight (24” Barrel, w/Recoil Pad)

.300 Weatherby Magnum

4.02 kg

3 Internal

 

M-70XTR Featherweight (26” Barrel, w/Recoil Pad)

.300 Weatherby Magnum

4.06 kg

3 Internal

$2591

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

        Burst

Range

M-70XTR/Featherweight (.22-250, 22”)

BA

3

1-Nil

6

3

Nil

63

M-70XTR/Featherweight (.22-250, 24”)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

3

Nil

77

M-70XTR/Featherweight (.22-250, 26”)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

3

Nil

83

M-70XTR/Featherweight (5.56mm, 22”)

BA

3

1-Nil

6

3

Nil

68

M-70XTR/Featherweight (5.56mm, 24”)

BA

3

1-Nil

7

3

Nil

80

M-70XTR/Featherweight (5.56mm, 26”)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

3

Nil

87

M-70XTR/Featherweight (.243, 22”)

BA

3

2-Nil

6

3

Nil

64

M-70XTR/Featherweight (.243, 24”)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

3

Nil

79

M-70XTR/Featherweight (.243, 26”)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

4

Nil

87

M-70XTR/Featherweight (.270, 22”)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

59

M-70XTR/Featherweight (.270, 24”)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

73

M-70XTR/Featherweight (.270, 26”)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

82

M-70XTR (7.62mm, 22”)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

77

M-70XTR (7.62mm, 24”)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

95

M-70XTR (7.62mm, 26”)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

103

M-70XTR (.30-06, 22”)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

67

M-70XTR (.30-06, 24”)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

83

M-70XTR (.30-06, 26”)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

93

M-70XTR (.30-06 JDJ, 22”)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

68

M-70XTR (.30-06 JDJ, 24”)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

84

M-70XTR (.30-06 JDJ, 26”)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

94

M-70XTR/Featherweight (.264 Magnum, 24”)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

84

M-70XTR/Featherweight (.264 Magnum, 26”)

BA

4

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

95

M-70XTR/Featherweight (.264 Magnum, 24”, w/Pad)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

3

Nil

84

M-70XTR (.264 Magnum, 26”, w/Pad)

BA

4

1-2-3

8

3

Nil

95

M-70XTR/Featherweight (7mm Magnum, 24” w/ or w/o Pad)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

91

M-70XTR/Featherweight (7mm Magnum, 26”w/ or w/o Pad)

BA

4

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

103

M-70XTR (.300 Win Magnum, 24”, w/ or w/o Pad)

BA

5

2-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

94

M-70XTR (.300 Win Magnum, 26” w/or w/o Pad)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

106

M-70XTR (.300 Whby Magnum, 24”, w/ or w/o Pad)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

96

M-70XTR (.300 Whby Magnum, 26” w/ or w/o Pad)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

108

M-70XTR (.300 H&H Magnum, 24”, w/ or w/o Pad)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

100

M-70XTR (.300 H&H Magnum, 26” w/ or w/o Pad)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

113

M-70XTR (.338 Magnum, 24”, w/ or w/o Pad)

BA

6

1-3-Nil

8

5

Nil

109

M-70XTR (.338 Magnum, 26”)

BA

6

1-3-Nil

8

6

Nil

122

M-70XTR (.338 Magnum, 26”, w/Pad)

BA

6

1-3-Nil

8

5

Nil

122

M-70XTR (.375 Magnum, 24”)

BA

7

1-3-5

8

6

Nil

116

M-70XTR (.375 Magnum, 26”)

BA

7

1-3-5

8

6

Nil

131

M-70XTR (.375 Magnum, 24”, w/Pad)

BA

7

1-3-5

8

5

Nil

116

M-70XTR (.375 Magnum, 26”, w/Pad)

BA

7

1-3-5

8

5

Nil

131

M-70XTR (.458 Magnum, 24”)

BA

8

1-3-5

9

6

Nil

115

M-70XTR (.458 Magnum, 26”)

BA

8

1-2-3

9

7

Nil

129

M-70XTR (.458 Magnum, 24”, w/Pad)

BA

8

1-3-5

9

5

Nil

115

M-70XTR (.458 Magnum, 26”, w/Pad)

BA

8

1-2-3

9

6

Nil

129

M-70XTR (.475 Magnum, 24”)

BA

8

1-2-3

9

7

Nil

132

M-70XTR (.475 Magnum, 26”)

BA

8

1-2-3

9

7

Nil

149

M-70XTR (.475 Magnum, 24”, w/Pad)

BA

8

1-2-3

9

6

Nil

132

M-70XTR (.475 Magnum, 26”, w/Pad)

BA

8

1-2-3

9

6

Nil

149

M-70XTR Featherweight (7.62mm, 22”)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

77

M-70XTR Featherweight (7.62mm, 24”)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

95

M-70XTR Featherweight (7.62mm, 26”)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

103

M-70XTR Featherweight (.30-06, 22”)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

67

M-70XTR Featherweight (.30-06, 24”)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

83

M-70XTR Featherweight (.30-06, 26”)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

93

M-70XTR Featherweight (.264 Magnum, 26”, w/Pad)

BA

4

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

95

M-70 XTR Featherweight (.300 Win Magnum, 24”)

BA

5

2-3-Nil

8

5

Nil

94

M-70 XTR Featherweight (.300 Win Magnum, 26”)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

5

Nil

106

M-70 XTR Featherweight (.300 Win Magnum, 24”, w/Pad)

BA

5

2-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

94

M-70 XTR Featherweight (.300 Win Magnum, 26”, w/Pad)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

106

M-70 XTR Featherweight (.300 Whby Magnum, 24”)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

5

Nil

96

M-70XTR Featherweight (.300 Whby Magnum, 26”)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

5

Nil

108

M-70XTR Featherweight (.300 Whby Magnum, 24”, w/Pad)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

96

M-70XTR Featherweight (.300 Whby Magnum, 26”, w/Pad)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

108

 

Winchester M-70 (4th Version)

     Notes: In 2006, USRAC and Winchester rather suddenly announced that they were closing their doors and that all designs and patents, including the rights to use the Winchester name, were being sold to FNH of Belgium.  The fate of Winchester’s products hung in the air for a couple of months; then FNH announced that some of Winchester’s line were going to be continued, though they would be built in Belgium.  Initially, FNH did not intend to continue building the M-70, but this was met with a storm of protest from Winchester’s fans and customers.  Thus, FNH decided to build the M-70 in several flavors, though not in the plethora of versions that the 3rd-Version came in.  For the most part, the base design, the Sporter, was virtually identical to the 3rd-Version rifle, though some production methods were changed to FNH-type production methods and there were some other changes, such as the MOA Trigger System (adjustable for pull weight by the shooter, having zero takeup, creep, and overtravel, and widened and having a 2:1 mechanical advantage), and the pre-64-pattern three-position safety (fire, safe, and safe with bolt movement).  Most 4th-version M-70s also have a hinged floorplate under their magazines, though they load from the top.

     Since 2008, The M-70 and most other Winchester rifles were being built in FNH’s facilities in the US, instead of being built in Belgium.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: In the Twilight 2000 timeline, the FNH buyout of USRAC and Winchester never took place; instead, USRAC’s doors remained open, and in some cases, M-70 versions of the 3rd Version were bought by the US Military and issued as surrogate sniper rifles.  The M-70 Coyote, without the Short Magnum and Super Short Magnum chamberings and without the Coyote Outback version, were also produced by USRAC and Winchester.

 

M-70 Sporter

     The new Sporter uses a stock of satin-finish Grade I walnut, a step up in grade from the walnut used on previous M-70s.  The fore-end and pistol grip wrist have machine-cut checkering, and the top of the new Sporter’s stock has a slightly higher profile with a specially-shaped cheekpiece designed to allow the shooter a better sight into a scope.  The butt has a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad.  Most of the externally-visible metalwork is blued, though the bolt is finished in matte stainless.  The new Sporter uses an MOA Trigger System that is adjustable by the shooter (to an extent).  Barrels are 24 inches, except on the 7mm Remington Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum, and .338 Winchester Magnum chamberings, which have 26-inch barrels.  Barrels are of standard profile, but are cold-hammer forged and have a target crown.  The M-70 Sporter has no iron sights, but the drilling and tapping allows for virtually any scope or optic mount to be used, including Weaver and MIL-STD-1913 rails.

     The Sporter III is sort of a deluxe version of the Sporter, with a stock made of Grade III select walnut, again satin-finished.  The stock has a specially-sculpted cheekpiece on the side of the stock – which side depends upon the shooter, as the Sporter III comes in left- and right-handed versions.  Again, the butt has a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad.  There are no iron sights, and drilling and tapping is the same as on the standard Sporter.  Barrels are of the same construction, and finish on the external metalwork is the same as on the standard Sporter.  The barrels are 24 inches, except for the .300 Winchester Magnum and .338 Winchester Magnum versions, which have 26-inch barrels.  The new .264 magnum version also has a 26-inch barrel.

     A Compact version of the Sporter is also made; the primary differences are that the Compact has a barrel of merely 20 inches, the stock has a shorter length of pull, and the butt does not have the Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad found on almost 4th-version M-70s.  The stock profile is also shallower, again to suit smaller shooters.  The Compact comes in only two chamberings.  The Compact was designed with older children and younger teenagers in mind, but many smaller-statured women also find the Compact good to shoot.  The Classic Compact is a similar rifle, but with a somewhat different stock shape, and with an action using the Controlled Round Feed system with a claw extractor.

