Winchester Model 70
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| Winchester Model 70 | |
|---|---|
 Winchester Model 70 with 24 inch barrel |
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| Type | Rifle |
| Place of origin |  United States |
| Service history | |
| Used by | United States Marine Corps |
| Wars | Vietnam War |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Winchester Repeating Arms Company, U.S. Repeating Arms, Fabrique Nationale de Herstal |
| Produced |
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| Variants | see article |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 6-8 lbs |
| Barrel length | 22, 24 or 26 inch |
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| Cartridge | various, see article |
| Action | bolt |
| Feed system | internal spring fed well with floorplate
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| Sights |
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The Winchester Model 70 is a bolt action sporting rifle. It has an iconic place in American sporting culture and has been held in high regard by shooters since it was introduced in 1936, earning the epithet "The Rifleman's Rifle"[1]. The action has some design similarities to Mauser designs and it is a development of the earlier Winchester Model 54. The Model 70 was originally manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company between 1936 and 1980. From the early 1980s until 2006, Winchester rifles were manufactured by U.S. Repeating Arms under an agreement with Olin Corporation, allowing USRA to use the Winchester name and logo.[2] Model 70s were built in New Haven, Connecticut from 1936 to 2006, when production ceased. In the fall of 2007, announcements were made that Model 70 production would resume, and, as of 2008, new Winchester Model 70 rifles are now once more being made in Columbia, SC.
Contents |
[edit] The Model 70
In 1936, Winchester introduced the Model 70 bolt action rifle to the American market. The Model 70 was largely based on the Model 54, and is today still highly regarded by shooters and is often called "The Rifleman's Rifle." In 1999 Shooting Times magazine named the Model 70 the "Bolt-action Rifle of the Century." [3]
Throughout its life, the Model 70 has been offered in many grades and styles. Over the entire production of the Model 70, chamberings have included: .22 Hornet,.222 Remington, .22-250 Remington, .223 WSSM, .225 Winchester, .220 Swift, .243 Winchester, .243 WSSM, .250-3000 Savage, .25-06 Remington, .25 WSSM, .257 Roberts, .264 Winchester Magnum, .270 Winchester, .270 WSM, 7mm Mauser, 7mm-08, 7 mm Remington Magnum, 7mm WSM, .300 Savage, .30-06 Springfield, .308 Winchester, .300 H&H Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum, .300 WSM, .300 RUM, .325 WSM, .338 Winchester Magnum, .35 Remington, .358 Winchester, .375 H&H Magnum, and .458 Winchester Magnum.
[edit] 1936 through 1963 Model 70
The pre-'64 Model 70's were manufactured from 1936 through 1963 after which time significant changes in the design and manufacture of the rifles were made. Pre-'64 Model 70s bring a substantial price premium due to a public perception that they were better, as they had several desirable features (Mauser-type controlled round feed, cut checkering) that the post-'64 version did not. Pre-'64 Model 70 Winchester rifles can best be identified by serial number. Model 70 rifles with serial numbers below 700,000 [4] are the pre-'64 variety.
[edit] Pre '64 Model 70 Action (Controlled Round Feed, CRF)
The original Model 70 quickly established an excellent reputation with American sportsmen. It was a high-quality action of considerable strength, with 2 forward locking lugs and a Mauser-type non-rotating claw extractor. The key benefit of the Mauser-type extractor compared to later versions is that it captures the rim of a cartridge as it is fed upwards from the magazine and controls its journey forward into the rifle's chamber. This feed is called "controlled round feeding" and is favored by a number of shooters, especially those who pursue dangerous game. The ejector was of the blade type similar to that of the Mauser 98, but considered superior as it did not require a Mauser-type slot through the left locking lug; instead there was a slot in the bolt face below the locking lug, leaving both forward lugs solid and hence stronger. The main benefit of the blade type ejector is it is simpler and perhaps more reliable (being considered less susceptible to ingress of foreign matter) when compared to the later post-'64 plunger ejector in the bolt face controlled by a coil spring.
Other significant features of this action include a three position wing type safety (retained throughout Model 70 production), a cone breeching system that helps prevent bullet nose damage while loading a cartridge from the magazine, machined steel trigger guard and floor plate, one piece bolt construction, and a trigger adjustable for pull weight and over-travel.
