Best Deer Rifle Ever?! (Winchester M70 Featherweight Compact .243 Winchester)
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- čas přidán 12. 12. 2022
- I’ve hunted with my Winchester model 70 Featherweight Compact chambered in 243 Winchester for 4 years now and figured it may be useful to let you know what I think about it!
This started out as an idea for a tree stand rifle but has morphed into my favorite ground blind rifle as well! It’s short, handy features make it perfect for getting into and out of tight spots, and with a 5 round capacity, great accuracy and incredible handling characteristics, this rifle might just be perfect!
The optics setup consists of the now discontinued Leupold FXII 6x36 on Talley Ultralight Low 1” rings.
To be fair, if I were hunting up north rather than in east Texas where the deer are quite a bit larger, I’d certainly opt for a larger cartridge such as 7mm/08 or .308 Winchester, but for Texas the .243 Winchester fills the bill nicely.
Happy Hunting!
- Lee Mason, Mason Leather
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Bolt should not catch and open it's a great design
The benefit of the three-position M70 safety is that in the fully back position, the bolt is locked in place. In the middle position, the bolt can be cycled but the rifle still is safe. Fully forward and you are ready to fire.
Yeah, I kinda wondered why he brought up the bolt being too easy to open. Does he know it’s a three position safety?
Lock the a safety all the way back, and the bolt won't open. Beautiful rifle, I enjoy your videos.
I think he was saying that when sitting (I’m guessing it would be in the middle position) the bolt is very easy to lift. That said I have a Model 70 and I’ve done some testing because of this video. Unlike a lot of other bolt action rifles, the sear will still engage and the rifle will fire with the bolt almost all the way up. I’ve had mine at probably 70°, just before the bolt starts to get into the unlock resistance, and it will still drop the firing pin. So unlike so other rifles, where the sear disengages if the bolt if lifted even slightly, the Model 70 still works.
@@scotteger6271 Interesting...
The very best shot I ever took was with my Winchester Model 70 Featherweight .243. Mine is a push feed that I bought in the 1990s, my very first decent quality bolt action hunting rifle. (Winchester had yet to reintroduce controlled round feed when I bought it.) I took an uphill shot through the forks of two oak trees to hit a doe smack between the eyes with my handloaded ammo. She never knew what happened. I love this little gem, and the cartridge it shoots.
Nothing more gorgeous than a M70 Feather!
Put your safety in the rear most position and it locks the bolt.
It's a 3 position safety. Rear locks bolt handle and safety on. Middle is you can open bolt with safety on. Forward position is fire.
The "Featherweight" remains one of the most aesthetic factory sporters ever. And while I regard the .243 as an excellent cartridge, the Featherweight in 6.5x55 would be perfect.
I own three Winchester Model 70s in .243 Win. One is an old XTR, one is a Featherweight, the third is what they used to call the Lightweight Minicarbine (20" barrel). I love all three.
FN now owns Winchester and Browning. I'm really glad that they took over Winchester. FN has a long heritage of producing fine Sporting rifles. Especially with FN made commercial Mauser 98's. I believe a lot of that tradition goes into producing Winchester model 70's. With The new production FN model 70's, the components are both USA made and some Belgian. With that being said, final assembly is in Portugal. I am a fellow Winchester model 70 fan boy as well. I have the All Weather SS model in 7mm Rem mag. I use it for everything. With the right ammo it's sub moa every day. Mine happens to like Hornady SST's and Eld-x bullets. I also like the FN commercial Mauser 98 as a 2nd. That's what my better half likes, it happens to be in .243 and ironically hers likes those federal 100gr Power Shocks too in her FN. Her rifle is just as accurate if not more accurate than mine. Yes FN does know how to build damn good shooting rifles.
Nice! I just picked up an Extreme Weather SS 30-06 myself, look for it to be featured on the channel a lot soon!
@@masonoutdoors_masonleather 20 inch barrel, I guess you don't have to worry about velocity loss at the distances you shoot in east Texas?
I have owned a Winchester Model 70 Featherweight since 1982. I love that rifle. Smooth operating, reliable, and deadly accurate. About 8 yrs. ago, I had a hankering for the Winchester 70 Featherweight Compact in the .308 and try as I would, I could not find one. All I could find was that rifle in the 7mm-08. That is also a great deer hunting caliber, but I already had one in the Browning BLR. I ended up going with the Ruger Gunsite Scout in the .308. I don't regret it because the Ruger is also a very good rifle. But I still sometimes wish I had been able to find the Winchester.
Way to go getting the CRF version.
I recently acquired a model 70 Classic made in 1994, the first year that Winchester reintroduced the pre-64 CRF, coned breech, and the various other features that has long made the pre-64 rifles so desired to this day.