     The Model 70 75th Anniversary starts with a Super Grade Model 70.  It is almost a new rifle unto itself, using the pre-1964 action instead of a latter-day action.  All surfaces are polished or (in the case of the stock) given a weatherproof finish also given a high polish.  Even the bluing of the barrel and external metalwork are done with a high polish.  The stock has a Shadowline Cheekpiece that allows a natural line with a mounted scope for most shooters.  The bottom opening for the magazine is engraved, as is the pistol grip wrist.  The tip of the fore-end is done in high-quality ebony.  The 75th Anniversary has an MOA Adjustable Trigger; in addition, it is factory tuned to have no takeup, no creep, and no overtravel.  The action is of forged steel, and the weapon has a 3-position safety.  An Integral Recoil lug ensures the barrel is properly alighted with the chamber, and a Blade-type Ejector enhances spent round ejection. The 75th Anniversary has Controlled Feed with a Claw Extractor, ensuring positive magazine feed.  The 24-inch barrel is cold-hammer forged and free-floating.  A Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad tops off the features.  No iron sights are provided, but the shooter buying the rifle is required to provide his own scope. Only one chambering is available, and it is considered a limited edition.

 

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Sporter

.25-06 Remington

3.29 kg

5 Internal

$1362

M-70 Sporter

.264 Winchester Magnum

3.36 kg

3 Internal

$1448

M-70 Sporter

.270 Winchester

3.38 kg

5 Internal

$1551

M-70 Sporter

.270 Winchester Short Magnum

3.28 kg

3 Internal

$1342

M-70 Sporter

7mm Remington Magnum

3.42 kg

3 Internal

$1610

M-70 Sporter

.300 Winchester Short Magnum

3.41 kg

3 Internal

$1596

M-70 Sporter

.30-06 Springfield

3.5 kg

5 Internal

$1803

M-70 Sporter

.300 Winchester Magnum

3.63 kg

3 Internal

$2439

M-70 Sporter

.325 Winchester Short Magnum

3.47 kg

3 Internal

$1697

M-70 Sporter

.338 Winchester Magnum

3.75 kg

3 Internal

$2661

M-70 Sporter III

.25-06 Remington

3.4 kg

5 Internal

$1362

M-70 Sporter III

.270 Winchester

3.48 kg

5 Internal

$1551

M-70 Sporter III

.270 Winchester Short Magnum

3.38 kg

3 Internal

$1342

M-70 Sporter III

7mm Winchester Short Magnum

3.41 kg

3 Internal

$1390

M-70 Sporter III

.300 Winchester Short Magnum

3.51 kg

3 Internal

$1596

M-70 Sporter III

.30-06 Springfield

3.61 kg

5 Internal

$1803

M-70 Sporter III

.300 Winchester Magnum

3.74 kg

3 Internal

$2439

M-70 Sporter III

.325 Winchester Short Magnum

3.57 kg

3 Internal

$1697

M-70 Sporter III

.338 Winchester Magnum

3.86 kg

3 Internal

$2661

M-70 Compact

.243 Winchester

2.72 kg

5 Internal

$976

M-70 Compact

7mm-08 Remington

2.87 kg

5 Internal

$1244

M-70 75th Anniversary

.30-06 Springfield

3.74 kg

5 Internal

$1393

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Sporter/Sporter III (.25-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

67

M-70 Sporter (.264 Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

89

M-70 Sporter/Sporter III (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

71

M-70 Sporter/Sporter III (.270 WSM)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

102

M-70 Sporter (7mm Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

100

M-70 Sporter/Sporter III (.300 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

124

M-70 Sporter/Sporter III (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

80

M-70 Sporter/Sporter III (.300 Win Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

103

M-70 Sporter/Sporter III (.325 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

111

M-70 Sporter/Sporter III (.338 Magnum)

BA

6

1-3-Nil

8

5

Nil

119

M-70 Sporter III (7mm WSM)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

105

M-70 Compact (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

6

4

Nil

59

M-70 Compact (7mm-08)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

6

5

Nil

69

M-70 75th Anniversary

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

88

 

M-70 Classic Custom SA

     The Classic Custom SA (Short Action) is, as the name suggests, chambered for a variety of short-action cartridges.  The Classic Custom SA is a limited-production rifle, built primarily in Winchester’s Custom Shop.  The stock is made of semi-fancy American walnut chosen for its grain with a shadowline cheekpiece and with a satin polyurethane finish for weatherproofing.  The sling swivels under the fore-end and stock allow the sling swivels to fold flush with the wood.  The Classic Custom SA uses the pre-64-type Controlled Round feed, and the 24-inch barrel is match-quality.  Parts are machine-made, but hand-fitted.  The usual drilling and tapping is found on the receiver and the barrel. Unusually, the Classic Custom SA does not have a recoil pad at its butt.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Classic Custom SA

.257 Roberts

3.4 kg

5 Internal

$1182

M-70 Classic Custom SA

.260 Remington

3.51 kg

5 Internal

$1350

M-70 Classic Custom SA

7mm-08 Remington

3.48 kg

5 Internal

$1287

M-70 Classic Custom SA

7.62mm NATO

3.57 kg

5 Internal

$1449

M-70 Classic Custom SA

.358 Winchester

3.87 kg

5 Internal

$2362

M-70 Classic Custom SA

.270 Winchester Short Magnum

3.55 kg

3 Internal

$1268

M-70 Classic Custom SA

7mm Winchester Short Magnum

3.58 kg

3 Internal

$1317

M-70 Classic Custom SA

.300 Winchester Short Magnum

3.71 kg

3 Internal

$1501

M-70 Classic Custom SA

.325 Winchester Short Magnum

3.77 kg

3 Internal

$1624

M-70 Classic Custom SA

.450 Marlin

4.52 kg

3 Internal

$3480

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Classic Custom SA (.257)

BA

4

2-Nil

7

4

Nil

75

M-70 Classic Custom SA (.260)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

69

M-70 Classic Custom SA (7mm-08)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

90

M-70 Classic Custom SA (7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

93

M-70 Classic Custom SA (.358)

BA

5

2-4-Nil

8

6

Nil

111

M-70 Classic Custom SA (.270 WSM)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

103

M-70 Classic Custom SA (7mm WSM)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

106

M-70 Classic Custom SA (.300 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

112

M-70 Classic Custom SA (.325 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

5

Nil

112

M-70 Classic Custom SA (.450 Marlin)

BA

7

1-3-5

8

6

Nil

112

                                                                                                                                                                                          

M-70 Alaskan

     Notes: New for 2012, the fourth edition M-70 Alaskan is chambered in long-action and mostly magnum calibers. The walnut stock has a Monte Carlo design, with a raised stock and raised cheekpiece, making the eyeline with the scope and the recoil force line almost straight.  For the most part the metalwork is steel, though some small parts, such as the magazine trapdoor and trigger and trigger guard, are light alloy. All metalwork is deeply polished, even though most of the external metalwork is blued.  The forged steel receiver carries the pre-1964-style bolt group, with the recoil lug being bedded at the front and the rear.  The 25-inch barrel is cold-forged and floating, with a target crown at the tip. The iron sights are in the scout position, with the rear folding.  The MOA trigger system is used, as well as a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad and the Controlled Round Push Feed System.

     The Alaskan Stainless Laminate basically the same rifle as the Alaskan above, but the metalwork is done in stainless steel.  The woodwork is made from gray hardwood finished in weatherproof polyurethane laminate.  Parts that are light alloy on the Alaskan are made from stainless steel on the Alaskan Stainless Laminate.  In addition, the bolt body is jeweled, the bolt handle knurled, and the rifle comes with sling swivels standard.  Other than appearances and weatherproofing, the primary difference between the two versions is that the Alaskan Stainless Laminate is a bit heavier than the base Alaskan.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Alaskan

.30-06 Springfield

3.86 kg

5 Internal

$1817

M-70 Alaskan

.300 Winchester Magnum

4.11 kg

5 Internal

$2420

M-70 Alaskan

.338 Winchester Magnum

4.29 kg

5 Internal

$2641

M-70 Alaskan

.375 H&H Magnum

4.6 kg

5 Internal

$3366

M-70 Alaskan Stainless Laminate

.30-06 Springfield

4.08 kg

5 Internal

$1818

M-70 Alaskan Stainless Laminate

.300 Winchester Magnum

4.34 kg

5 Internal

$2424

M-70 Alaskan Stainless Laminate

.338 Winchester Magnum

4.53 kg

5 Internal

$2645

M-70 Alaskan Stainless Laminate

.375 H&H Magnum

4.86 kg

5 Internal

$3369

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Alaskan (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

87

M-70 Alaskan (.300 Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

100

M-70 Alaskan (.338 Magnum)

BA

6

1-3-Nil

8

5

Nil

115

M-70 Alaskan (.375 Magnum)

BA

7

1-3-5

8

5

Nil

123

M-70 Alaskan Stainless Laminate (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

88

M-70 Alaskan Stainless Laminate (.300 Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

100

M-70 Alaskan Stainless Laminate (.338 Magnum)

BA

6

1-3-Nil

8

5

Nil

115

M-70 Alaskan Stainless Laminate (.375 Magnum)

BA

7

1-3-5

8

5

Nil

123

 

M-70 Coyote

     The Coyote is essentially the Varmint version of the M-70, though some of its chamberings enable it to tackle heavier game.  Stocks on the basic Coyote are of Walnut, laminated and weatherproofed, and colored in a deep-brown wood finish (though one variant has a gray wood finish), the fore-end has a reverse taper shape.  The butt has a non-slip rubber cover, but this is not a recoil pad. The stock has sling swivels on the toe of the butt and the front of the fore-end; the front sling swivel can be removed, giving access to a bipod mounting point.  Metalwork can be polished blue, matte blue, or stainless steel.  The 24-inch barrel has a medium-heavy profile with a target crown.  The action uses the Controlled Round Push Feed feature, which combines the best aspects of a Push Feed and Controlled Round Feed bolt.  The Coyote does not have iron sights, but instead has the same sort of drilling and tapping as the Sporter to allow it to mount virtually any optic mount. Coyotes are relatively heavy for their size and chambering.

