Shortly after I returned from a deployment I purchased, for myself, a Winchester Model 70 Extreme Weather in 7mm08. I'm originally from Ohio so I grew up hunting with a 12 gauge since rifle hunting is prohibited (though I realize it has recently changed to permit rifle hunting with handgun calibers now). I was more excited about this rifle than any purchase I made in the last five years to include my Jeep.
Contrary to to reported accuracy with the Model 70s from the New Haven plant, I experienced abysmal accuracy from my 2011 model made at the FN plant in Columbia, SC. To define abysmal I mean 2.25''+ groups at 100 yards regardless of ammunition. I called Trijicon first, thinking that it had to be my Accupoint malfunctioning over the rifle. They sent it back stating it was within factory specs and I tried it on my AR15 which confirmed their assessment, it was dead on. Several months went by and a few more boxes of ammo and I was still getting horrible results. My love for this rifle kept me from sending it in right away. I tried everything I could think of before I sent it back.
Eventually I called Winchester, explained my issue and they were glad to take a look at it. I sent it back, and it was returned a few weeks later with a target showing a 3 shot .75" group at 50 yards with Federal vital-shok 140 grain rounds. Nothing was done to the rifle and no other assessments were made. When they sent it back I called again and asked what the issue had been as I did not see a synopsis of work or detailed assessment. I provided to them all of my targets marked with ammo, date and atmospherics when I sent my rifle in to hopefully display an issue documented over a period of almost a year with 4-5 separate range visits and various ammo used. The representative told me they "shot the rifle and everything was fine." I asked about the marketing from Winchester's website stating 1 MOA can be expected when using factory Winchester ammunition. The representative told me depending upon the year and caliber, the model 70 rifles have different accepted standards of accuracy.
My 2011 Model 70 in 7mm08 has a standard of 1.5" at 100 yards according to the Rep I spoke to, and the proof test they sent does not include using Winchester ammo and only firing from 50 yards and assuming linear variation at 100 yards. I cannot reproduce a 1.5" group with the Federal Vital-Shok ammo. Winchester wasn't able to tell me what they even looked at, simply provided my rifle and a 50 yard target. I'm certain with the lack of agreement that there is an issue between Winchester and myself that they will not refund me my money.
I'm looking to sell this rifle, recoup what losses I can and purchase either a Savage 14 .308, or a Nosler M48 .308. I cannot express how frustrated I am with my Model 70 and, in my opinion, unhelpful Winchester had been. I always appreciate the advice of the members here on both recourse and recommendation.
Contrary to to reported accuracy with the Model 70s from the New Haven plant, I experienced abysmal accuracy from my 2011 model made at the FN plant in Columbia, SC. To define abysmal I mean 2.25''+ groups at 100 yards regardless of ammunition. I called Trijicon first, thinking that it had to be my Accupoint malfunctioning over the rifle. They sent it back stating it was within factory specs and I tried it on my AR15 which confirmed their assessment, it was dead on. Several months went by and a few more boxes of ammo and I was still getting horrible results. My love for this rifle kept me from sending it in right away. I tried everything I could think of before I sent it back.
Eventually I called Winchester, explained my issue and they were glad to take a look at it. I sent it back, and it was returned a few weeks later with a target showing a 3 shot .75" group at 50 yards with Federal vital-shok 140 grain rounds. Nothing was done to the rifle and no other assessments were made. When they sent it back I called again and asked what the issue had been as I did not see a synopsis of work or detailed assessment. I provided to them all of my targets marked with ammo, date and atmospherics when I sent my rifle in to hopefully display an issue documented over a period of almost a year with 4-5 separate range visits and various ammo used. The representative told me they "shot the rifle and everything was fine." I asked about the marketing from Winchester's website stating 1 MOA can be expected when using factory Winchester ammunition. The representative told me depending upon the year and caliber, the model 70 rifles have different accepted standards of accuracy.
My 2011 Model 70 in 7mm08 has a standard of 1.5" at 100 yards according to the Rep I spoke to, and the proof test they sent does not include using Winchester ammo and only firing from 50 yards and assuming linear variation at 100 yards. I cannot reproduce a 1.5" group with the Federal Vital-Shok ammo. Winchester wasn't able to tell me what they even looked at, simply provided my rifle and a 50 yard target. I'm certain with the lack of agreement that there is an issue between Winchester and myself that they will not refund me my money.
I'm looking to sell this rifle, recoup what losses I can and purchase either a Savage 14 .308, or a Nosler M48 .308. I cannot express how frustrated I am with my Model 70 and, in my opinion, unhelpful Winchester had been. I always appreciate the advice of the members here on both recourse and recommendation.