[edit] 1964 through 1991 Model 70
Competing as it did with the Remington Model 700, it was decided that changes needed to be made in the face of rising labour costs. Accordingly, in 1964 Winchester made a number of design changes to the Model 70. Few to none of these changes were popular with the rifle-buying public, or with the US Military. The changes included dropping the controlled round feed feature, a change to the basic stock shape and the use of impressed chequering rather than cut chequering.
Jack O'Connor, long a proponent of the Model 70, wrote about the post-'64 version that ". . .I was informed by Winchester brass that the Model 70 was being redesigned. I told them that I was glad to get the information so I could lay in four or five more before they loused the rifle up. Then I saw the pilot model of 'New Model 70.' At the first glimpse I like to fell into a swoon. The action was simplified, the trigger guard and floor plate made of a flimsy looking one-piece stamping." Despite this initial reaction, O'Connor grudgingly went on to say, "Actually the post-1964 Model 70 is not a bad rifle in spite of the fact that rifle aficionados have never taken it to their bosoms the way they did its predecessor. It is a stronger action than the pre-1964. The head of the bolt encloses the head of the case. It has a small, neat hook extractor, which is adequate. With this extractor the cartridge is not as surely controlled as it is with the Mauser-type extractor. However, the new model seldom gives feeding problems."[5]
[edit] Post '64 Model 70 Action (Push Feed)
In order to reduce manufacturing costs in the face of higher labour rates, rifles manufactured from 1964 to 1992 differed from early Model 70s in the following ways:
- The bolt was changed significantly. The bolt face was enclosed so that it fully surrounded the cartridge rim, in a similar way to the Remington 700 bolt. While cheaper to manufacture than the undercut bolt face needed for controlled feed actions, it is also stronger, providing more support to the cartridge case head, and better contains escaping gases in the event of a case rupture. The new bolt also differed from the old in that (also like the Remington 700) it was manufactured in 3 pieces (the bolt head, body and handle) and brazed together. The brazing is so well done it is very difficult to see the joints. There is no compromise in strength due to the 3-piece construction.
- The Mauser-type non-rotating claw type extractor (incompatible with a fully-enclosed bolt head) was replaced with a small wedge type extractor that does not engage the cartridge rim as it rises from the magazine to the chamber but rather pushes the cartridge into the chamber. As the bolt handle is turned down into the locked position, the new extractor clips over the cartridge rim. The new extractor is perfectly reliable, although it grips less of the case rim and is not as elegant as the Mauser-type claw extractor.
- Hammer-forged barrels were introduced.
- The machined steel trigger guard and floor plate were replaced with parts made from an aluminium alloy to reduce weight using the assembly from the pre-1964 Featherweight version.
- Some models featured walnut stocks with chequering that was impressed onto the wood rather than cut into it as on the early Model 70's, further reducing manufacturing costs.
The new action was severely criticized by riflemen for its lesser amount of control and its supposed unreliability, making the original action even more prized. In reality, many of the changes could be considered improvements, making the action stronger [6]. Any post-'64 Model 70 rifle that is not designated as a "Classic" is most likely to have the post-'64 action. For normal use, the action through its design is no less reliable, although the simplified construction is less elegant. This action has been further improved over the years, and is now generally on par with the CRF action. Because the bolt does not actively grip the cartridge until the bolt handle is turned down into the locked position, the post-'64 system is supposedly more vulnerable to jamming or being inadvertently closed on an empty breech (i.e. failing to load a new round) if operated under duress, especially if the rifle is held upside down or on its side. In design terms (enclosed bolt face, plunger ejector, 3-piece brazed bolt construction) it is fairly similar to the Remington Model 700 which has a worldwide following and is considered to be very reliable. All things considered, in normal situations there is not much to choose between them, apart from personal preference.
[edit] 1968 Model 70
In 1968 further revisions were made to the Model 70 in part to address consumer concerns [7]. An "anti-bind" feature was introduced to make operation of the action smoother, which comprised a groove in an extended right locking lug operating on a rib on the right side of the receiver. This made the action noticeably smoother to operate and has been retained to the present day. A steel floorplate (but the alloy trigger guard was retained) and stainless magazine follower were introduced, partially revoking changes introduced in the 1964 model.
