Winchester Model 70 Extreme Weather review/report
Hey Guys/Gals,
Just waiting for the Lions/Aussie game and watching an entertaining Highlanders/Hurricanes game and thought I'd post a review/report on Winchesters model 70 Extreme Weather rifle. Sorry if it's long winded and the photos too big? Pretty useless at resizing shit.
I purchased this rifle after owning 2 browning A-bolts and it was a huge step for me as I've enjoyed owning the a-bolts as I find them to be good solid rifles. Only bitch about them would the trigger, but that's a simple $50 spring to solve that issue. Anyway - back to the winchester. I'd never seen one before but had read the odd favorable comment from forum members so when by fluke I saw one in person and had a grope and gave it a good going over I was pretty much hooked. I did some research on the net and most comments were reasonably favorable -the only negatives were the thin barrels and the new MOA trigger system. So I bought the bloody thing and I was as happy as leisure suit larry, but it was short lived as I wasn't too happy with the finish of the barrel, but to cut a long story short, I ended up with a replacement. The finish in the barrel was much better but still not 100% but as they're getting pretty hard to get hold of and I had a guarantee from the store owner of a refund/exchange so It was a case of "got nothing to lose" so off I went. I'll just add in at this point that overall the Winchester m70 Extreme Weather rifles are beautifully finished. The stocks are a B&C - first semi decent stock I've every really held but it's bloody sturdy and as stiff as anything (most things :D). Some complain that the grips to thick, but for me it's pretty bloody good. The bolt was a little "clunky" at first but she's pretty smooth now that she's a wee bit worn in. The half cock is awesome and very positive. The 3 position safety is a little stiff and a little bit loud but I don't hunt with a safety anyway so It really doesn't bother me. The trigger was heavyish - maybe around 4 lb at a guess, but it was smooth. Crisp, no over travel. I did adjust it but I don't know if it made much difference. Could be at 3.5lb or just less now? But it does break cleanly. As for the fluted barrel, I'd prefer it not to be but that wasn't an option. Personal preference - I'm still young enough (cough cough) not too worry too much about weight at the moment. All in all, for the price of them at $1499 I think they're a pretty good buy. Time to test the bitch out
I grabbed some 140gr reloads that I had for my old browning and some factory Hornady whitetail 130gr and of I went for a bit of a play. I did a boresight at 50yds and put a shot on paper. Moved to 100yds and put another shot on paper. Adjusted scope and put another shot and bingo. I then gave the powder a clean out - didn't worry about the copper as I didn't have all day and some people rave about doing a proper break in and some don't so I gave it a half assed effort. Now I only ever shoot 3 shot groups purely because I like the number 3 and since it was a thin barrel whats the point of a 5 shot? Fark me days if it didn't group at .826" You bloody beauty. Put a 3 shot handload through for a 2" group and then anothe 3 shot different handload for a .876" group and then went to 300yds and put 3 factory rounds through for a 3 1/2 inch group. I was pretty happy with the days results etc. Couldn't complain anyway. I went out the following weekend and had similar results with both factory and handloads.
A new scope (2nd hand) was put on and I had what I was hopping was going to be my final recipe for my handloads - I just had to go and do the final testing on paper and today was the day - Unfortunately the weather wasn't playing cricket, but I was determined and so was my mate with his new AR. Below are the results which I'm personally more than happy with. A couple of concerns but overall for a hunting rifle its spot on for this rooster. Excuse the messy illegible handwriting.
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