     The Coyote Light (later called the Coyote Lite) is, as the name suggests, a lighter version of the Coyote, primarily by replacement of the furniture by synthetics, specifically a carbon/fiberglass Bell and Carlson Stock.  Parts have also been carefully trimmed to reduce weight. The front of the fore-end has four flow-through vents, which do help cool the rifle, though their primary purpose is to reduce weight.  The barrel is 24 inches in all chamberings, of medium-heavy profile, fluted except at its very end, floating, and has a target crown.  The barrel is made from stainless steel and finished in either bright metal or blued.  Like the Coyote, it has no iron sights, but is equipped to take just about any optic mount imaginable.  The butt has a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad and there is a sling swivel under the stock near the butt, and two under the fore-end.

     The Coyote Outback is a special version of the Coyote.  The Coyote Outback was produced in limited quantities from 2007-2008, and listed by Winchester as a “Historic Product.” The difference in appearance is immediate, as the Coyote Outback uses gray wood, laminated and weatherproofed and satin-finished.  The stock has a sling swivel under the stock and appears to be two under the fore-end, though the front is in fact designed to accept a variety of bipods (though none is provided as standard).  The stock has three large flow-through cutaways and the fore-end has four slot-like flow-through cutaways that serve primarily to cool the barrel.  The cutaways also serve to reduce weight.  External metalwork is finished in bright stainless steel with a clear weatherproofing coating.  The 24” barrel is medium-heavy, floating, and tipped with a target crown.  The barrel is also fluted except at the very end, again to reduce weight.  The weight reduction in other areas allow the Coyote Outback to have extra strengthening in the action and stock, as well as to make the scope mounting more solid. The Coyote Outback has a stock basically shaped like that of the Sporter, without the specially-shaped cheekpiece.  The Coyote Outback has no iron sights, but has all the mounting provisions of other versions of the Coyote. The butt has a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad.  Calibers are largely the same as the other versions of the Coyote, though the weight is different.  Players will find in the charts below that, for the most part, the Coyote Outback shoots like a Coyote Light for game purposes, though there are a few differences.

     The heavier-caliber magnum-firing versions of the Coyote are sometimes referred to as the “Coyote Deer/Elk Big Game Rifle.”

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Coyote

5.56mm NATO

3.97 kg

5 Internal

$818

M-70 Coyote

.223 Winchester Super Short Magnum

3.98 kg

3 Internal

$790

M-70 Coyote

.22-250 Remington

4.05 kg

5 Internal

$865

M-70 Coyote

.243 Winchester Super Short Magnum

4.07 kg

3 Internal

$881

M-70 Coyote

.25 Winchester Super Short Magnum

4.13 kg

3 Internal

$952

M-70 Coyote

.270 Winchester Short Magnum

4.39 kg

3 Internal

$1269

M-70 Coyote

7mm Winchester Short Magnum

4.42 kg

3 Internal

$1318

M-70 Coyote

.300 Winchester Short Magnum

4.55 kg

3 Internal

$1502

M-70 Coyote

7.62mm NATO

4.52 kg

5 Internal

$1450

M-70 Coyote

.325 Winchester Short Magnum

4.63 kg

3 Internal

$1625

M-70 Coyote Light

.204 Ruger

3.35 kg

5 Internal

$838

M-70 Coyote Light

5.56mm NATO

3.38 kg

5 Internal

$911

M-70 Coyote Light

.223 Winchester Super Short Magnum

3.37 kg

3 Internal

$883

M-70 Coyote Light

.22-250 Remington

3.4 kg

5 Internal

$958

M-70 Coyote Light

.243 Winchester

3.47 kg

5 Internal

$1114

M-70 Coyote Light

.243 Winchester Super Short Magnum

3.41 kg

3 Internal

$974

M-70 Coyote Light

.25 Winchester Super Short Magnum

3.44 kg

3 Internal

$1046

M-70 Coyote Light

.270 Winchester Short Magnum

3.69 kg

3 Internal

$1364

M-70 Coyote Light

7mm Winchester Short Magnum

3.72 kg

3 Internal

$1413

M-70 Coyote Light

7.62mm NATO

3.8 kg

5 Internal

$1545

M-70 Coyote Light

.300 Winchester Short Magnum

3.83 kg

3 Internal

$1598

M-70 Coyote Light

.325 Winchester Short Magnum

3.9 kg

3 Internal

$1721

M-70 Coyote Outback

5.56mm NATO

3.52 kg

5 Internal

$899

M-70 Coyote Outback

.22-250 Remington

3.59 kg

5 Internal

$946

M-70 Coyote Outback

.243 Winchester

3.66 kg

5 Internal

$1101

M-70 Coyote Outback

.270 Winchester

3.96 kg

5 Internal

$1560

M-70 Coyote Outback

.270 Winchester Short Magnum

3.96 kg

3 Internal

$1350

M-70 Coyote Outback

7mm Winchester Short Magnum

3.99 kg

3 Internal

$1399

M-70 Coyote Outback

7.62mm NATO

4.08 kg

5 Internal

$1531

M-70 Coyote Outback

.30-06 Springfield

4.24 kg

5 Internal

$1811

M-70 Coyote Outback

.300 Winchester Short Magnum

4.11 kg

3 Internal

$1584

M-70 Coyote Outback

.300 Winchester Magnum

4.38 kg

3 Internal

$2403

M-70 Coyote Outback

.325 Winchester Short Magnum

4.19 kg

3 Internal

$1706

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Coyote (5.56mm)

BA

3

1-Nil

7

3

Nil

79

M-70 Coyote (.223 WSSM)

BA

3

1-1-Nil

7

3

Nil

97

M-70 Coyote (.22-250)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

3

Nil

76

M-70 Coyote (.243 WSSM)

BA

3

1-2-Nil

7

3

Nil

104

M-70 Coyote (.25 WSSM)

BA

3

1-2-Nil

7

3

Nil

104

M-70 Coyote (.243 WSM)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

104

M-70 Coyote (7mm WSM)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

106

M-70 Coyote (.300 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

112

M-70 Coyote (7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

93

M-70 Coyote (.325 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

112

M-70 Coyote Light (.204)

BA

3

1-Nil

7

2

Nil

72

M-70 Coyote Light/Outback (5.56mm)

BA

3

1-Nil

7

2

Nil

81

M-70 Coyote Light (.223 WSSM)

BA

3

1-1-Nil

7

2

Nil

100

M-70 Coyote Light (.22-250)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

3

Nil

77

M-70 Coyote Light/Outback (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

3

Nil

80

M-70 Coyote Light (.243 WSSM)

BA

3

1-2-Nil

7

3

Nil

106

M-70 Coyote Light (.25 WSSM)

BA

3

1-2-Nil

7

3

Nil

106

M-70 Coyote Light/Outback (.270 WSM)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

108

M-70 Coyote Light/Outback (7mm WSM)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

110

M-70 Coyote Light/Outback (7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

97

M-70 Coyote Light/Outback (.300 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

116

M-70 Coyote Light/Outback (.325 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

116

M-70 Coyote Outback (.22-250)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

2

Nil

77

M-70 Coyote Outback (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

74

M-70 Coyote Outback (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

84

M-70 Coyote Outback (.300 Win Magnum)

BA

5

2-3-Nil

8

4

Nil

96

 

M-70 Classic Custom Carbon

     A limited edition rifle, the Custom Carbon was produced only for a few months in 2006.  The foundation for the Custom Carbon is the pre-64 Controlled Round Feed with claw extractor.  The barrel is a 24” Shilen stainless steel barrel, wrapped in a high-modulus graphite epoxy and otherwise free-floating. The barrel is of heavy profile and has a target crown, and the steel is designed to dissipate heat 25% faster and is five times lighter and stronger than a comparable barrel. The stock is a Winchester-designed stock which is externally of black carbon fiber, but internally reinforced with a braided fiberglass structure with integrated aluminum pillars, and has a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad.  Though the calibers below are typical, the Custom Carbon was available in any long-action SAAMI caliber on request, though I have not been able to find out who took advantage of this and what chamberings they chose.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Classic Custom Carbon

.25-06 Remington

3.02 kg

5 Internal

$1383

M-70 Classic Custom Carbon

.270 Winchester Short Magnum

3.01 kg

3 Internal

$1363

M-70 Classic Custom Carbon

7mm Winchester Short Magnum

3.03 kg

3 Internal

$1411

M-70 Classic Custom Carbon

.300 Winchester Short Magnum

3.09 kg

3 Internal

$1597

M-70 Classic Custom Carbon

.338 Winchester Magnum

3.13 kg

3 Internal

$1720

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Classic Custom Carbon (.25-06)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

84

M-70 Classic Custom Carbon (.270 WSM)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

107

M-70 Classic Custom Carbon (7mm WSM)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

109

M-70 Classic Custom Carbon (.300 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

116

M-70 Classic Custom Carbon (.325 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

116

 

M-70 Extreme Weather SS

     Also called the Extreme Weather Stainless, this is intended not only to be Winchester’s most weatherproof and abuse-proof version of the M-70, but to maintain accuracy and hold a zero on its scopes under such conditions.

