Winchester Model 70
Winchester Repeating Arms Company · Rifle · Discontinued · 1936
Also known as: The Rifleman's Rifle, Win 70, M40
Overview
The Winchester Model 70 is a bolt-action rifle chambered in .30-06 Springfield, produced by Winchester Repeating Arms Company since 1936. Featuring a 5-round magazine capacity, this rifle offers compact firepower.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3629 g (128.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1080 mm (42.52") |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 27 N (6.1 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 823 m/s (2700 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3293 J (2429 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3500 m (3828 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .30-06 Springfield · primary — also known as .30-06, 7.62×63mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Internal Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Three Position Safety, Firing Pin Block
- Features: Controlled Round Feed, Mauser Type Extractor, Coned Breech, Adjustable Trigger, Two Front Locking Lugs
Variants
- Model 70 Featherweight — Lightweight
- Model 70 Super Grade — Premium
- Model 70 Varmint — Heavy Barrel
- Model 70 Classic — Modern Controlled Feed
Service history
Operators
- United States Marine Corps · adopted 1966 · as M40
- United States Civilian Hunters · adopted 1936
Conflicts
- Vietnam War (1955-1975)
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
Production
Production years: 1936-present
Produced continuously since 1936 except for a brief hiatus from 2006-2010 when the New Haven factory closed. Current production by Miroku in Japan under the Winchester brand. Millions produced over nearly 90 years.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
Pre-1964 Model 70s are highly collectible and command premium prices due to their controlled-feed action and superior craftsmanship. Winchester redesigned the rifle in 1964 with cost-cutting measures that were poorly received, leading to the 'pre-64' vs 'post-64' distinction. In 1992, Winchester reintroduced the Classic model with the controlled-round-feed action restored. Available in over 30 calibers throughout its production history.
Background
The pre-1964 Model 70 is called 'The Rifleman's Rifle' and is considered the gold standard of American bolt-action sporting rifles. When Winchester redesigned it in 1964 with cost-cutting push-feed action, the backlash was so severe that 'pre-64' became a collector's designation that commands premium prices to this day. The USMC M40 sniper rifle, which has served Marine scout snipers since Vietnam, is built on the Model 70 action.