Winchester Model 70
Winchester Repeating Arms · Rifle · In Production · 1936
Also known as: Model 70, The Rifleman's Rifle, Pre-64 Model 70
Overview
The Winchester Model 70 is a bolt-action centerfire rifle introduced in 1936 as the successor to the Model 54. Often called 'The Rifleman's Rifle', the pre-1964 design features a Mauser-influenced controlled-round-feed action with a full-length claw extractor, a three-position wing safety, and a hinged floorplate magazine. Renowned for its accuracy and reliability, it became a benchmark American sporting rifle and was pressed into military service as an improvised sniper platform by U.S. forces.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3620 g (127.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1118 mm (44.02") |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 880 m/s (2887 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 4515 J (3330 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 550 m (601 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .30-06 Springfield · primary — also known as 30-06, .30-06 Sprg, 7.62x63mm
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Internal Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Three Position Safety
- Features: Controlled Round Feed, Claw Extractor, Hinged Floorplate, Drilled And Tapped For Optics, Adjustable Trigger
Variants
- Winchester Model 70 Featherweight — Lightweight
- Winchester Model 70 Super Grade — Deluxe
Service history
Operators
- United States Marine Corps · adopted 1942
- United States Army
Conflicts
- World War II (1942-1945)
- Korean War (1950-1953)
- Vietnam War (1955-1975)
Production
Production years: 1936-1963, 1964-2006, 2008-present
Roughly 400 Model 70s in .30-06 with 24-inch barrels were ordered by the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and used in the Pacific Theater, later refurbished for Korea and Vietnam.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Winchester Repeating Arms
Notes
The pre-1964 'controlled-round-feed' Model 70 is prized by collectors; a cost-driven 1964 redesign switched to a push-feed bolt and stamped parts, which proved unpopular. Controlled-round-feed was later reintroduced. Production moved to FN Herstal's facility in Columbia, South Carolina after 2008.
Background
Long marketed as 'The Rifleman's Rifle', the pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 is one of the most revered American bolt-action rifles ever made; its 1964 redesign to cut costs sparked such backlash that 'pre-64' became a coveted collector grade.