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November 7, 2015
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For those of you who don’t know the Winchester Model 670 was a budget version if the Model 70 built in the late 1960’s thru sometime in the late 1970’s. They feature the maligned push-feed action, a birch stock and a blind magazine. The rifle also had a 22″ barrel that has a reputation of delivering excellent accuracy for a sporting rifle. My first hunting rifle was a 670 and after years of learning to shoot and reload I discovered it would consistently deliver groups in the neighborhood of .67″, often less. My pre-hunt sight-in target was a business card at 100 yards. Sadly, after hundreds, likely thousands, of rounds later a bit of the rifling let go and it is now a 35 Whelen residing in a nice Boyd Walnut stock.
Fast forward about 20 years, I was perusing the offerings at my local orphanage and found a bit later 670 (SN G1350279) with a butchered stock but otherwise decent shape. I put it in the older 670’s stock and put a decent Redfield scope on it with bases and rings from my parts box. Goal was to make a loaner/backup rifle for my brother’s South Texas deer lease. It wasn’t pretty but it shot very well, at least one youngster shot his first deer with it. A few years ago I realized it wasn’t getting used any more as a deer camp rifle so it came home a few weeks ago. I remembered it shot very well and decided to see just how well it would shoot. I took it to the range and was reminded it had an excellent 2.5# trigger and shot a very respectable group with my standard hunting load. I ordered a Boyd Pro Varmint laminated stock with optional pillar bedding and a big brown truck brought it today. I’ll glass bed the recoil lug after Mr. Potterfield’s order gets here.
It’s been a train wreck around here today so I’m not going to do any disassembly or fitting. I’m sorry if this offends any of the pre-64 purists but I thought I’d have a little fun with a solid Winchester design without hurting a collectible Winchester. By necessity it’s also a low-budget project but that just adds to the challenge.
Mike
March 31, 2009
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TXGunNut said
For those of you who don’t know the Winchester Model 670 was a budget version if the Model 70 built in the late 1960’s thru sometime in the late 1970’s. They feature the maligned push-feed action, a birch stock and a blind magazine. The rifle also had a 22″ barrel that has a reputation of delivering excellent accuracy for a sporting rifle. My first hunting rifle was a 670 and after years of learning to shoot and reload I discovered it would consistently deliver groups in the neighborhood of .67″, often less. My pre-hunt sight-in target was a business card at 100 yards. Sadly, after hundreds, likely thousands, of rounds later a bit of the rifling let go and it is now a 35 Whelen residing in a nice Boyd Walnut stock.
Fast forward about 20 years, I was perusing the offerings at my local orphanage and found a bit later 670 (SN G1350279) with a butchered stock but otherwise decent shape. I put it in the older 670’s stock and put a decent Redfield scope on it with bases and rings from my parts box. Goal was to make a loaner/backup rifle for my brother’s South Texas deer lease. It wasn’t pretty but it shot very well, at least one youngster shot his first deer with it. A few years ago I realized it wasn’t getting used any more as a deer camp rifle so it came home a few weeks ago. I remembered it shot very well and decided to see just how well it would shoot. I took it to the range and was reminded it had an excellent 2.5# trigger and shot a very respectable group with my standard hunting load. I ordered a Boyd Pro Varmint laminated stock with optional pillar bedding and a big brown truck brought it today. I’ll glass bed the recoil lug after Mr. Potterfield’s order gets here.
It’s been a train wreck around here today so I’m not going to do any disassembly or fitting. I’m sorry if this offends any of the pre-64 purists but I thought I’d have a little fun with a solid Winchester design without hurting a collectible Winchester. By necessity it’s also a low-budget project but that just adds to the challenge.
Mike
I know we are supposed to be pre 64 but there are many that can’t have one and thus won’t join our Forum. We are a dying breed and so may be our Forum.
November 7, 2015
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Chuck-
I want to see what a sporter Winchester bolt gun is capable of but I don’t want to modify one of the pre-64 Winchesters we love. I’ll have fun with this until the right standard 70 in 30-06 comes along. I’m not going to try to squeeze every last hundredth of an inch of accuracy out of it but I will use a few of the benchrest techniques I use for my hinting loads.
Mike
May 14, 2025
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Chuck said
TXGunNut said
For those of you who don’t know the Winchester Model 670 was a budget version if the Model 70 built in the late 1960’s thru sometime in the late 1970’s. They feature the maligned push-feed action, a birch stock and a blind magazine. The rifle also had a 22″ barrel that has a reputation of delivering excellent accuracy for a sporting rifle. My first hunting rifle was a 670 and after years of learning to shoot and reload I discovered it would consistently deliver groups in the neighborhood of .67″, often less. My pre-hunt sight-in target was a business card at 100 yards. Sadly, after hundreds, likely thousands, of rounds later a bit of the rifling let go and it is now a 35 Whelen residing in a nice Boyd Walnut stock.
