Pre-64 model 70 vs current Supergrade

[pennstater]

I had a push feed Featherweight that I really liked (it was stolen by some bastid). I could swear it had a 3 position safety. I bought it new circa 1987. I always thought the "pre-64" noise was just old curmudgeon blather. 99%+ of owners will never hunt dangerous game with their Model 70's, especially with .308's and .243's, etc. The push feeds are also generally smoother because there's just a relatively simple round bolt.

I had a '90-'91 Mod 70 XTR 7mm Mag. I too thought it had a 3 position safety.
That was a good rifle. Don't recall why I sold it. Pretty sure it was a 3 position safety tho. I dunno.

[EMP3]

The pre-64 model 70s are great rifles and earned their reputation as "The Rifleman's Rifle". Their value and reputation went through the roof when Winchester changed to the push feed model in 1964.

The new Classics have the advantage of much better steel quality due to the computer controlled alloying of the modern foundries, the change to the anti-bind bolt, better gas handling and the tighter tolerances achieved by the CNC lathes and mills during manufacturing.

50 years ago a minute of angle rifle was considered the best of the best and highly prized by its owner. Now, minute of angle is considered acceptable.

Excellent analysis. I agree 100%

[Fjold]

I had a push feed Featherweight that I really liked (it was stolen by some bastid). I could swear it had a 3 position safety. I bought it new circa 1987. I always thought the "pre-64" noise was just old curmudgeon blather. 99%+ of owners will never hunt dangerous game with their Model 70's, especially with .308's and .243's, etc. The push feeds are also generally smoother because there's just a relatively simple round bolt.

The model 70 bolt is round with two lugs just like the Remington's.

The difference in the bolts are that the Winchester CRF has an external extractor and a slot cut in the lug for a spring loaded ejector that contacts the case during ejection only. The bottom of the bolt face is cut to allow the cartridge case to slide under the extractor during loading.

The Remington has a clip type extractor and a spring loaded plunger that pushes against the rear of the case all the time. During loading the cartridge case is forced forward until the shoulder hits the front of the chamber and the rim of the case is forced over the extractor into the bolt face.