[edit] 1992 to 2006 Model 70
Starting in 1992, Winchester re-introduced many features of the pre-'64 rifles, while also continuing to manufacture less expensive variants. The Post-'92 Model 70 is an extensive rifle line that boasts nearly all of the features of the original line, but with some updated equipment, such as the Controlled Round Push Feed action and synthetic stocks. The popular Shadow variants feature black resin stocks, which reduce the price of the firearm significantly, and hold up better than wood stocks over time. Some of the modern rifles also use high performance McMillan or Bell and Carlson fiberglass stocks, though these rifles tend to be expensive. Particular models feature a one-piece aluminum pillar block bedding for greater accuracy, and some models have fluting of the barrel to reduce weight and vent the barrel for additional cooling. Carbon fiber barrels are also found on select models to reduce weight and dissipate heat faster. Walnut stocks are still found across the line in satin finishes, and laminated walnut stocks are added to the mix for structural stability in extreme dry or wet conditions. The Model 70 is offered in all of the previous chamberings as the original, and is now supplemented with newer rounds, including the Winchester Short Magnum (WSM) and Winchester Super Short Magnum (WSSM) cartridges, which are magnum loaded rounds, but are shorter in length and wider in diameter, so spent cartridges take less time to eject and use less powder. However, these short magnum cartridges reduce magazine capacity and feeding reliability, due to their extra width and rebated rim.
[edit] Model 70 Classic
In 1992, Winchester began producing a controlled round feed Model 70 that was marketed as the "Classic" model. This version re-introduced the CRF feature, while retaining the "anti-bind" locking lug groove bolt guide of the 1968 push feed model. The use of modern CNC manufacturing techniques allowed Winchester to re-introduce the CRF feature at a competitive price.
Around this time, Browning, which is owned by the same parent company as USRAC, Giat Corp, of France, introduced the BOSS accuracy system. The term ‘BOSS’ is an acronym for Ballistic Optimising Shooting System. The device attaches to the muzzle end of the barrel and allows the natural harmonics, commonly known as barrel whip, caused during the bullet’s passage down the bore, to be refined and controlled. By adjusting the device for optimum performance in the individual rifle, accuracy is brought to peak level. Winchester Model 70s equipped with the BOSS provide a significant improvement in accuracy for a production rifle. Currently, only Browning rifles are available with the BOSS.
Later, Winchester expanded the Classic line, putting the Classic action on all their modern stocks, giving a wide range of choice in rifle types. This basically lets the buyer choose an action, then choose a stock to one's liking. Both pre- and post-'64 versions of the Model 70 actions have their strengths and weaknesses [8].
[edit] 1992 Classic Model (Controlled Round Feed and Controlled Round Push Feed)
At the same time as the CRF feature was re-introduced, a recent innovation allowed the short extractor used on the post-'64 models to ride over the extraction groove on a cartridge, giving controlled feeding without the expense of the long Mauser type extractor. This was called Controlled Round Push Feed. This is achieved by the use of the post-'64 extractor, combined with the pre-'64 bolt face relieved at the bottom allowing the round to engage the bolt face from underneath.
[edit] Serial Number Searches
Winchester owners who desire to learn more about the history of a specific rifle, can contact the Cody Firearms Museum Records Service (at the Buffalo Bill Website) to have a serial number search to learn at least some information about the rifle. While Model 70 rifles are not included in their available serial number ranges, many other models of Winchester rifles and shotguns are.
[edit] Law Enforcement Use
The Winchester Model 70 series rifles are marketed as sniper rifles for military forces and law enforcement agencies under the Fabrique Nationale banner as the Special Police Rifle (SPR) and the Patrol Bolt Rifle (PBR).
The FN Special Police Rifle has the standard Winchester Model 70 rifle action, receiver and magazine system but the rifle is fitted with a heavier barrel and with the McMillan series tactical rifle stocks.
The FN Patrol Bolt Rifle has the standard features of the original Winchester Model 70 rifle but the rifle is designed for use by police officers in patrol cars with the rifle having a short and compact barrel so it would allow the rifle to be stored in a police car. The FN Patrol Bolt Rifle is also marketed with a compensator on the muzzle of the rifle's barrel.