Fast forward about 20 years, I was perusing the offerings at my local orphanage and found a bit later 670 (SN G1350279) with a butchered stock but otherwise decent shape. I put it in the older 670’s stock and put a decent Redfield scope on it with bases and rings from my parts box. Goal was to make a loaner/backup rifle for my brother’s South Texas deer lease. It wasn’t pretty but it shot very well, at least one youngster shot his first deer with it. A few years ago I realized it wasn’t getting used any more as a deer camp rifle so it came home a few weeks ago. I remembered it shot very well and decided to see just how well it would shoot. I took it to the range and was reminded it had an excellent 2.5# trigger and shot a very respectable group with my standard hunting load. I ordered a Boyd Pro Varmint laminated stock with optional pillar bedding and a big brown truck brought it today. I’ll glass bed the recoil lug after Mr. Potterfield’s order gets here.
It’s been a train wreck around here today so I’m not going to do any disassembly or fitting. I’m sorry if this offends any of the pre-64 purists but I thought I’d have a little fun with a solid Winchester design without hurting a collectible Winchester. By necessity it’s also a low-budget project but that just adds to the challenge.
Mike
I know we are supposed to be pre 64 but there are many that can’t have one and thus won’t join our Forum. We are a dying breed and so may be our Forum.
This is the 3rd post I’ve read that says this is supposed to be a Pre 64 Forum? I didn’t see that on my application to join and we clearly have a Commemorative resource page. No doubt the Pre 64’s are sweet but why are we limiting the Forum to only that? Collecting Commemoratives brought me here and I’ve enjoyed reading these posts and learning and I have branched out and acquired a few 94’s, a First and second model 1894 and an awesome NWMP 1873 as my knowledge and appreciation for all Winchesters has grown. In addition, the WACA magazine seems to support Commemorative collectors with many articles published. Thus my confusion that I keep seeing a theme in the Forum that we are only here for Pre 64’s. I hope we are all welcome?
November 7, 2015
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Bill-
We are indeed focused on the pre-64 Winchesters here, this thread is more about reloading and the potential of the Model 70 sporting rifle. I wanted to introduce the rifle and tell other members why I’m using this particular rifle. It won’t look like anything else in my safe, I didn’t want to shock anyone when I get it put together and post a pic. Quite honestly I needed a cheap project to keep me entertained as winter sets in and I thought it might be fun to let y’all know what I’m up to. I’m more of a shooter than a collector but so far all my shooter Model 70’s are post-64. But trust me, you wouldn’t want me undertaking this project with a nice collectible M70!
Mike
April 30, 2023
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We’ll bring the modern stuff in one day….I’m an equal opportunity collector and Winchester lover.
November 7, 2015
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Jeremy P said
We’ll bring the modern stuff in one day….I’m an equal opportunity collector and Winchester lover.
Really? This gun’s not exactly new, it’s nearly as old as you best I can tell. Besides, I don’t have any modern guns. 
Mike
January 20, 2023
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If accuracy is the sole criterion of excellence for bolt action high power rifles, the Mauser 98 action and its descendants have long since been proven inferior by decades of registered and recorded competition.
If superior safe handling of escaped gas is the criterion, the Mauser 1898 and descendants lose again.
But that’s not why we buy what we buy.
We argue technical issues but esthetics are why we buy. The original Ruger Number One was not the most accurate rifle in the World, the Winchester Model 1894 not the best woods rifle of all time, the Colt Peacemaker probably inferior to a couple of its contemporaries — but the Ruger turned heads from Day One because it was the creation of the gifted Lenard Brownell. The Winchester and the Colt were largely styled and perfected by William Mason, whose sense of line and proportion were beyond reproach. Compared to their competitors or otherwise, these were beautiful weapons pleasing to the eye and hand. They still are and they still sell.
We make excuses but that is why we buy them, for the same reason we lust for E-type Jaguars and Ferrari California Spyders. (We sure as hell wouldn’t buy those for gas mileage and reliability.)
- Bill
WACA # 65205; life member, NRA; member, TGCA; member, TSRA; amateur preservationist
"I have seen wicked men and fools, a great many of both, and I believe they both get paid in the end, but the fools first." -- David Balfour, narrator and protagonist of the novel, Kidnapped, by Robert Louis Stevenson.
