Besides the Mauser M98, the Winchester Model 70 is in all probability the best known and most respected of bolt actions. For almost a century, and despite many changes, the Model 70 has remained in production and continues to sell well despite fierce competition from rivals.
THE START OF THE MODEL 70
The Model 70 went into production on 20 January 1936 at Winchester’s plant in New Haven, Connecticut. It was released on 1 January 1937, by which time the factory had produced more than 2 000 rifles.
Model 70 receivers were machined from chrome-moly steel and finished by hand, including the Winchester logo roll-marked on the left wall of the action. This was followed by spot-hardening of the extraction cam behind the bridge, as well as heat-treating, tumbling, and bluing before the actions were sent for assembly.
A few things set the Model 70 apart from the beginning. It was fitted with a well-designed and
