Winchester M70 XTR Featherweight Review | A Beautiful Rifle

[@skydancerforever]

Nice looking newer Model 70. I have a beautiful 1956 Model 70 in 30-06 my Dad bought new in San Deigo after getting out of the Koren war. Has a Leupold Vari-X 2.5-8 power scope with engraved steel scope rings, old leather sling and pad on the butt stock. I still have the original steel butt plate as well. It's in very nice condition. Wood is excellent and blueing nice and shinny. Well built gun.

[@Texas_G_Longhorns]

My dad gave me this exact rifle over the weekend. The more research I do the more I realize how much of an awesome rifle my dad gave me. Very proud to own it now and knowing it came from my dad makes it extra special.

[@Theolddeerhunters]

Congratulations. A rifle handed down from your Dad makes it special.

[@leifhoklin2681]

They’re great rifles. I found one for my friend in .270 and he loves it. I hunt with a pre-64 model 70 in .270. Love model 70s of all stripes.

[@sartainja]

It must be nice for your dad to give you something nice. Hope you treasure and one day hand it down to someone that will treasure it.

[@jakedavid8187]

Im a young man and i love my wood stocks. I have a featherweight in 7mm-08 and its a superb rifle

[@guybaker7162]

i have the 257 roberts that i recut the checkering and replaced the pot metal triggergard with a steel one. came from factory with a under size chamber, had a smith recut it, shoots great.

[@brandonelder662]

I have a 1981 model in .308 and my brother has a 1981 model in .257 Roberts. Wonderful rifles.

[@tedk2814]

I agree with you, this is a beautiful rifle. I'm old school as well and I like the wood. Thanks for showing your fantastic copy of the Winchester 70

[@sahmadi1000]

I love that shine on the stock and the barrel. Long live M70 and 700 BDL.

[@pine0981]

I got one in 1986. It was used. I traded a Rem 742 for it. It was in 30-06. I thought why would anyone not like this rifle. That was until I sighted it in. Scope cut a gash between my eyes you can see to this day. Hunted with it for 15 years.

[@jeffjackson2196]

.243 is completely underrated in todays world. My grandfather has his model 70 in .243 my dad has his in .243 and I have mine in .243 people look past this ole work horse of a cartridge when it’s completely capable my grandfather has taken many of white tail with his a bear few coyotes and various small game.

[@pan8a]

I'm 48 years old so I don't know if I'm new school or old school, but I absolutely adore a rifle with a walnut stock and deep blueing

[@Theolddeerhunters]

I'd say you are leaning toward old school. 👍

[@Manbunmen65]

I just bought a unfired classic featherweight in 6.5x55 manufacture 1999. Always wanted one. Now I'm looking up the different models.

[@Theolddeerhunters]

You are a lucky man. Congrats.

[@Redevil667]

That's incredible. I became enamored with that gun in the late 80's (when I was about 10 years old) and always thought that rifle/cartridge would be the ideal whitetail setup.

[@Manbunmen65]

@@Redevil667 I hunted with a cz550 6.5x55 for the last 15 deer seasons. Sold it to a friend that wanted one and I didn't realize cz stopped making rifles. Bought the featherweight to start a new 6.5x55 chspter. Fired it two weeks ago and I hate the trigger. It is heavy with just a very very slight break before it goes off.

[@Redevil667]

@@Manbunmen65 sorry to hear that. I got a Model 70 Extreme Sporter- a more modern take- in 6.5 Creed last year. It's a sweet shooter and I'm looking forward to filling a few tags with it this year.

[@larryeddings3185]

The Winchester Featherweight is, to my eye, one of the prettiest bolt action rifles ever made.

[@Theolddeerhunters]

I totally agree

[@philiphales2109]

I have one in .270: they kick like an angry mule. That’s the trade off: light weight for hiking/packing in; beats your shoulder to a pulp.

[@davebrunette6394]

That's why the light weight rifles are better in 243.

[@Simon-talks]

Wow, what a beautiful rifle! And in a sweet shooting, low recoiling, highly accurate .257 Roberts!