November 7, 2015
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I can’t recall ever using the term “inferior” when describing the Model 70, Bill. I won’t deny nostalgia and aesthetics influence my decisions but in this case it’s simply what I have lying around. I’m not after world class accuracy, that would be a little like burdening an $8000 Trek aero racing bicycle with my 6’1″ 260 pound body. In my case “steel is real” or at least it was when I could ride a road bike. One of the lessons learned becoming a good shot is recognizing that there are some VERY good shooters out there and I’m NOT one of them. A quarter-minute rifle will never realize its potential with this loose nut behind the butt. I’m also not willing to invest in the rifle, case prep equipment, rests and glass it would probably require to realize .25″ groups. I know the rifle is capable of MOA but I’m barely an MOA shooter so I’ll have to improve my shooting skills to accomplish my goal. I know the inexpensive M670, Redfield 3-9X scope and standard sandbag tripod rest and standard reloading equipment will make things a bit more of a challenge but again, it’s what I have. I have no interest in the capabilities of a benchrest rifle, I want to see what this sporting rifle is capable of without maxing out my credit cards. My budget for this project wouldn’t buy a benchrest quality scope or rest. This project is all about getting the most bang for the buck and having some fun with an old-school sporting rifle.
Mike
April 30, 2023
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TXGunNut said
Jeremy P said
We’ll bring the modern stuff in one day….I’m an equal opportunity collector and Winchester lover.
Really? This gun’s not exactly new, it’s nearly as old as you best I can tell. Besides, I don’t have any modern guns.
Mike
I mean for all the folks mentioning the “pre-64” that we love to debate. 😉
When you showing everyone the stock you got?
November 5, 2014
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Chuck said
I know we are supposed to be pre 64 but there are many that can’t have one and thus won’t join our Forum. We are a dying breed and so may be our Forum.
I can speak only for myself, but perhaps the point is that WACA is the “Winchester Arms Collectors Association”. That’s not synonymous with “Pre-64 Winchester Association”… 
The biases we often express here reflect what has historically been considered a “collectable” Winchester. For some members it’s only antiques, or only letterable guns, or only pre-war guns, or only pre-64 guns… For most of us “old guys” pre-64 is kind of a dividing line because of the wholesale design/manufacturing changes implemented in 1964.
That does not mean that SOME “post-63” Winchesters aren’t already well established as “collectable”. Commemoratives, M9422s, the “Made in Japan” Winchester reproduction M52 Sporters and Parkers, etc. These are often discussed on the forum, and rightly so… As time passes, more Winchester firearms made after 1963 may very well gain a large following amongst “collectors”. At least I hope so… Otherwise Chuck may be right… 
Besides, Mike, even our esteemed colleague Mr. Hartman acknowledges that Winchesters made prior to 1981 are genuine “Winchesters”, i.e. Made in New Haven by “Winchester Repeating Arms Company”, not by a successor company using the “Winchester” name under license from Olin Corporation…
Merry Christmas!!!
Lou
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
November 7, 2015
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When you showing everyone the stock you got? -Jeremy P
I may have gotten a little carried away there but since colors are a no-cost option I had a little fun. It was a bit more colorful than I was expecting but I like it better every time I see it.
Against my better judgement (now there’s a new twist on oxymorons!) I’ll post a pic but I’m concerned some of our more conservative and sensitive members won’t be able to unsee it. I’ll have to change devices to post the pic but this post, when edited, may require a warning label.
Mike
May 14, 2025
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TXGunNut said
When you showing everyone the stock you got? -Jeremy P
I may have gotten a little carried away there but since colors are a no-cost option I had a little fun. It was a bit more colorful than I was expecting but I like it better every time I see it.
Against my better judgement (now there’s a new twist on oxymorons!) I’ll post a pic but I’m concerned some of our more conservative and sensitive members won’t be able to unsee it. I’ll have to change devices to post the pic but this post, when edited, may require a warning label.
Mike
I think it looks amazing! Congrats
December 12, 2019
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I built my first NRA ‘over the course’ rifle on a 670 action. Found one with some nicks and wear for a good price at a local gun store, and went from there. Of course, I had some accuracy work done on it, but it served me well for many years of competition shooting.
I’m trying to remember if that gun is still in the safe or was traded at some point. Now I have to go look…
NP
Nevada Paul
Life Member NRA
August 25, 2009
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TXGunNut said
When you showing everyone the stock you got? -Jeremy P
I may have gotten a little carried away there but since colors are a no-cost option I had a little fun. It was a bit more colorful than I was expecting but I like it better every time I see it.
