Ok Guys, This question is for the really hard core Model 70 experts. I enjoyed many seasons hunting with all 3. I had always assumed that some one had just unscrewed the original sling swivels and … Repeating Arms Co.) 2008-Current: New Winchester Production. It is a somewhat lightened version of the standard Model 70. My research, and others, have confirmed that all pre-64 Model 70s are long action, INCLUDING the pre-64 featherweight models. I prefer it to the new "Classic" Winchesters for two reasons: 1. One of these Model 70s is pre-1964 vintage, back in the golden years before accountants and management decided to cut costs and, in the minds of many, ruin Winchesters. I have inherited both a model 54,(my grandfathers) and pre-64 M-70 30.06, and a featherweight .308 ( the .06 was dad’s and the .308 mom’s). Now if you asked me if I would build a Custom Rifle for Hunting Big Game it would be a Model 70 XTR action HS Precision stock, Match Grade barrel in .280 Rem. The Model 70 action offers Pre-’64 style controlled round feeding with claw extractor, a three-position safety and is highlighted by a jeweled bolt body with knurled bolt handle. Lately I’ve found the featherweight .308 to be a great gun for whitetail; a little easier to pack, and just as smooth and accurate as the others. Only available in the 308 cartridge in 1954 and available in two styles. Overall, the finish is better than most production rifles today. Production Type by Year of Manufacturer: 1935-1963: Pre '64 Winchester Repeating Arms Company 1964-2006: USRAC (U.S. I have a Model 70 pre 64 and its a great rifle. The Pre 64 model 70 featherweight would be very popular in the 1950’s and 1960’s. I have a pre-64 Model 70 -- actually a pre-War rifle, made in 1939. Classic trigger. It is justly famous among hunters everywhere. I have a model 70 featherweight made about 1955 or 56. The last pre-64 Model 70 made bears serial number 581,471. 2. The Featherweight is perhaps the best known model in Winchester's storied Model 70 line. The Post-64 Winchester Model 70 The new rifles have the bolt handle pressed on and you can twist them off under stress. The author compared the newest Model 70 Featherweight Deluxe to a Pre-'64 Model 70 Featherweight and a 1990s-vintage Model 70 Featherweight, all in .270 Win. The standard model and the monte carlo style. I have a Model 70 XTR push feed action and its a great rifle as well. When was your Model 70 produced? It comes with a polished blue metal finish and a satin wood finish. One piece bolt. Few rifles can be identified in an instant like the Featherweight. The new Model 70s have enclosed triggers, which can freeze up on you. Winchester Repeating Arms Company introduced its first bolt-action centerfire rifle in 1884. The pre-64 Model 70 was made in a number of grades and models including; Super Grade, Super Grade Featherweight, Super Grade African, Alaskan, Featherweight, Varmint, Bull Gun, National Match, and Target. The Winchester Model 70 is America’s most iconic bolt-action rifle and to collectors the most desirable M70s are the “pre-’64” rifles. It does not have the standard Winchester sling swivels on it and instead has common looking quick detachable studs.