     The stock is a charcoal gray matte-finished synthetic stock which is textured throughout, with extra texturing given to the pistol grip wrist and fore-end.  The stock, designed by Bell and Carlson, is made from a dense set of composite materials to eliminate the hollow feeling one often gets from a synthetic stock. The side of the stock has a sculpted cheekpiece to help attain and maintain proper eye relief and alignment with the scope.  The butt is equipped with a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad. Exterior metalwork has a matte stainless finish.  The mechanism features a pre-64-type claw extractor and the Controlled Round Feeding System for greater reliability, feeding, and extraction. The Extreme Weather SS has a fluted, free-floating, stainless steel barrel tipped with a target crown.  Barrel lengths range from 22 inches for standard-type chamberings to 24 inches for Short Magnum chamberings to 26 inches to standard Magnum chamberings. The Extreme Weather SS does not have iron sights, but it has enough drilling, tapping, and grooves to allow it to mount virtually any sort of optics mount, including Weaver Rails and MIL-STD-1913 rails.  The Extreme Weather SS is designed to function flawlessly in temperatures from -50 degrees Fahrenheit to +140 degrees Fahrenheit.

     Later, the Extreme Weather SS was replaced in production by the Classic Custom Extreme Weather version.  This version has subtle differences in the shape of the stock and differences in the mix of chamberings.  The stock is a lightweight McMillan-designed stock, with a cheekpiece for better scope use.  The butt features a full 1-inch-thick Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad.  The barrel is a fluted match-grade barrel; barrel lengths range from 22 inches for the .375 H&H Magnum, 24 inches for most other chamberings, and 26 inches for long-action chamberings.  A left-handed version of the Classic Custom Extreme Weather is also built.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Extreme Weather SS

.243 Winchester

3.06 kg

5 Internal

$1091

M-70 Extreme Weather SS

.25-06 Remington

3.18 kg

5 Internal

$1362

M-70 Extreme Weather SS

.270 Winchester

3.24 kg

5 Internal

$1551

M-70 Extreme Weather SS

7mm-08 Remington

3.24 kg

5 Internal

$1360

M-70 Extreme Weather SS

7.62mm NATO

3.3 kg

5 Internal

$1523

M-70 Extreme Weather SS

.30-06 Springfield

3.4 kg

5 Internal

$1804

M-70 Extreme Weather SS

.270 Winchester Short Magnum

3.27 kg

3 Internal

$1363

M-70 Extreme Weather SS

7mm Winchester Short Magnum

3.29 kg

3 Internal

$1411

M-70 Extreme Weather SS

.300 Winchester Short Magnum

3.36 kg

3 Internal

$1597

M-70 Extreme Weather SS

.325 Winchester Short Magnum

3.4 kg

3 Internal

$1720

M-70 Extreme Weather SS

7mm Remington Magnum

3.39 kg

3 Internal

$1633

M-70 Extreme Weather SS

.300 Winchester Magnum

3.63 kg

3 Internal

$2479

M-70 Extreme Weather SS

.338 Winchester Magnum

3.69 kg

3 Internal

$2701

M-70 Classic Custom Extreme Weather

.375 H&H Magnum

3.4 kg

3 Internal

$3367

M-70 Classic Custom Extreme Weather

7.62mm NATO

3.06 kg

5 Internal

$1616

M-70 Classic Custom Extreme Weather

.30-06 Springfield

3.15 kg

5 Internal

$1898

M-70 Classic Custom Extreme Weather

.270 Winchester Short Magnum

3.01 kg

3 Internal

$1435

M-70 Classic Custom Extreme Weather

7mm Winchester Short Magnum

3.03 kg

3 Internal

$1484

M-70 Classic Custom Extreme Weather

.300 Winchester Short Magnum

3.09 kg

3 Internal

$1669

M-70 Classic Custom Extreme Weather

.325 Winchester Short Magnum

3.13 kg

3 Internal

$1792

M-70 Classic Custom Extreme Weather

7mm Remington Magnum

3.14 kg

3 Internal

$1765

M-70 Classic Custom Extreme Weather

.300 Winchester Magnum

3.34 kg

3 Internal

$2546

M-70 Classic Custom Extreme Weather

.300 Remington Ultra Mag

3.37 kg

3 Internal

$2678

M-70 Classic Custom Extreme Weather

.338 Winchester Magnum

3.39 kg

3 Internal

$2775

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Extreme Weather SS (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

3

Nil

70

M-70 Extreme Weather SS (.25-06)

BA

4

2-Nil

7

4

Nil

61

M-70 Extreme Weather SS (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

65

M-70 Extreme Weather SS (7mm-08)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

83

M-70 Extreme Weather SS (7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

85

M-70 Extreme Weather SS (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

74

M-70 Extreme Weather SS (.270 WSM)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

107

M-70 Extreme Weather SS (7mm WSM)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

109

M-70 Extreme Weather SS (.300 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

116

M-70 Extreme Weather SS (.325 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

116

M-70 Extreme Weather SS (7mm Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

104

M-70 Extreme Weather SS (.300 Win Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

108

M-70 Extreme Weather SS (.338 Magnum)

BA

6

1-3-Nil

8

5

Nil

124

M-70 Classic Custom Extreme Weather (.375 Magnum)

BA

6

1-3-Nil

8

5

Nil

102

M-70 Classic Custom Extreme Weather (7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

95

M-70 Classic Custom Extreme Weather (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

83

M-70 Classic Custom Extreme Weather (.270 WSM)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

105

M-70 Classic Custom Extreme Weather (7mm WSM)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

108

M-70 Classic Custom Extreme Weather (.300 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

114

M-70 Classic Custom Extreme Weather (.325 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

114

M-70 Classic Custom Extreme Weather (7mm Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

98

M-70 Classic Custom Extreme Weather (.300 Win Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

106

M-70 Classic Custom Extreme Weather (.300 RUM)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

111

M-70 Classic Custom Extreme Weather (.338 Magnum)

BA

6

1-3-Nil

8

5

Nil

122

 

M-70 Featherweight

     The 4th-version Featherweight is lighter in weight than a standard Sporter primarily due to the use of lighter wood in its stock, though some advanced steels used in its construction also help.  The stock nonetheless uses Grade I walnut, has a Schnabel tip to its fore-end, and a satin finish with finely-cut checkering on its pistol grip wrist and fore-end.  The butt also has a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad, a virtual standard on 4th-version M-70s.  The action uses the also-virtual-standard pre-64-type Controlled Round Feed, and has a jeweled bolt body.  The bolt handle itself is knurled, bent back to ease its use and to help clear large scopes and scope mounts.  Like the Sporter, its drilling and tapping allow the mounting of most optic mounts.  The barrel is of standard profile; standard chamberings use a 22-inch barrel, as do the Super Short Magnums, while most other magnum chamberings have a 24-inch barrel and the .300 Winchester Magnum chambering has a 26-inch barrel. (It should be noted that many of the Featherweights will use the same firing line, as they are close enough in firing characteristics in game terms.)  Throughout its production history, various chamberings have been added and deleted, but I will show all of them here.

     The Featherweight Compact (sometimes called the Compact Carbine) uses basically the same design features, but has a 20-inch standard-profile barrel and is much more much restricted in caliber choices.  The stock is essentially the same design as the standard Featherweight, but the length of pull is shortened to 33 centimeters, and the length of the entire rifle to 100.3 centimeters, as the Featherweight Compact is aimed at shorter women, older children, and those in their early teens. (Ironically, the Featherweight Compact is a good deal heavier than the Compact version of the M-70 Sporter of the M-70 Classic.)  Unlike most versions of the 4th-version M-70, the Featherweight Compact does not have a recoil pad.

     The Featherweight Stainless is basically the same as the standard Featherweight, but is not available in the .22-250, .25-06, .300 Winchester Magnum, 7mm Winchester Short Magnum, or .325 Winchester Magnum chamberings.  Of course, external metalwork is in matte stainless steel. The Classic Compact differs in some details of the stock and its shape, but for game purposes is the same as the standard Featherweight Compact.

     The Classic Featherweight has a somewhat different stock style from the standard Featherweight, most notably in the area of the pistol grip wrist, and is much lighter than the standard Featherweight. It has a knurled (bent back) bolt handle, though the handle is not quite as bent back as on the standard Featherweight.  External metalwork has a satin blued finish.  The stock has an angled comb and a Schnabel fore-end tip, and the area of checkering on the fore-end covers nearly the entire fore-end.  Like most other 4th-version M-70s, it has a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad.  The barrel has a standard profile; the mix of chamberings is different than those of the standard Featherweight, with barrel lengths for standard-type calibers being 22 inches, as well as in the .25 Winchester Super Short Magnum chambering.  Other calibers use a 24-inch barrel. Versions of the Classic Featherweight were made with matte stainless steel external metalwork (the Classic Featherweight Stainless) and of the standard Featherweight (the Stainless Featherweight). Both were also made in left-handed versions.  Left-handed versions were limited to 7mm Winchester Short Magnum, .270 Winchester Magnum, and .300 Winchester Short Magnum, but the Stainless versions are identical to the Featherweight or Classic Featherweight for game purposes.