Against my better judgement (now there’s a new twist on oxymorons!) I’ll post a pic but I’m concerned some of our more conservative and sensitive members won’t be able to unsee it. I’ll have to change devices to post the pic but this post, when edited, may require a warning label.
Mike
Oh!! The humanity!!!
March 31, 2009
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TXGunNut said
I may have gotten a little carried away there but since colors are a no-cost option I had a little fun. It was a bit more colorful than I was expecting but I like it better every time I see it.
Mike
I collect guns from about the 1850’s to the 1890’s. Recently I have bought some early Post 1898 Winchester bolt actions. But I love to shoot and I do shoot most my collectable guns but, they can’t be shot every week. So I have some shooters too. Laminated wood stocks are excellent stocks. Here is a picture of the F Class Open stock I’m using. It will be a 284 Shehane which is a modified 284 Winchester. If shooting a very large caliber carbon fiber layers can be added.
November 7, 2015
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Chuck-
I think you’ve showed me that stock, looks mighty stout! Have you done Open Class before?
I enjoy the benchrest game from the sidelines. Our club has well-attended ARA benchrest, VFS benchrest and poker chip matches. I have no desire to do any sort of comp shooting at this point but I enjoy seeing and hearing what they’re up to. I did comp shooting for over 20 years and just don’t have the desire or the funds to travel that road again. Like you I really like to shoot and agree with Whelen’s view of accurate rifles but some precision rifles are a bit too interesting for me. I like shooting my old Winchesters but this project is a bit different. It’s close enough to the old guns and I’m not going to hurt an old collectible Winchester. I don’t think the 670 will ever be collectible but it will always be a special gun to me.
I hope this beautiful weather we’ve been having holds, bedding kit still a few days out. The hardener in my old bedding kit got hard and the microwave trick succeeded in melting the jar as well as softening the contents so I decided against using it. Not really interested in any chemistry experiments.
Mike
March 31, 2009
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TXGunNut said
Chuck-
I think you’ve showed me that stock, looks mighty stout! Have you done Open Class before?
I enjoy the benchrest game from the sidelines. Our club has well-attended ARA benchrest, VFS benchrest and poker chip matches. I have no desire to do any sort of comp shooting at this point but I enjoy seeing and hearing what they’re up to. I did comp shooting for over 20 years and just don’t have the desire or the funds to travel that road again. Like you I really like to shoot and agree with Whelen’s view of accurate rifles but some precision rifles are a bit too interesting for me. I like shooting my old Winchesters but this project is a bit different. It’s close enough to the old guns and I’m not going to hurt an old collectible Winchester. I don’t think the 670 will ever be collectible but it will always be a special gun to me.
I hope this beautiful weather we’ve been having holds, bedding kit still a few days out. The hardener in my old bedding kit got hard and the microwave trick succeeded in melting the jar as well as softening the contents so I decided against using it. Not really interested in any chemistry experiments.
Mike
Mike, I have not ever shot a match of any kind. I do follow Erik Cortina and some of the Bench Rest shooters. Watching these guys have really improved my skills as a loader and shooter. My current rile is a 19 lb PRS rifle. There are no 1000 yd ranges near me so I’d have to drive 6 hours or so to a match. I can shoot 1000 yds at the range but we can’t use any targets. The desert is about a 2 hr drive to a spot we can shoot as far as we wish. But, the desert is usually very windy. You have to have a target stand that can withstand the wind. Besides, it’s not fun trying to learn in 25 mph winds. All the initial load development can be done at 100 yds. I’m having a hard time just finding a 500 yd range to zero the rifle. I will have to join a Club that allows us to drive out to 500 yds to set and retrieve targets.
November 7, 2015
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I’ve learned a club membership is almost a requirement to do any serious shooting. I bought my club membership from the widow of the owner of a public range, if that tells you anything. The regulars like seeing my old Winchesters and it’s fun to tell them about the more interesting ones. I think Bert needs to find a range a bit closer to his house, for some of us looking at these old guns just isn’t enough!
Mike
March 31, 2009
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TXGunNut said
I’ve learned a club membership is almost a requirement to do any serious shooting. I bought my club membership from the widow of the owner of a public range, if that tells you anything. The regulars like seeing my old Winchesters and it’s fun to tell them about the more interesting ones. I think Bert needs to find a range a bit closer to his house, for some of us looking at these old guns just isn’t enough!
Mike
I am a Member of the range where I shoot. But no paper past 300 yds. Steel starts at 200 out to 600. There are some targets at 700 but we don’t talk about them because it is out of the range property. So are the spots at 800, 975 and 1400.
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