[@NorthwoodsNomad]

That’s a beautiful rifle and an exceptionally beautiful piece of wood 😍 I love the Winchester model 70 Featherweight, I’ve had two in my lifetime. The first one that was chambered in .280 Remington I NEVER should have sold , but that’s life and we live and learn . The one I recently purchased is chambered in .30-06 , it has a beautiful wood stock on it as well ( I’m very particular about the wood on my rifles, and I scoured every gun shop on the internet until I found one that satisfied my likes ) I do prefer the controlled round feed just for the sake of positively being controlled throughout the process of cycling follow up shots in a hurried situation ( charging bear or what have you ) but yes indeed these rifles are my favorite over any other make or model , as you stated , smoothest feeding , well balanced and very accurate no matter what ammo I run through it . I like this .30-06 model 70 Featherweight so much that it’s my GoTo rifle for most anything medium to Big Game that I hunt . I am looking at buying one in .243 Winchester as well for coyote hunting.

[@MilkMan608]

Just picked up a 1981 vintage model 70 xtr featherweight in 7x57. Beautiful rifle. Can't wait to get it out to the range.

[@Theolddeerhunters]

Great caliber for the Featherweight. What scope are you using?

[@MilkMan608]

@Theolddeerhunters It came with a Redfield Revolution 4-12x40 made in USA (Leupold). Funny note. I also have my Dad's sporterized 30-40 Krag he bought in the early 40's. Hope those 2 old calibers don't start warring with one another.

[@joeblowporkhead864]

They made a short action but it's rare I have one in 222 Rem, Winchester made them sometime in 1984 and beyond for a while. In 222, 223, 243 , 308 called the model 70 carbine with a 20 inch barrel . They are very nice rifles and very accurate.

[@Theolddeerhunters]

Thank you very much for that info. One of the best things about youtube is the great feedback I get from viewers. Please subscribe comment when ever possible.

[@GeorgeSemel]

I have four M-70 XTR 1 standard in 270 2 featherweights in 270 and 1 in 7 x 57. I shot a lot of deer with the 7 x 57. They all needed a little tweaking. They all shot well and took them on a lot of hunts over the years. I never could get my hands on a 257 Roberts- every time one came it at the gunshop I bought from would be gone the same day or I was out of town or short cash because I bought something else. The XTR version of the M-70 really fixed all the problems that the post-63 M-70s had. If you find one for sale in good shape by it, they are good rifle.

[@Theolddeerhunters]

I totally agree. You are lucky to find the 7x57. Thanks for your comments. Let me know if you ever find the 257.

[@milo555100]

Beautiful Rifle. I agree with your opinion. Walnut and blued steel always catch my eye. There is something special about a Win Model 70. Thank you for making your videos.

[@Theolddeerhunters]

Thanks for watching.

[@TheDoctorProfessor]

Picked up one of these in 7mm Mauser at a gun show recently. Been looking for a good 7mm for awhile now and stumbled upon it by pure chance. I've been quite happy with it, feels like I got it for a steal!

[@Theolddeerhunters]

That 7mm is about as hard to find as a 257

[@TheDoctorProfessor]

@@Theolddeerhunters And I even got it with a scope! Great shape too, heck of a find. Not something I ever expected to own, but now I can't imagine parting with it.

[@jameswatson4110]

I have that same arrival in 270- 1991 model. Enjoyed!

[@easttexan2933]

What a fine piece you have there. gorgeous wood. I know you have enjoyed it over the years. I'm 77 and have in my shooting life time owned several mod 70's but most of them were pre64's. I have always believed the pre64 was and still is the best hunting rifle ever made.

[@jerrysale9937]

I’ve got one exactly like that brother in 300 WSM that I purchased when they first came out! These are outstandingly beautiful rifles that are fun to shoot and very very accurate! I love mine brother, and wouldn’t take anything for it! A sincere congratulations to you, my friend on you owning yours! 😁👊🫵🤝

[@nmelkhunter1]

I think you are absolutely correct when you say the stocks on these rifles are the prettiest on the market. I’ve had this rifle in 30-06, 280 Remington, 270 Winchester, 25-06 Remington and 243 Winchester. I still have the 270 and 25-06. The others were sold to friends or, in the case of the 30-06, gifted to a family member. I really regret selling the 280. Anyway, thank you for a great video!