     The Classic Custom Featherweight uses better-grade walnut than the Classic Featherweight, with a fore-end with a Schnabel Tip and a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad a full inch thick.  The Custom Classic Featherweight is chambered only in three calibers and the metalwork may be blued or matte stainless. A left-handed version of the Classic Custom Featherweight was also made.  Barrels are all 22 inches, and of standard weight and round profile; however, they are of match quality.  However, the Classic Custom Featherweight is equipped with sling swivels, something that most M-70s are not.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Featherweight

.22-250 Remington

3.06 kg

5 Internal

$912

M-70 Featherweight

.243 Winchester

3.16 kg

5 Internal

$1067

M-70 Featherweight

.25-06 Remington

3.32 kg

5 Internal

$1337

M-70 Featherweight

.264 Winchester Magnum

3.36 kg

5 Internal

$1430

M-70 Featherweight

6.5mm Swedish

3.28 kg

5 Internal

$1251

M-70 Featherweight

.270 Winchester

3.38 kg

5 Internal

$1526

M-70 Featherweight

7mm-08 Remington

3.29 kg

5 Internal

$1336

M-70 Featherweight

7.62mm NATO

3.37 kg

5 Internal

$1497

M-70 Featherweight

.30-06 Springfield

3.5 kg

5 Internal

$1778

M-70 Featherweight

.223 Winchester Super Short Magnum

3.1 kg

3 Internal

$837

M-70 Featherweight

.243 Winchester Super Short Magnum

3.16 kg

3 Internal

$928

M-70 Featherweight

.25 Winchester Super Short Magnum

3.2 kg

3 Internal

$999

M-70 Featherweight

7mm Winchester Short Magnum

3.48 kg

3 Internal

$1385

M-70 Featherweight

.270 Winchester Short Magnum

3.45 kg

3 Internal

$1337

M-70 Featherweight

.300 Winchester Short Magnum

3.57 kg

3 Internal

$1570

M-70 Featherweight

.325 Winchester Short Magnum

3.63 kg

3 Internal

$1693

M-70 Featherweight

.300 Winchester Magnum

3.82 kg

3 Internal

$2424

M-70 Featherweight Compact

.22-250 Remington

3.06 kg

5 Internal

$817

M-70 Featherweight Compact

.243 Winchester

3.17 kg

5 Internal

$972

M-70 Featherweight Compact

7mm-08 Remington

3.34 kg

5 Internal

$1240

M-70 Featherweight Compact

7.62mm NATO

3.43 kg

5 Internal

$1402

M-70 Classic Featherweight

.22-250 Remington

3.06 kg

5 Internal

$912

M-70 Classic Featherweight

.243 Winchester

3.16 kg

5 Internal

$1067

M-70 Classic Featherweight

6.5mm Swedish

3.27 kg

5 Internal

$1251

M-70 Classic Featherweight

.270 Winchester

3.41 kg

5 Internal

$1526

M-70 Classic Featherweight

7mm-08 Remington

3.32 kg

5 Internal

$1336

M-70 Classic Featherweight

7.62mm NATO

3.4 kg

5 Internal

$1497

M-70 Classic Featherweight

.30-06 Springfield

3.54 kg

5 Internal

$1778

M-70 Classic Featherweight

.25 Winchester Super Short Magnum

3.2 kg

3 Internal

$1000

M-70 Classic Featherweight

.270 Winchester Short Magnum

3.41 kg

3 Internal

$1337

M-70 Classic Featherweight

7mm Winchester Short Magnum

3.43 kg

3 Internal

$1385

M-70 Classic Featherweight

.300 Winchester Short Magnum

3.52 kg

3 Internal

$1570

M-70 Classic Featherweight

.325 Winchester Short Magnum

3.58 kg

3 Internal

$1693

M-70 Classic Custom Featherweight

.270 Winchester

3.29 kg

5 Internal

$1531

M-70 Classic Custom Featherweight

.280 Remington

3.31 kg

5 Internal

$1590

M-70 Classic Custom Featherweight

.30-06 Springfield

3.4 kg

5 Internal

$1783

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Featherweight (.22-250)

BA

3

1-Nil

6

3

Nil

65

M-70 Featherweight (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

6

3

Nil

65

M-70 Featherweight (.25-06)

BA

4

2-Nil

7

4

Nil

57

M-70 Featherweight (.264 Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

M-70 Featherweight (6.5mm)

BA

4

2-Nil

7

4

Nil

68

M-70 Featherweight (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

60

M-70 Featherweight (7mm-08)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

77

M-70 Featherweight (7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

79

M-70 Featherweight (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

68

M-70 Featherweight (.223 WSSM)

BA

3

1-1-Nil

6

3

Nil

86

M-70 Featherweight (.243 WSSM)

BA

3

1-2-Nil

6

3

Nil

92

M-70 Featherweight (.25 WSSM)

BA

3

1-2-Nil

6

3

Nil

92

M-70 Featherweight (7mm WSM)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

102

M-70 Featherweight (.270 WSM)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

100

M-70 Featherweight (.300 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

108

M-70 Featherweight (.325 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

108

M-70 Featherweight (.300 Win Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

100

M-70 Featherweight Compact (.22-250)

BA

3

1-Nil

6

3

Nil

56

M-70 Featherweight Compact (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

6

3

Nil

57

M-70 Featherweight Compact (7mm-08)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

6

4

Nil

67

M-70 Featherweight Compact (7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

6

5

Nil

68

                                  M-70 Classic Featherweight (.22-250)                               

BA

3

1-Nil

6

3

Nil

65

M-70 Classic Featherweight (.243)

BA

3

1-Nil

6

3

Nil

65

M-70 Classic Featherweight (6.5mm)

BA

4

2-Nil

7

4

Nil

68

M-70 Classic Featherweight (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

60

M-70 Classic Featherweight (7mm-08)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

77

M-70 Classic Featherweight (7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

79

M-70 Classic Featherweight (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

68

M-70 Classic Featherweight (.25 WSSM)

BA

3

1-2-Nil

6

3

Nil

92

M-70 Classic Featherweight (.270 WSM)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

100

M-70 Classic Featherweight (7mm WSM)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

102

M-70 Classic Featherweight (.300 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

108

M-70 Classic Featherweight (.325 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

108

M-70 Classic Custom Featherweight (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

63

M-70 Classic Custom Featherweight (.280)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

64

M-70 Classic Custom Featherweight (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

71

 

M-70 North American Big Game Custom

      This limited edition version of the M-70 was produced for only a short time starting in 2006 – the Whitetail Deer edition is chambered for .270 Winchester Short Magnum, followed by the Elk edition in .300 Winchester Short Magnum, then the Antelope edition in 7mm Winchester Short Magnum.  Only 125 of each caliber were produced.  The rifles were specially-numbered and the shooter was required to buy a set of three (one in each caliber).  The action uses the pre-64 Controlled Round Feed system.  The metal of this version of the M-70 is special chrome-moly steel; the stocks are of select Grade III walnut, finished with a weatherproof satin polyurethane finish and impregnated with a compound to fight warp.  The finish of the metalwork is high-luster blue, with a special transparent coating to make it weatherproof and rustproof.  The trigger guard is integral with the magazine floorplate, which is engraved with the edition type of the rifle in gold.  Parts of the receiver also have special engraving. The pistol grip wrist has a large area of hand-cut checkering, and the fore-end likewise has a large area of hand-cut checkering.  Of course, the North American Big Game Custom is equipped with a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad on the butt, as well as sling swivels which fold flush into the stock and fore-end.  The barrel is 24 inches, medium profile, floating, and with a target crown.  Naturally, the real-world price of one of these rifles is far in excess of the game price.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 North American Big Game Custom

.270 Winchester Short Magnum

3.4 kg

3 Internal

$1349

M-70 North American Big Game Custom

7mm Winchester Short Magnum

3.43 kg

3 Internal

$1398

M-70 North American Big Game Custom

.300 Winchester Short Magnum

3.52 kg

3 Internal

$1582

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 North American Big Game Custom (.270 WSM)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

107

M-70 North American Big Game Custom (7mm WSM)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

109

M-70 North American Big Game Custom (.300 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

116

 

M-70 Safari Express

     The Safari Express is at its base a larger, heavier version of the Sporter, designed to fire heavy-caliber rounds.  It has the basic details of the Sporter – a Grade I walnut stock with fine checkering on the pistol grip wrist and on the fore-end, though the fore-end tip is rounded instead of having a Schnabel Tip and the stock has almost no drop to it.  The butt is equipped with a thick Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad. The Safari Express uses the pre-64-type claw extractor, a hooded front sight ramp, and an express-type rear sight.  The stock has a pair of reinforcing crossbolts through it (above and just ahead of the trigger guard and below and just ahead of the bolt opening/extraction port).  The action is also attached to the receiver with two extra recoil lugs.  The standard screws of the M-70 have been almost totally replaced by flush-fit hex screws. The magazine floorplate has been designed to be totally flush with the bottom of the rifle, except for a small portion gripped for opening in front of and flush with the trigger guard.  The Safari Express has sling swivels, one attached to a reinforced ring around the barrel just ahead of the fore-end tip, and the other under the stock. The barrel is 24 inches, but the barrel is also of heavy profile as well as being tipped with a target crown.

