Post 64 Target 70 opinions?|Winchester Rifles|Forum|Winchester Collector

I was not sure what you were really asking. You mention post 64 targets with controlled round feed, and then ask about pre 64’s. I guess I will answer both.

I do not recall ever seeing a legitimate post 64 target rifle (serial numbered as such) using a pre 64 action. So, I really cannot comment further on that item.

As far as accuracy both series of target rifles were extremely accurate. All one has to do to verify is look at the results of the upper level matches, Camp Perry, Olympics, etc. In fact the pre 64 target is still the preferred rifle for “across the course matches” or was the last time I checked. 

Comparing the pre with the post 64 rifles, I would guess they were about equal, if anything, the nod might  go the post 64 variations, such as the Ultra Match, and Palma Match rifles (1968,71 and 76). These were built in the custom shop with special attention given to their assembly including factory bedding of receivers with Bisonite, and externally adjustable triggers. Winchester took a great deal of pride in these rifles and they showed it, garnering praise from the International group of shooters that competed with them. All barrels were lead-lapped for precise tolerance and smooth finish. The latter targets used hammerforged barrels with extremely tight tolerance and concentricity. Winchester had never gone to this degree of attention and detail for any of their target rifles with the possible exception of the handful of single shot 70’s manufactured in the 1950’s, for the AMTU at Ft Benning for use in International competition. These are not even a fair comparison when you consider they were hand built exclusively under contract for the Army. I have test results from this group of rifles and they would not be anything enviable today. Even those, in my opinion pale in comparison to the quality and accuracy of the later rifles. 

   Steve