Since everyone else seems to be buying Rugers... :grin: :grin: :grin:
I picked up a new Featherweight last month. I went in after another -06 but all they had was a .270. Curiosity was killing me though, and the .270 got boxed up. 2009 model, so not quite as high-grade wood as last year's, but no silly etching on the floor plate either. Fit and finish are very good, action is epoxy bedded and the barrel floated, and once you get the wax covering out of the way, the trigger is a snap to adjust. I lightened the pull weight and as advertised, creep and over-travel are next to nothing.
I topped it with a VXII, loaded up some 130 solid base 2nds perched on top of 56.0 to 60.0 gr H4831 SC, and took it out last weekend. The worst groups were 2”, several were right around an inch, and some under. Considering the generic overall length, not being familiar with the rifle, and the 15-20 mph breeze, I am satisfied and then some. Next projects will be 130 & 140 ABs as well as RL22 and H4350.
Quite frankly, I was never very impressed with the New Haven rifles and the performance and value of the 700s got my vote and my money. I am not abandoning Big Green, but I am pleased with Winchester’s new effort. They put together a process obviously keen on quality and they did it at home. With Remington going after “improved price realization,” the M70’s counter price of under $700 puts them squarely in competition with the 700.
My only other experience with this caliber was a Vanguard that I have since sold. It would shoot, but I put a lot of work into it to get there. I can say without hesitation that this one is less finicky. I don't have a digital camera but will try to get the current roll of film developed and onto a CD to post pictures.
Have a good weekend all.
I picked up a new Featherweight last month. I went in after another -06 but all they had was a .270. Curiosity was killing me though, and the .270 got boxed up. 2009 model, so not quite as high-grade wood as last year's, but no silly etching on the floor plate either. Fit and finish are very good, action is epoxy bedded and the barrel floated, and once you get the wax covering out of the way, the trigger is a snap to adjust. I lightened the pull weight and as advertised, creep and over-travel are next to nothing.
I topped it with a VXII, loaded up some 130 solid base 2nds perched on top of 56.0 to 60.0 gr H4831 SC, and took it out last weekend. The worst groups were 2”, several were right around an inch, and some under. Considering the generic overall length, not being familiar with the rifle, and the 15-20 mph breeze, I am satisfied and then some. Next projects will be 130 & 140 ABs as well as RL22 and H4350.
Quite frankly, I was never very impressed with the New Haven rifles and the performance and value of the 700s got my vote and my money. I am not abandoning Big Green, but I am pleased with Winchester’s new effort. They put together a process obviously keen on quality and they did it at home. With Remington going after “improved price realization,” the M70’s counter price of under $700 puts them squarely in competition with the 700.
My only other experience with this caliber was a Vanguard that I have since sold. It would shoot, but I put a lot of work into it to get there. I can say without hesitation that this one is less finicky. I don't have a digital camera but will try to get the current roll of film developed and onto a CD to post pictures.
Have a good weekend all.