[edit] Military Use
The United States Marine Corps issued a very small number of the pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 rifles during the Korean Conflict, for use as sniper weapons. During the early years of the Vietnam war, Model 70's were again the premier choice in Marine sniper rifles, until they were replaced by the Remington Model 700 series bolt-action rifles in the mid-1960s. The Remington Model 700 became the basis for the M40 series sniper rifle that is in current U.S. Marine Corps service today.
One of the reasons the U.S. Marine Corps replaced their Winchester Model 70s was that the post-1964 variants of the Model 70 did not meet U.S. Marines' standards.[citation needed] Despite the introduction of the Remington Model 700 rifle, the pre '64 Winchester Model 70 was still used by the US Marine Corps' scout/sniper teams during the Vietnam War alongside the Remington Model 700 rifle. The original wood stocks were found to be warping in both rifles after a few years of service and both rifles were given fiberglass stocks to remedy the problem.[citation needed] Existing Model 70s still in service have had their stocks replaced with a McMillan fiberglass stock, such as that found on the Custom Extreme Weather variant.[citation needed]
One of the best known U.S. Marine Corps snipers who used the Winchester Model 70 during the Vietnam War was Gunnery Sergeant Carlos Hathcock who used a Winchester Model 70 sniper rifle chambered in .30-06 Springfield.
[edit] A new era
On March 31, 2006 U.S. Repeating Arms closed the New Haven, Conn. plant where Winchester rifles and shotguns were produced for 140 years.[1] This resulted in hiatus of the production of the Winchester Model 70 rifle and Winchester Model 1300 pump action shotgun and the end of the Model 94 lever action rifle. Other Winchester models however, are still produced in other regions such as Asia and Europe.
On August 15, 2006, Olin Corporation, owner of the Winchester trademarks, announced that it had entered into a new license agreement with Browning to make Winchester brand rifles and shotguns, though not at the closed Winchester plant in New Haven. Browning, based in Morgan, Utah, and the former licensee, U.S. Repeating Arms Company, are both subsidiaries of FN Herstal.
In October, 2007, FN Herstal announced that it would produce Pre-'64 Winchester Model 70 rifles at its facility in Columbia, South Carolina, where it currently manufactures the M240, M249, and M16 for the United States military, as well as its SPR and PBR lines, which are, in fact, variants of the Pre-64 Model 70. [9]
As of March 2008, Olin still owns the Winchester name and the new Winchester Model 70 rifles are now made in Columbia, SC.[10] In regards to the FN Special Police Rifle and the Patrol Bolt Rifle, it appears that production on these two firearms is still continuing at Fabrique Nationale's US factories despite the closure of the Winchester factory in New Haven and production on the Winchester Model 70 there ceasing.
[edit] Users
[edit] References
- ^ p239 Bolt Action Rifles by Frank de Haas, DBI Books INC, Northfield ILL, USA, 1971, ISBN 0-695-80220-8
- ^ Hawks, Chuck. "The Rifleman's Rifle: Winchester's Model 70", Chuck Hawks' Web site. Accessed June 11, 2008.
- ^ http://hunting.about.com/od/guns/l/aastboltsofCa.htm
- ^ p245 Bolt Action Rifles by Frank de Haas, DBI Books INC, Northfield ILL, USA, 1971, ISBN 0-695-80220-8
- ^ Jack O'Connor, The Rifle Book, 3rd Edition, p. 57, Alfred A Knopf (1978).
- ^ p244 Bolt Action Rifles by Frank de Haas, DBI Books INC, Northfield ILL, USA, 1971, ISBN 0-695-80220-8
- ^ p244 Bolt Action Rifles by Frank de Haas, DBI Books, Northfield ILL, USA, 1971, ISBN 0-695-80220-8
- ^ p244 Bolt Action Rifles by Frank de Haas, DBI Books INC, Northfield ILL, USA, 1971, ISBN 0-695-80220-8
- ^ Howard Communications Inc
- ^ Haviland, John (2008-11): "The New Model 70 Winchester", Rifle, 40(7), 66-73.