     Related to the Safari Express is the Custom African Express.  This is similar to the Safari Express, but has an English select-quality stock which has a cheekpiece “mound” on the side of the stock to aid in positioning the head correctly for scope use and may shooting more comfortable.  The English walnut used in the stock is hand-oiled and hand-checkered, with large checkered area on the pistol grip wrist (stretching from the cap to nearly the receiver).  The pistol grip wrist cap and the end of the fore-end are of ebony.  The Custom African Express has a full 1-inch thick Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad. Though the Custom African Express is drilled and tapped in the normal manner; additional drilling and tapping allows for scopes to be mounted in the scout position; in addition, the Custom African Express has an adjustable rear sight in the scout position, and a hooded front sight post.  An Oberndorf magazine floorplate allows for the carriage on one extra cartridge.  External metalwork is deep blue, and sling swivels are found on a reinforced ring about two inches in front of the and under the stock; the rear sling swivel folds into a recess in the stock.  Barrels are of heavy profile and cold hammer-forged.  Barrels are 22 inches for the .458 Winchester Magnum chambering, and 24 inches for the others.  A left-handed version of the Custom African Express is made; this version has an additional chambering, and the .470 Capstick chambering uses a 24-inch barrel.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Safari Express

.375 H&H Magnum

4.08 kg

3 Internal

$3333

M-70 Safari Express

.416 Remington Magnum

4.26 kg

3 Internal

$3904

M-70 Safari Express

.458 Winchester Magnum

4.31 kg

3 Internal

$4093

M-70 Custom African Express

.375 H&H Magnum

4.38 kg

4 Internal

$3401

M-70 Custom African Express

.416 Remington Magnum

4.45 kg

4 Internal

$3597

M-70 Custom African Express

.416 Rigby

4.59 kg

4 Internal

$4026

M-70 Custom African Express

.458 Winchester Magnum

4.62 kg

4 Internal

$4099

M-70 Custom African Express

.458 Lott

4.75 kg

4 Internal

$4550

M-70 Custom African Express (Left-Handed)

.470 Capstick

4.85 kg

4 Internal

$4900

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Safari Express (.375 Magnum)

BA

7

1-3-5

8

5

Nil

115

M-70 Safari Express (.416 Rem Magnum)

BA

7

1-3-5

8

5

Nil

125

M-70 Safari Express (.458 Win Magnum)

BA

8

1-3-5

8

5

Nil

114

M-70 Custom African Express (.375 Magnum)

BA

7

1-3-5

8

4

Nil

113

M-70 Custom African Express (.416 Rem Magnum)

BA

7

1-3-5

8

4

Nil

112

M-70 Custom African Express (.416 Rigby)

BA

7

1-3-5

8

4

Nil

129

M-70 Custom African Express (.458 Win Magnum)

BA

7

1-3-5

8

4

Nil

98

M-70 Custom African Express (.458 Lott)

BA

8

1-2-3

9

5

Nil

123

M-70 Custom African Express LH (.470 Capstick)

BA

8

1-2-3

9

5

Nil

129

 

M-70 Stealth

     The M-70 Stealth was one of the first versions of the M-70 first offered by the now-FN-owned Winchester, and was meant to be the 4th-version counterpart to the 3rd-version’s M-70 Heavy Varmint rifle.  The stock design is similar to that of the Sporter, but it has a more straight-in-line stock with a low degree of drop in the stock.  Like the Sporter, the Stealth is equipped with a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad on its butt.  Despite the Stealth’s HS Precision-designed Kevlar/fiberglass/graphite stock, many of the other features make the Stealth a relatively heavy member of the M-70 series.  Some of these features include strategic steel and light alloy strengthening in inside certain portions of the stock., a stronger action, measures to make the Stealth as weatherproof and rust-proof as possible, and the use in the action barrel, and some other parts of heavy, high-strength steels.  The barrel is a long one at 26 inches, and the barrel has a heavy profile which is free-floating and has a target crown.  The bedding is done with a Pillar Plus AccuBlock.  The action, other than its increased strength, is largely like an improved version of that of the Sporter, designed to increase the already-reliable reliability of the new M-70’s action; however, it is extremely smooth and quiet.  As with many M-70s, the Stealth has no iron sights, the drilling and tapping allow it to take virtually any sort of sight base or mount. The stock is of matte black synthetic, and the barrel is matte blued, as is all external metalwork (hence the “Stealth” appellation, along with its potential range).  When the Stealth was first introduced, it was available in four chamberings, but only one (7.62mm NATO) has been offered since 2009, as Winchester has moved its focus to the Stealth II and Stealth III.

     There have been rumors of the 7.62mm version of the Stealth being used as a sniper rifle by some military and extra-military units in the early stages of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Other rumors state that the Stealth was never really meant to be a Varmint or hunting rifle, but instead a weapon for police snipers or as a tactical response sharpshooter’s weapon, or as a military sniper or sharpshooter’s weapon.

     The Stealth II is in fact more of a varmint rifle than the Stealth currently is.  Nonetheless, the same rumors persist about the Stealth II getting military use. Available in five calibers, the Stealth II is still very much like the Stealth, but the stock is a matte dark gray stock designed by Bell and Carlson.  The fore-end checkering is gone, though the checkering on the pistol grip stock remains, and the area that is checkered is larger, extending from the pistol grip wrist cap almost to the trigger guard.  The trigger guard and magazine floorplate are made in one piece, which the whole swinging open when the floorplate is opened.  The ejector has been changed to a blade type instead of the claw-type used on most iterations of the M-70, but this ejector can be adjusted for ejection force by the shooter.  The barrel is essentially the same as that of the Stealth, though the Stealth II uses a single bedding block which is shorter in length than that of the Stealth.  Perhaps the biggest change of in the Stealth II is that it is even heavier than the Stealth, though this contributes to lower felt recoil and greater stability.  The factory-set trigger pull weight of 6 pounds is considered unnecessarily heavy by most shooters; fortunately, the trigger pull weight, pull length, and overtravel are easily adjustable by a weaponsmith or even a shooter with appropriate knowledge.

 

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Stealth

5.56mm NATO

4.24 kg

5 Internal

$931

M-70 Stealth

.22-250 Remington

4.27 kg

5 Internal

$978

M-70 Stealth

.25 Winchester Super Short Magnum

4.32 kg

3 Internal

$1066

M-70 Stealth

7.62mm NATO

4.54 kg

5 Internal

$1565

M-70 Stealth II

.22-250 Winchester

4.69 kg

5 Internal

$978

M-70 Stealth II

.223 Winchester Super Short Magnum

4.64 kg

3 Internal

$903

M-70 Stealth II

.243 Winchester Super Short Magnum

4.7 kg

3 Internal

$994

M-70 Stealth II

.25 Winchester Super Short Magnum

4.74 kg

3 Internal

$1066

M-70 Stealth II

7.62mm NATO

5.03 kg

5 Internal

$1565

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Stealth (.223)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

2

Nil

87

M-70 Stealth/Stealth II (.22-250)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

2

Nil

84

M-70 Stealth/Stealth II (.25 WSSM)

BA

3

1-2-Nil

7

3

Nil

115

M-70 Stealth/Stealth II  (7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

8

3

Nil

104

M-70 Stealth II (.223 WSSM)

BA

3

1-1-Nil

7

2

Nil

108

M-70 Stealth II (.243 WSSM)

BA

3

1-2-Nil

7

2

Nil

115

 

M-70 Super Grade

     While for the most part the Super Grade is a Deluxe version of the Sporter or Classic, the Super Grade has some extra touches that warrant it a separate entry.  The stock of the basic Super Grade is of fancy walnut, with fine, hand-cut checkering on the pistol grip wrist; the checkering in this area is large and extends from the pistol grip wrist cap almost to the rear of the trigger guard.  The fore-end has the same sort of checkering, taking up, from the center of the fore-end, about two-thirds of the fore-end.  The Super Grade is a bit more strongly-built, including a reinforcing crossbolt just above and in front of the front of the trigger guard.  Sling swivels are standard on the Super Grade, but these fold flush with the stock. The butt is equipped with the standard Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad.  The trigger pack is exceptional, and the trigger has no creep, no takeup, and no overtravel, and is adjustable by a weaponsmith for pull weight.  The Super Grade has the usual collection of drilling and tapping, enabling it to take virtually any type of scope mount.  (A Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail, in fact, is an optional accessory which can be ordered from Winchester along with the Super Grade.)  The barrel is 24 inches (except for .300 and .338 Winchester Magnum versions and 7mm Remington Magnum version, which have a 26-inch barrel), cold hammer-forged, and floating for additional accuracy.

     The Classic Super Grade, like the Classic Sporter, has a somewhat different stock design from the Super Grade, as well as a different mix of calibers. Originally six chamberings were offered; later, though six chamberings were still offered, they were different chamberings than the original ones offered.  The weight of the Classic Super Grade also changed somewhat.  A fancier version, the Classic Super Grade III, is also sold; this version uses Grade II walnut in its stock hence the name), and small details like a hand-etched crossbolt head, an ebony fore-end cap for the tip, and a black ebony cap for the pistol grip wrist.  The Classic Super Grade III uses the pre-64 Controlled Feed action.  Barrel lengths remain the same as on the Classic Super grade, with a total of nine chamberings.

