Is This A Good Buy?

[savageman270wsm]

HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BUY A WINCHESTER 270 FEATHERWEIGHT, USED BUT NOT ABUSED, PROBABLY IN THE 96-97% RANGE FOR 500 BUCKS, LOOKING FORWARD TO WHAT EVERYONE THINKS

[270man]

Savageman,

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

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

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

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

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

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

270man

[Catfish]

My Blue Book says yes it is a good buy, but with out a good scope on it I personally wouldn`t pay that for it. If it has a good scope on it I`d grab it. Just my oppenion.

[hnter]

Pre 64?
How equipped--- EXACTLY!
Scope-mounts-stock, sling, etc.


$500.00 would for example be Hi on a late production M70 equipped with a synthetic stock, Simmons/Bushnell/Tasco 3X9 & proprietary or Weaver bases.

As an example, a pre 64 M70 equipped with Buhler (premium)rings-bases and a Luepold Vari X 3 or comparable optics would be valued higher. How much higher depends upon the sale area.

My next question would be:

Are you asking a trade in value or outright sale to a dealer or private sale?

Personally I'd not trade it, I'd sell it outright.

[Gil Martin]

That quoted price of $500.00 is higher than I have seen recently in local gun shops and more than I would be willing to pay. There are lots of used Winchester Model 70s around. If you really like it, then maybe the price is OK. I would offer substantially less. I have a number of Model 70s and never paid that much. All the best...
Gil

[Adam Helmer]

savageman,

Welcome to the Forum; I see this is only your 4th post. Where are you located in Troy, PA? I subbed many times at Troy high school.

When was the rifle made, what stock does it have, and does it have a scope? I have to laugh at the current trend to say a gun is "96-97%" as if it really means something. I think one man's 90% is another guy's 75%, depending on if one is the seller or buyer, I suppose.

I suggest you check out a few local gun shops wirh Winchesters on the used gun rack and see what the going rate is in your area and be guided accordingly. Take a trip to Ackley's in Westfield, PA to really get a feel for a price on used Winchesters.

Adam