Log In
Members
Home
Add Reply
Add Topic
I have 2 Win. rifles and would like to know what there worth.
1) 1955 M70 FTW .358Win. Sn 344xxx as I understand only 5000 were made in this caliber.
2) M-94 IAM special edition .30-30 Sn 15xx only 1000 were made.
JAY
November 5, 2014
Offline
The M70 Featherweight in 358 WIN has an interesting story behind it. It was introduced in 1955 when the 243 WIN, 270 WIN, and 30-06 SPRG chamberings were also added to the Featherweight line (from 1952-1955 the Featherweight was only catalogued in 308 WIN). The factory reportedly made about 2000 Featherweights in 358 WIN before problems with case extraction starting cropping up (due to the minimal shoulder to headspace against). Supposedly, Winchester then issued a recall on all the 358 WIN Featherweights, and it is not clear just how many were sold/not exchanged. Less than 2000 out there for sure, but not clear just how “rare” the chambering really is.
In excellent original condition a 358 WIN Featherweight might fetch as much as $4K (if ‘like new’). Anything in lesser condition would naturally be less valuable. One thing to beware of is that some “fake” 358 WIN Featherweights have been made up with reproduction barrels and sold as originals, so caveat emptor… 
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
Louis, thanks for the info., I bought this rifle NIB in 1960, it does not have the original stock, I replaced it with a Kevlar/graphite stock in the 90s. The blueing is about 90 – 95 % original with only a small scratch on the aluminum floor plate. I have never had an extraction problem with it, been handloading and used it for hunting almost every year since I bought it.
JAY
November 5, 2014
Offline
Jay-
If I can ask, what are you hunting with your M70 358 WIN? I’ve been fond of the chambering for whitetail on our farm in VA, b/c it leaves a nice blood trial when hunting on a couple hundred acre property with defined “borders”. Helps with the neighbors if you have to trail (and with the 358 WIN you usually don’t – so far at least I haven’t). Seems to me it would be an awesome hog gun…
As it happens, for hunting I’ve used a Ruger M77 358 WIN (older one with the tang safety). My M70 358 FWT is pretty close to “new” and I do not shoot it… Never had an extraction problem with the Ruger.
Cheers…
Lou
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
Lou, I have taken deer, elk, moose, black bear, and hogs with the .358, it’s always been my “go to” gun heavy timber. Since Sierra came out with there 225gr. SBT it’s the only bullet I use and have never had one fail. My load with this bullet has always been W-W cases, 51gr. IMR 4895, Fed 210M primers. I fully realize this is at least 3gr. over any max load and I do not recommend anyone use it. This is a compressed load, my COAL is 2.855″. In my rifle there is no signs of hi-pressure, no cratered primers, less than .001 head expansion, and easy extraction.
JAY
1 Guest(s)
