1938 M70|Winchester Rifles|Forum|Winchester Collector

Appears to be an attractive shooter, if that’s what you’re looking for I’d recommend some windshield time. Never know what other treasures the seller may have. Otherwise sit tight and the right gun will be along someday if you keep an eye out. Happy hunting!

Mike

Dan,  your standard weight 243 is in excellent condition and I think you should consider making that your standard. With that rifle in your locker, you can afford to be choosy!

The majority of pre-64 Winchesters were chambered in 30/06 so there are a lot to choose from. Even if you have no intention to buy anything on Gunbroker, you should do searchs for a pre-64 Model 70 on the GB site and it will give you an idea of what $1,300  will buy.  If you’re willing to accept the caliber, consider looking for a Super Grade 30/06 in nice condition. They are very elegant guns and pricey in fine condition but there were more made in 30/06 than anything else, which makes them a little easier to find and buy. 

I can speak in favor of the 30/06. There’s a reason it has been popular. It is a handloader’s dream with cast bullets at modest velocities. It has taken the largest and most dangerous game in North America with 200 and 220 grain bullets. With 150 grain bullets it doesn’t shoot as flat as a 270 but it can get mighty close. Up to about 250 yards, you can duplicate 270 ballistics with 125 grain bullets. If you can tolerate the noise,  what it can do to varmint with 90 grain bullets will surprise you.

As the late Colonel Townsend Whelen once wrote: “The 30/06 is almost never a mistake.”

My personal opinion is, if it is so large and dangerous you can’t kill it with a 30/06, run away!