WINCHESTER MODEL 70 FEATHRWEIGHT
Posted May 25, 2023
The Winchester Model 70 Featherweight is one of the most iconic and recognizable rifles in the world, with its timeless design and enduring reputation. The rifle is known for its reliability and accuracy as well as its lightweight design. For over 70 years, hunters around the world have been relying on the Winchester Model 70 Featherweight to get the job done in a variety of environments and terrain.
The Winchester Model 70 Featherweight is a bolt-action, repeating rifle designed for hunting. It uses a short action, with a three-lug rotation bolt, and a Mauser action-type firing pin. The rifle is available in a variety of calibers to suit hunters and shooters of all levels. The rifle is constructed from a steel barrel and receiver, checkered walnut stock, and blued matte finish. The walnut stock is finished with a black fore-end tip and grip cap, and the rifle is equipped with a hooded ramp front sight and eyesight that is adjustable for windage and elevation.
The Featherweight has a classic sleek design and is well-balanced. The rifle has a traditional feel in the hand, and the stock is comfortable to shoulder and fire. As far as recoil goes, the .30-06 and .270 Winchester are moderate, while the .308 Winchester is a bit more stout.
The Featherweight offers a very smooth action, with the five-round detachable box magazine loaded directly into the action. The magazine is easy to access, and removal and reassembly are both easy. The trigger is crisp, with a short travel distance and light pull. It can be adjusted for a lighter or heavier pull, and is adjustable for overtravel and creep.
The Featherweight has a cold hammer forged 22-inch steel barrel with a polished blued finish. The bore is chrome-lined for corrosion resistance, and the rifling has a deeper twist rate than most other factory barrels. The barrel is also fluted to help reduce the overall weight of the rifle.
In terms of accuracy, the Featherweight can produce groups that measure 0.5 inches or less with the right ammo. The added barrel length, as compared to other factory-made rifles, helps increase the velocity and ultimately, the accuracy. The Featherweight performs very well at ranges up to 500 yards, and it can be used for hunting, target shooting and varmint hunting.
One of the most appealing features of the Winchester Model 70 Featherweight is its lightweight design. The rifle tips the scales at only 6.5 pounds without the scope, and is just over 41 inches in length when the stock is extended. It is considered to be featherweight by the U.S. military (M1903 Springfield) standards.
When it comes to safety features, the Featherweight has a traditional half-cock safety, located on the right side of the receiver, which is easier to access with your thumb. It also has a three-position safety, located just above the ejection port. The safety allows you to select the firing position, the loading position, and also allows for the gunpowder cartridge to be safely removed from the chamber.
The Featherweight is a great option for anyone looking for a well-made rifle that can handle a variety of conditions. It is lightweight and easy to carry, and is well suited for field use. It is reasonably priced, making it a good choice for both novice and experienced shooters. The Winchester Model 70 Featherweight is a classic classic rifle, and it definitely deserves its place in history.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Very lightweight, suitable for transporting over long distances
-Very ergonomic design
-Excellent accuracy and precision
-Easily upgradable components
-High-end quality and craftsmanship
Cons:
-Expensive due to high quality components
-Small magazine size, only holds five rounds
-Trigger pull is heavy
-Limited aftermarket parts and customization options
Who Should Buy
The Winchester Model 70 Featherweight is a great hunting rifle suitable for a variety of hunting activities and is recommended for anyone interested in a general purpose hunting rifle. It is lightweight and easy to handle, making it an attractive option for hunters who need a rifle they can easily carry in the field. It is especially useful for those who are new to hunting and want to get started without investing in a more expensive rifle.
However, the Winchester Model 70 Featherweight is unlikely to be suitable for serious competitive shooting applications, due to its limited range and accuracy. It also may not be suitable for big game hunting, due to its relatively small caliber ammunition.
Comparisons
| Winchester Model 70 Featherweight | Product 1 | Product 2 | Product 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calibers | Short & Long Action .30-06 | Various | Various | Various |
| Action | Pre-1964 Controlled Round-Feed | Push Feed | Push Feed | Controlled Feed |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs | 6 lbs | 6.7 lbs | 6.5 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Barrel Length | 22" | 23" | 22" | 24" |
| Stock | Grade 1 Walnut | Synthetic | Synthetic | Wood |
| Trigger | 3.5 lb Creedmoor | User-Adjustable | User-Adjustable | Adjustable |
Features / Specs
• Calibers available: .223 Rem., .243 Win., .270 Win., .308 Win., .30-06
• Weight: 6.5 lbs (7.0 lbs in .30-06)
• Length: 43 inches
• Barrel: 22 inches
• Stock: Walnut
• Magazine capacity: 3 rounds
• Twist Rate: 1 in 10” (all calibers)
Popular Accessories
- Bases and Rings: Bases and rings are probably the most popular accessories for the Winchester Model 70 Featherweight. They allow you to mount a scope, red dot sight, or other optics to your rifle for improved accuracy and a better hunting experience.
- Stock: A new stock can provide better ergonomics, better fit, and improved accuracy. A revolutionary design, the Winchester Model 70 Featherweight features a thin stock and slim barrel profile that make it lighter and easier to handle in the field.
- Sling: A sling will make carrying the rifle more comfortable as well as allow you to be ready to fire it quickly if needed.
- Recoil Pad: Installing a recoil pad helps to absorb some of the recoil generated by the rifle. This makes it more pleasant to shoot and reduces fatigue from shooting the rifle for extended periods of time.
- Magazine: To make reloading faster and easier, you can install a new magazine into the rifle. This is especially helpful for faster follow-up shots when hunting or range shooting.
Accuracy
The Winchester Model 70 Featherweight is an incredibly accurate firearm. It is designed to be lightweight and handy, making it a great choice for any type of hunting. It has a smooth bolt throw and a well-designed two-stage trigger that allows you to shoot accurately over a variety of ranges. The accuracy of the Featherweight is aided by its medium barrel, which is drilled and tapped for a scope mount. The barrel is free-floating, meaning it can shoot accurately at multiple ranges without the need for adjustment. Furthermore, its adjustable trigger provides a consistent and smooth break that improves accuracy. On the whole, the Winchester Model 70 Featherweight is an outstanding firearm that is capable of delivering superb accuracy.
