Trouble Dating a Model 70

[Oregonminer]

I just recently picked up my first Winchester Rifle a Model 70 Classic Sporter in 25-06, I actualy was searching around for a deal on a lite weight deer/varmit rifle in a short action but I ran into a friend that really wants a new scooter this spring and was culling out his safe. He had only had it for a couple years and did not know when it was made. I called a couple of friends who know a little about Winchesters and looked thru a couple of his books and checked the internet but never came up with a clear date. My Winchester Friend says the serial number G108XXX doesnt have enough digits according to the books he has and the internet site I looked up wont let me put the prefix G before the serial # and when i put in just the serial number is says it made in 49'. My friend I got it from thought it was made in the 90's. I called the local pawn shop and he said between 72' and 94'. Can any one help me narrow it down?? It is in beautiful like new condition and next to another of my friends brand new Model 70 in 270WSM you can hardly tell them apart. Thanks in advance for any response. Great Forum

[GlockMeister]

Try this website/link Oregon.
Winchester Manufacture Dates

Good luck.

G_Meister

[ArkansasHunter]

Hi feller ! In the 90's Winchester reintroduced there pre 1964 boltaction rifles that were built on CNC machines.
This boltaction was similer to the Mauser boltaction being it had a Claw extractor running down the side of the bolt and it had other desirable feathers as well.

They also continued to produce what is called a push feed boltaction like you find on Remington 700's and other brands.

They again came out with yet another bolt action that had a small claw extractor at the end of the bolt face so that left you with 3 choice's to buy.

I don't know which rifle you have but I can say your friend was unwise in selling it to you because it's a 25-06 caliber this is a great cartridge and I'd almost bet since Winchester has stopped produceing boltaction rifles it want ever depreciate in dollars.
You've got a keeper know matter which boltaction it has in it. But I would like to know.

I read the other day that Winchester was going to reintroduce there pre 64 CNC machined boltaction rifles and they'll be available in June.

Hang on to that rifle and take good care of it, it's a dandy and being 25-06 makes it even more so.

I'm sorry I can't help you on the date...A.H

[Mooseman684]

Those rifles were made from 1994-1998 as far as my research can tell. No serial number list available for the newer "Classic" Rifles...
Rich

[Johnnycat]

If the rifle says "Classic" it is the "Controlled Round Feed" and dated 1994-1997 or 98 as Mooseman said.

The CRF (Controlled round feed) is the classic pre-64 Mauser "Claw-type". Then they made the PRF (push-round feed), like the post-64 Model 70, Rem 700, etc. Then they got the bright idea to market a hybrid with features of both, the "Controlled-Round-Push-Feed" or CRPF.

Whew! That's confusing! They should've just kep the claw to begin with!

[ArkansasHunter]

Mooseman and Johnnycat what do yall think about the 25-06 ?

[Oregonminer]

Originally Posted by GlockMeister

Try this website/link Oregon.
Winchester Manufacture Dates

Good luck.

G_Meister

Thank You for the Response but in this case the website is inacurate, my rifle has a G prefix and that search engine won't allow letters befor the serial number. When i put the serial # in it states the rifle was made in 49'. I dont believe 25-06 was a commercial cartridge untill the 70's and the rifle looks brand new.
Thanks Again

[Johnnycat]

Originally Posted by ArkansasHunter

Mooseman and Johnnycat what do yall think about the 25-06 ?

I love a .25-06. It has a big enough bullet to get the job done, is flat shooting, and has mild recoil for such impressive performance. In my opinion it's extremely underrated and could be the best deer cartidge out there. Most people are in love with the venerable .30-06 (for good reason, I admit). But to be honest it's probably too much gun for smallish, thin-skinned deer like we have here in the South. The .25-06 makes more sense to me.

I'm in the process of building a Mauser 98 .25-06 - I can't wait to see how she turns out!

[Mooseman684]

My Uncle in Mississippi hunts deer with the 25/06 and it works good for him...He used it as well in the California Sierras for long range shots on deer before he moved to Miss...
Rich

[billy]

i wouldnt mind dating a 1970 model.......

[lefty o]

the G prefix guns were made from about '94 to 2006.

[Oregonminer]

Originally Posted by Johnnycat

If the rifle says "Classic" it is the "Controlled Round Feed" and dated 1994-1997 or 98 as Mooseman said.

The CRF (Controlled round feed) is the classic pre-64 Mauser "Claw-type". Then they made the PRF (push-round feed), like the post-64 Model 70, Rem 700, etc. Then they got the bright idea to market a hybrid with features of both, the "Controlled-Round-Push-Feed" or CRPF.

Whew! That's confusing! They should've just kep the claw to begin with!

Thanks for the info, I wish I could date the rifle closer. I was told by my friend that it cost alot of money to build the pre-64' and thats why they switched production methods. I haven't even chambered a round in the rifle yet. I have dry fired it a couple times just to fill the trigger. Not bad. Heavy but very crisp. I am used to a Weatherby MK V trigger. I can work with it. I have only shot one other Model 70 and it was a very good friends 58' in 300 H&H which I could shoot sub -MOA from a sandbag everytime I got behind it. my history with that paticular rifle is the biggest reason why I jumped on this rifle. The second reason is the caliber 25-06. The ballistics are very intriguing to me particularly with the 100 Grain and up variety. It's very similar to my 300 magnum. My new rifle came with the same era Leuopold Vari-X II scope which is very clear edge to edge. If it didnt have a leuopold on it, it would have gotten one put on it because i prefer them. The only non -leuopold scope I have is a BSA on my 10-22. I am getting itchy to start working up some loads but I havent got dies yet. But payday is right around the corner.
Thanks for the input.
Shawn

[jashoffa]

Originally Posted by billy

i wouldnt mind dating a 1970 model.......

billy you beat me to it. I was going to suggest some sort of courting ritual to help with the dating prossess! Perhaps if he focused on the 1970 model instead of himself all the time the 1970 model would be more open to dating!

[ArkansasHunter]

feller let us know how your 25-06 shoots and all, I have interest in this caliber now.
Thanks A.H

[SwedeSteve]

My brother hunts with a 25-06 and swears by it!

[ALR]

I don't think we should date outside our speceis

[billy]

Originally Posted by ALR

I don't think we should date outside our speceis

spoilsport!