     The Super Grade RMEF (Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation) was a limited edition, with a fancy-grade stock, matte stainless external metalwork, a butt with a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad, and a special RMEF emblem on the pistol grip wrist cap.  The fore-end is rounded, but has no special cap.  Originally, the Super grade RMEF was made in .300 Winchester Magnum (with a 26” barrel) or .300 Winchester Short Magnum (with a 24” barrel), but the .300 Winchester Magnum chambering was dropped in 2007.  Like the Super Grade, the Super Grade’s barrel is cold hammer-forged and is free-floating.  The Super Grade RMEF is a very light rifle given its magnum chamberings.  The Classic Super Grade RMEF is identical for game purposes except for minor details in the shape of the stock.

     The Super Grade III RMEF is similar to the Super Grade RMEF in lines, but the stock is made of select grade II walnut chosen for the lines of its grain.  The checkering of its pistol grip wrist and fore-end is hand-cut.  An additional crossbolt is added under the action to increase strength.  The fore-end is tipped with an ebony cap, and the pistol grip wrist is capped by a special RMEF emblem.  The stock has a raised shadowline cheekpiece, and the butt has the near-customary Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad.  The sling swivels of the Super Grade III RMEF are designed to fold flush into the stock.  Like the Super Grade RMEF, the Super Grade III RMEF is rather light for the magnum cartridges it fires.

     Note that the real-world prices for a Super Grade rifle far exceeds the game costs listed below.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Super Grade

.270 Winchester

3.78 kg

5 Internal

$1574

M-70 Super Grade

.270 Winchester Short Magnum

3.66 kg

3 Internal

$1346

M-70 Super Grade

.30-06 Springfield

3.92 kg

5 Internal

$1807

M-70 Super Grade

.300 Winchester Short Magnum

3.81 kg

3 Internal

$1579

M-70 Super Grade

.300 Winchester Magnum

4.08 kg

3 Internal

$2452

M-70 Super Grade

.338 Winchester Magnum

4.17 kg

3 Internal

$2673

M-70 Classic Super Grade

.270 Winchester

3.52 kg

5 Internal

$1574

M-70 Classic Super Grade

7mm Remington Magnum

3.54 kg

3 Internal

$1614

M-70 Classic Super Grade

7mm STW

3.61 kg

3 Internal

$1768

M-70 Classic Super Grade

.30-06 Springfield

3.63 kg

5 Internal

$1807

M-70 Classic Super Grade

.300 Winchester Magnum

3.76 kg

3 Internal

$2452

M-70 Classic Super Grade

.338 Winchester Magnum

3.84 kg

3 Internal

$2673

M-70 Classic Super Grade III

.25-06 Remington

3.63 kg

5 Internal

$1366

M-70 Classic Super Grade III

.270 Winchester

3.73 kg

5 Internal

$1555

M-70 Classic Super Grade III

.270 Winchester Short Magnum

3.62 kg

3 Internal

$1345

M-70 Classic Super Grade III

7mm Winchester Short Magnum

3.65 kg

3 Internal

$1394

M-70 Classic Super Grade III

.30-06 Springfield

3.87 kg

5 Internal

$1807

M-70 Classic Super Grade III

.300 Winchester Short Magnum

3.76 kg

3 Internal

$1579

M-70 Classic Super Grade III

.325 Winchester Short Magnum

3.82 kg

3 Internal

$1701

M-70 Classic Super Grade III

.300 Winchester Magnum

4.02 kg

3 Internal

$2451

M-70 Classic Super Grade III

.338 Winchester Magnum

4.11 kg

3 Internal

$2673

M-70 Classic Super Grade RMEF

.300 Winchester Magnum

3.52 kg

3 Internal

$2451

M-70 Classic Super Grade RMEF

.300 Winchester Short Magnum

3.33 kg

3 Internal

$1579

M-70 Classic Super Grade III RMEF

.300 Winchester Short Magnum

3.52 kg

3 Internal

$1579

M-70 Classic Super Grade III RMEF

.325 Winchester Short Magnum

3.58 kg

3 Internal

$1701

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Super Grade (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

71

M-70 Super Grade (.270 WSM)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

105

M-70 Super Grade (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

82

M-70 Super Grade (.300 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

113

M-70 Super Grade (.300 Win Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

106

M-70 Super Grade (.338 Magnum)

BA

5

1-3-Nil

8

5

Nil

121

M-70 Classic Super Grade (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

71

M-70 Classic Super Grade (7mm Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

102

M-70 Classic Super Grade (7mm STW)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

87

M-70 Classic Super Grade (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

82

M-70 Classic Super Grade (.300 Win Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

106

M-70 Classic Super Grade (.338 Magnum)

BA

5

1-3-Nil

8

5

Nil

121

M-70 Classic Super Grade III (.25-06)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

82

M-70 Classic Super Grade III (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

72

M-70 Classic Super Grade III (.270 WSM)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

105

M-70 Classic Super Grade III (7mm WSM)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

107

M-70 Classic Super Grade III (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

82

M-70 Classic Super Grade III (.300 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

113

M-70 Classic Super Grade III (.325 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

113

M-70 Classic Super Grade III (.300 Win Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

106

M-70 Classic Super Grade III (.338 Magnum)

BA

6

1-3-Nil

8

5

Nil

121

M-70 Super Grade RMEF (.300 Win Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

106

M-70 Super Grade RMEF (.300 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

113

M-70 Super Grade III RMEF (.300 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

113

M-70 Super Grade III RMEF (.325 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

113

 

M-70 Super Shadow

     This is the “descendant” of the 3rd version M-70 Shadow.  The Super Shadow has the basic functions and some of the features of the Shadow, but has a different purpose:  the Super Shadow is meant to be a lightweight version of the M-70, that is lower in (real-world) cost than most of the 4th-version M-70 line.  The Super Shadow’s stock is based on that of the Sporter, but is made of advanced composites which are reinforced with even stiffer composites and some light alloy in crucial areas. The lines of the stock are simple and flowing, with molded in oval dot texturing on the pistol grip wrist and the fore-end.  It uses a more advanced version of the pre-64 feed system, called Controlled Round Push Feed.  The stock has the Pachmayr Decelerater recoil pad found on almost all 4th-version M-70s, and has “ripple” contours on the stock to help the shooter’s shoulder grip on the stock.  The Super Shadow is equipped with sling swivels under the fore-end near the end and under the stock. The Super Shadow’s fore-end is merely squared-off at the end, and it has no magazine floorplate to quickly empty the magazine.  The stock of the Super Shadow is matte black in color, and the external metalwork is dark matte blued.  The super Shadow has no iron sights, relying on the drilling and tapping that allows for the mounting of virtually any type of scope mount or rings. The barrel is a simple standard-weight round barrel 24 inches long, with no special features, and the Super Shadow is designed only for Winchester Short Magnum and Winchester Super Short Magnum rounds.

     The Ultimate Shadow appears at first very much like the Super Shadow in appearance, but upon closer inspection has several features the Super Shadow does not.  The stock has the same construction, but has a rubberized coating that allows the shooter a better grip on the rifle whether he is firing or simply carrying it in his hand; this is in addition to the oval dot texturing on the pistol grip wrist and fore-end and the “ripples” on the stock that improve shoulder grip on the stock.  A special transparent coating protects the external metalwork from the elements and simple bangs that might scratch other rifles.  The standard Ultimate Shadow has a matte black color to the stock and dark matte blued external metalwork.  The Ultimate Shadow is chambered for many more rounds than the Super Shadow; barrel lengths are 22 inches for .243 Winchester, 7mm-08 Remington, and 7.62mm NATO; 24 inches for .25-06 Remington, .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, and the Winchester Short Magnum rounds; and 26 inches for the long-action magnum rounds.  The barrel is a free-floating barrel, and the Ultimate Shadow has the MOA trigger pack which is adjustable to a large degree by the shooter, and even more so by a weaponsmith.  The Ultimate Shadow in its base, dark colored form (and sometimes the Super Shadow and base, dark classic Ultimate Shadow) are sometimes called the Black Shadow.

     The Classic Ultimate Shadow is for the most part the similar to the Ultimate Shadow, but has a stock shape subtly different from the Ultimate Shadow.  The pistol grip wrist and fore-end have the same textures, but are in an actual inset which is gray in color.  The Classic Ultimate Shadow uses only Winchester Short Magnum and Winchester Super Short Magnum chamberings, and the action may be Controlled Round Feed or Controlled Round Push Feed at the buyer’s option.  The recoil pad, “rippled” stock, rubberized coating on the stock, coating for the external metalwork, and floating barrel are carried over from the Ultimate Shadow; however, the Classic Ultimate Shadow does not have an MOA trigger pack.  The standard Classic Ultimate Shadow has a matte black stock and dark matte blued external metalwork; however, the Classic Stainless Ultimate Shadow version has a matte stainless finish on the external metalwork.  There is also a Classic Camo Ultimate Shadow, which has a stock with an imprinted Mossy Oak camouflage pattern, including on the pistol grip wrist and for-end texturing, and dark matte blued external metalwork.  There is also a corresponding Classic Camo Stainless Ultimate Shadow version. Barrel length is 22 inches for Super Short Magnum chamberings and 24 inches for Short Magnum chamberings.