[@sartainja]

That is one beautiful rifle. Thank you for sharing this video about it with us. Glad the rifle has given you years of superb service. 👍

[@williamelder3011]

In about 1990 I bought used,the same rifle. It’s a .257 Roberts. It’s a very pretty gun. But the wood does not have as pretty of figure as yours does. I love the smooth classic lines.

[@jeffcreel3731]

I use mostly synthetic/stainless guns these days so I don't have to worry about scuffs and scratches but I have to say that is a BEAUTIFUL rifle. 👍👍

[@Theolddeerhunters]

Thank you very much.

[@jimjessie2704]

i got one exactly like one shown in the 80's just as good of shape in 257 roberts-had mine glass bedded and free floated-put a leupold vx3 on it and he is right about bolt being smooth as butter even better than the pre 64's i have tried-very nice rifle

[@iancurrie8844]

It's a very fine rifle! I have one of these XTR featherweights in 270. i was born the same year this rifle was made so I came by it second hand and it has a muzzle brake that seems to be fused to the end. It came with a thread protector so the brake was meant to be removable at one point. I had to get a new magazine plate follower spring because it had practically no tension and couldn't hold the last round it the magazine - it would just kick out on its own. The new spring fixed that right up. I'm going to have to give it a gunsmith to remove the brake, if he can, because I took it to the range and it's a shooter!!! Actually the trigger is better than my new production M70 FWT (Portugal) and it shoots better too! The ONLY drawback is that dang brake. I understand the previous owner was aged and required the brake to shoot at all but it serves no purpose for me and I don't want to lose my hearing while hunting. It also came to me with a McMillan fiberglass stock which I also have no use for. The paint is flaking off it and the rifle is SUPER accurate with the walnut so the fiberglass has no interest to me. It does look like the rifle wore that Fiberglass most of its life so its use is probably responsible for the excellent condition of the walnut!

[@Theolddeerhunters]

You may have m70 with the BOSS system from factory like some Browning rifles have. Look up BOSS system to see if it is what you have.

[@iancurrie8844]

@@Theolddeerhunters Thanks for the tip! I looked that up and it's quite different from what I have. This one would seem to be some kind of aftermarket modification.

[@Josh-ss1xn]

I have the same model but in 30/06 it's killed a good number of elk a lots of deer kinda sad but it's getting to where another barrel is needed Lilja is about 60 miles from me and I believe they can make the same contour I'll keep it as an 06 though just a great rifle and caliber combo for me thanks for the video

[@davebrunette6394]

That is a beautiful rifle, and it shoots good too! Nothing wrong with the push feed, I'm a Remington 700 fan. Love the 243! Just bought a Weatherby Vanguard Bronze in 243! Am seriously considering buying a new model 70 in either 06 or 08.

[@Theolddeerhunters]

Thank you. I think you will like the M70

[@Davidow1]

Just sent in the papers to buy this rifle! Going to be my first hunting rifle, starting my career. :)

[@Theolddeerhunters]

Great. You will love it!

[@joemiller9314]

My dads favorite deer rifle is that featherweight in 257 Roberts. Thanks for the video!!!

[@Theolddeerhunters]

Your dad is a smart man!

[@halspencer6613]

Had a new .257-Roberts M-70 Featherweight in the late 1950s into the late 1960s. Used it for long range chuck hunting with hand-loads. O'Connor pushed it as a Pronghorn caliber

[@hungryyeti2548]

I had that rifle in 06 and it shot extremely well , I shouldn’t have sold it

[@cbsbass4142]

Have a 2013 in 7X57 and really like it.

[@anthonykaiser974]

My uncle had one in 243 I always thought was a beautiful gun just like that one. Love that stock. If I could find a left handed one, it would be in my gun safe beside the 30-06 Sporter I picked up in 09.

[@craigleibbrand7761]

Beautiful wood in that stock.

[@maxwelm7408]

I just put a deposit on a 1981 XTR featherweight in .308. It hasn’t been shot at all. Apparently less than 50 rounds. It’s in absolute mint condition. Paid £550 here in the Uk which is $680 across the pond

[@Theolddeerhunters]

You got a great rifle for a great price! Congrats

[@maxwelm7408]

@@Theolddeerhunters thank you :) just wanna find the right ammo once I get it in my hand. As it is a light rifle with thin barrel do you find the groups open up after 3 shots ?

[@MikeHawkbaby]

I bought my dad a hunting lease for Father’s Day and im gonna buy my pops this rifle too. I have a model 70 featherweight in 308 myself that packs a punch but this xtr is really nice just classic. Is 270 too big for pops he’s 63? I’d prefer to get .243 for him but I know for fact they have 270

[@patricksnyder3446]

I just picked one up in .280!!

[@Theolddeerhunters]

280 is my favorite deer caliber. 👏👏

[@davepowell3293]

I got one last year in 7mm-08, still in featherweight

[@Theolddeerhunters]

Great caliber for the featherweight

[@hillmandecoys114]

Beautiful rifle.

[@djl0fne]

Is the barrel free floated

[@Theolddeerhunters]

Yes

[@chrismckay9923]

Kia Ora from NZ. Classic rifle you have there.Beauiful :) I've subscribed. I really enjoyed your video. Nga mihi Chris

[@Theolddeerhunters]

Thank you very much. Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks fir taking the time for writing. Always great to hear from fellow shooters.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Shh. I'm trying to buy one.

[@dcxplant]

How does it group? Thanks.

[@Theolddeerhunters]

1-1.5 MOA

[@theguyinmaine]

the plastic just doesn't get it. 1899 and 99 fan but I think a new 70 is coming soon.

[@outdoorsman8498]

What's ur thoughts on best pic quality thermal under 4k

[@Theolddeerhunters]

AGM Adder 640 or super yoter 640

[@Theolddeerhunters]

Super yoter or AGM Adder 640. One is compact, one is tube.

[@mcqueenmcqueen4616]

This is the rifle my Dad hunted with. Where can get one?

[@Theolddeerhunters]

Gun Broker or Gun Shows.

[@Nanker63]

Beautiful rifle but wrong cartridge. .243 belongs in a short action. Nothing to do with weight or handling issues it just does. .257 on the other hand….will fit in a short action but it most definitely should be had in a standard (30-06) action. You shoulda gone with your instincts and gotten the “Bob”.

[@antolinzuniga5121]

Who needs a computer when you have a Catalog,

[@travisnunya4641]

I love all the wood stock rifles win,rem,sako,Weatherby what I do hate is all the new rifle well 90% are made plastic I hate the plastic stocks. I love wood stock rifles and metal handguns. The plastic IMO is cheap lazy scapegoats

[@Resistculturaldecline]

Many people nowadays are adamant on polymers and coated steel, as they feel a firearm is merely a tool. They are tools, but I can't accept them to be only a tool. They're an instrument, and a product of craft. There's more durable options out there, but no gun has more soul and character than a wood stock on deep blued steel.

[@ryanscott1316]

Long action .243 !?!

[@Theolddeerhunters]

Yes, the short action M70 was not introduced until 1984.

[@ryanscott1316]

@The Old Deer Hunters --- huh, learn something new every day.. Thanks!!

[@ryanscott1316]

@@Theolddeerhunters I have a 700 in .234 win. and a 70 in 7 rem.🙃

[@Theolddeerhunters]

@@ryanscott1316 Two great rifles and two great calibers!👏👏

[@reneg1366]

Got one in 270 Win. Was my primary Coues deer rifle and my Lever action 3030 94AE was my backup, nowadays my XTR is now my backup since I now made a 257 W Mag my primary Coues slayer 👍👌

[@Theolddeerhunters]

I don't know if I mentioned it in the video but I bought my FW in Arizona and my wife got her first Coues deer with it.