 

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-70 Super Shadow

.243 Winchester Super Short Magnum

2.72 kg

4 Internal

$961

M-70 Super Shadow

.25 Winchester Super Short Magnum

2.75 kg

4 Internal

$1032

M-70 Super Shadow

.270 Winchester Short Magnum

2.86 kg

4 Internal

$1350

M-70 Super Shadow

7mm Winchester Short Magnum

2.88 kg

4 Internal

$1399

M-70 Super Shadow

.300 Winchester Short Magnum

2.94 kg

4 Internal

$1585

M-70 Super Shadow

.325 Winchester Short Magnum

2.98 kg

4 Internal

$1708

M-70 Ultimate Shadow

.243 Winchester

3.06 kg

5 Internal

$1085

M-70 Ultimate Shadow

.25-06 Remington

3.2 kg

5 Internal

$1377

M-70 Ultimate Shadow

.270 Winchester

3.27 kg

5 Internal

$1566

M-70 Ultimate Shadow

7mm-08 Remington

3.18 kg

5 Internal

$1355

M-70 Ultimate Shadow

7.62mm NATO

3.24 kg

5 Internal

$1517

M-70 Ultimate Shadow

.30-06 Springfield

3.36 kg

5 Internal

$1819

M-70 Ultimate Shadow

.270 Winchester Short Magnum

3.22 kg

4 Internal

$1357

M-70 Ultimate Shadow

.300 Winchester Short Magnum

3.3 kg

4 Internal

$1591

M-70 Ultimate Shadow

.325 Winchester Short Magnum

3.34 kg

4 Internal

$1714

M-70 Ultimate Shadow

7mm Remington Magnum

3.33 kg

4 Internal

$1626

M-70 Ultimate Shadow

.300 Winchester Magnum

3.57 kg

4 Internal

$2459

M-70 Ultimate Shadow

.338 Winchester Magnum

3.63 kg

4 Internal

$2681

M-70 Classic Ultimate Shadow

.223 Winchester Super Short Magnum

2.95 kg

4 Internal

$855

M-70 Classic Ultimate Shadow

.243 Winchester Super Short Magnum

2.99 kg

4 Internal

$946

M-70 Classic Ultimate Shadow

.25 Winchester Super Short Magnum

3.02 kg

4 Internal

$1017

M-70 Classic Ultimate Shadow

.270 Winchester Short Magnum

3.18 kg

4 Internal

$1357

M-70 Classic Ultimate Shadow

7mm Winchester Short Magnum

3.2 kg

4 Internal

$1405

M-70 Classic Ultimate Shadow

.300 Winchester Short Magnum

3.26 kg

4 Internal

$1591

M-70 Classic Ultimate Shadow

.325 Winchester Short Magnum

3.3 kg

4 Internal

$1714

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-70 Super Shadow (.243 WSSM)

BA

3

1-2-Nil

7

3

Nil

100

M-70 Super Shadow (.25 WSSM)

BA

3

1-2-Nil

7

3

Nil

100

M-70 Super Shadow (.270 WSM)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

100

M-70 Super Shadow (7mm WSM)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

102

M-70 Super Shadow (.300 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

108

M-70 Super Shadow (.325 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

108

M-70 Ultimate Shadow (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

6

3

Nil

68

M-70 Ultimate Shadow (.25-06)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

81

M-70 Ultimate Shadow (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

71

M-70 Ultimate Shadow (7mm-08)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

80

M-70 Ultimate Shadow (7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

82

M-70 Ultimate Shadow (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

81

M-70 Ultimate Shadow (.270 WSM)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

103

M-70 Ultimate Shadow (.300 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

112

M-70 Ultimate Shadow (.325 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

112

M-70 Ultimate Shadow (7mm Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

100

M-70 Ultimate Shadow (.300 Win Magnum)

BA

5

1-2-3

8

4

Nil

104

M-70 Ultimate Shadow (.338 Magnum)

BA

6

1-3-Nil

8

5

Nil

120

M-70 Classic Ultimate Shadow (.223 WSSM)

BA

3

1-1-Nil

6

3

Nil

88

M-70 Classic Ultimate Shadow (.243 WSSM)

BA

3

1-2-Nil

6

3

Nil

94

M-70 Classic Ultimate Shadow (.25 WSSM)

BA

3

1-2-Nil

6

3

Nil

94

M-70 Classic Ultimate Shadow (.270 WSM)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

103

M-70 Classic Ultimate Shadow (7mm WSM)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

106

M-70 Classic Ultimate Shadow (.300 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

112

M-70 Classic Ultimate Shadow (.325 WSM)

BA

5

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

112

 

Winchester M-670

     The Model 670 was designed to be (in real life terms) to be a budget-priced alternative to the M-70 series, and was introduced in 1967.  Production kept going until 1973; during this time, only 20,000 M-670s were built, versus hundreds of thousands of the various types of 1st-version M-70s.  The stock of the M-670 was of the same design of most of the 1st version M-70, but was made of cheaper beech with a finish designed to make it look like walnut.  The action is for the most part like that of the M-70, though without the claw extractor that most 1st version M-70s had. The magazine has no floorplate.  The cocking handle is normally folded completely down and folds into a recess in the stock, and when the selector is switched to fire, the handle pops out, making it easy to grasp and cycle.  Originally, several chamberings of the M-670 were offered, but by 1971, only .243 Winchester and .30-06 Springfield remained.  External metalwork is colored a polished blue.  The standard M-670 uses a 22-inch barrel, but the Carbine version has a 20-inch barrel and reduced length of pull, and the Magnum version has a 24-inch barrel.  All barrels are essentially plain, with standard-weight round profiles.  The internal magazine of the M-670 is slightly smaller than the M-70 is most cases.  The M-670 has iron sights as well as drilling and tapping, with the rear sight being a Williams notch-type adjustable sight and the front being a ramp.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-670

.225 Winchester

3.18 kg

4 Internal

$843

M-670

.243 Winchester

3.39 kg

4 Internal

$992

M-670

.270 Winchester

3.69 kg

4 Internal

$1451

M-670

.30-06 Springfield

3.82 kg

4 Internal

$1703

M-670 Carbine

.225 Winchester

3.16 kg

4 Internal

$822

M-670 Carbine

.243 Winchester

3.37 kg

4 Internal

$972

M-670 Carbine

.270 Winchester

3.67 kg

4 Internal

$1430

M-670 Carbine

.30-06 Springfield

3.8 kg

4 Internal

$1682

M-670 Magnum

.264 Winchester Magnum

3.65 kg

4 Internal

$1352

M-670 Magnum

.300 Winchester Magnum

4 kg

4 Internal

$2288

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-670 (.225)

BA

3

1-Nil

6

2

Nil

64

M-670 (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

3

Nil

65

M-670 (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

60

M-670 (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

68

M-670 Carbine (.225)

BA

3

1-Nil

6

3

Nil

56

M-670 Carbine (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

6

3

Nil

57

M-670 Carbine (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

6

4

Nil

52

M-670 Carbine (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

59

M-670 Magnum (.264 Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

4

Nil

79

M-670 Magnum (.300)

BA

5

2-3-Nil

7

4

Nil

89

 

Winchester M-770

     Notes: Produced in small numbers from 1969-71, the M-770 sort of occupied a niche market between the M-670 and M-70: though not as refined as the M-70, it was not as inexpensive in real-world terms as the M-670.  The M-770 retained the lack of a magazine floorplate, though the stock was of walnut, if low-quality, low-density walnut, with a decent finish.  The stock profile was the same as on the standard M-70, though without checkering. The action was virtually identical to that of the M-70, and included a guide rib to use with stripper clips. External metalwork was generally medium-blued; barrels were round and of standard-profile, with standard chamberings (the M-770 Standard) having a 22-inch barrel and magnum chamberings (the M-770 Magnum) having a 24-inch barrel.  The M-770 had no iron sights, but had the usual 1st version drilling and tapping. The M-770 was known for its low (some say too low) weight.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

M-770 Standard

.222 Remington

2.64 kg

4 Internal

$772

M-770 Standard

.22-250 Remington

2.68 kg

4 Internal

$837

M-770 Standard

.243 Winchester

2.76 kg

4 Internal

$992

M-770 Standard

.270 Winchester

3.01 kg

4 Internal

$1451

M-770 Standard

7.62mm NATO

3 kg

4 Internal

$1422

M-770 Standard

.30-06 Springfield

3.12 kg

4 Internal

$1703

M-770 Magnum

.264 Winchester Magnum

3 kg

3 Internal

$1352

M-770 Magnum

7mm Remington Magnum

3.07 kg

3 Internal

$1510

M-770 Magnum

.300 Winchester Magnum

3.29 kg

3 Internal

$2288

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

M-770 Standard (.222)

BA

3

1-Nil

6

3

Nil

71

M-770 Standard (.22-250)

BA

3

1-Nil

6

3

Nil

65

M-770 Standard (.243)

BA

3

2-Nil

7

4

Nil

65

M-770 Standard (.270)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

60

M-770 Standard (7.62mm)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

79

M-770 Standard (.30-06)

BA

4

2-3-Nil

7

5

Nil

68

M-770 Magnum (.264 Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

5

Nil

79

M-770 Magnum (7mm Magnum)

BA

4

1-2-3

7

5

Nil

86

M-770 Magnum (.300 Win Magnum)

BA

5

2-3-Nil

8

5

Nil

89