Mine is the regular Featherweight, chambered in the ever popular .30--06.
Oh, mine was actually made in New Haven, CT!
Love my .243.. from Whitetails to huge Mule deer....
Me too buddy! What make/model you using?
@@masonoutdoors_masonleather shoot a Ruger model 77 Mark 2 black composite and stainless steel...topped with a Nikon with BDC reticle. .love it very accurate...
Quick comment from a new subscriber. I wish I could say the same about Model 70's made in Portugal but I recently purchased one, a Super Grade with an obvious factory defect. The magazine top plate does not go to the top of the magazine chamber because of a defect on the side wall of the chamber. Unfortunately, it was something I missed when inspecting the rifle at the store. It works great as a push feed but because of the position of the magazine top plate, cartridges are not in the correct position to be picked up by the claw extractor as is the design of a controlled-feed action. It was something I figured out after comparing it to my South Caroilina - made Model 70 Featherweight. Hopefully, others who are considering a Model 70 purchase will read this and check for this defect. It's one its way back to Winchester at this writing which means I'll see what the company does to make things right. Great video.
Up here in northern Canada with our big bodied deer, a .243 as a dedicated deer rifle is a 50-50 gamble. Most experienced horn hunters would choose minimum 6.5 or 7mm as baseline instead. Further north the .243 is often a wolf or caribou cartridge with fur trappers at the forest fringe close to arctic tundra. Caribou are freakishly easy to drop.
I couldn't imagine a fur bearer using a 243. Seems like it would do a lot of pelt damage
@tonkatank045 in the north country of Canada, .243 & .270 are often used wolf cartridges. Good return in cash.
The MacKenzie wolf is largest wolf in North America.
what? it puts deer to sleep
Yes it is. Rarely get a pass through with the 243. Kills the deer but makes tracking a challenge.. there are better choices.
i use 22shorts and they drop. its about shot placement. @@mjuberian
I have the exact same rifle (except it's not the compact) in 30/06 here in Australia for my deer rifle. Thanks for sharing!
Yeah, that is one of the nicest factory rifles ever made. I'm a sucker for M70s, I even like the push feeds.
My grandfather’s from the 50’s was handed down to me and only recently have I used it. It’s a solid rifle. He kept it in amazing shape so I got lucky on that!
Thanks for that informative video. And what I have to say: Your Leather Work is awesome!
Glad to be of service and thanks!!
I picked up one of these in 7mm-08 last year for my first deer rifle, and while I admit I don't have much to compare it against, I couldn't be happier with it.
BTW, the easy bolt lift shouldn't be an issue if you've got the safety all the way back in its bolt-lock position.
Pair that with the perfect hunter and you have a perfect combination.
Agree 👍🏼
Beautiful classic rifle. The Rifleman’s Rifle.
Tyler County (north of Beaumont) resident here. This was a great video. Had one exactly like that about 6 yrs ago. 3 touching all day long. Just didn't care for the 243 so I traded it for a 6.5CM and hated it. I've been shooting a 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser for about 20 years and love the 6.5 cartridge, just didn't see the need for another 6.5. I'm really surprised your only complaint was the smoothest bolt ever. With the 3-position safety, the bolt coming out of battery should never be an issue. Since you make your own leather, your shell holder and sling would look a lot nicer in a tan or redish color with that stock. But altogether, you have a great set up. Just really hard to beat a Mod 70.
Mason, I couldn't agree with you more. A few years back I found a M70 FWT. push feed in .243, trimmed the barrel to 20" and mounted in one of the Win. 70 walnut compact stocks. Only difference, I often get running shots so I went with a Leupold 4X. Cheers
I agree.
Very nice rifle I have 30/06 and 300 win mag both model 70 best ever.
Love that combo and I hope it serves you well. I want one in 308
You can put a one inch thick limbsaver slip-on pad on the stock leave the factory pad in place that will keep you from having to chock up on the gun so much and still enjoy the compact size overall
I have a newer standard model 70 featherweight in 280 Remington. They eliminated the 280 as well and I’m glad I got mine before they did. I’m short so I ended up cutting my stock to a 13” LOP. The newer rifles of other brands post COVID seem more cheaply built that the Model 70. I love mine, it’s a classic rifle in a classic cartridge in a 6.5 world of gaudy synthetic rifles. Truth be told I’d be fine it’s a 7mm-08 too and I often use that cartridge in a Browning XBolt stainless. I also got a 280 in that rifle before browning nixed it. Both Browning and Winchester are owned by FN and they make the highest quality nowadays.
Hey man, thanks for the video you’re right 645s and awesome gun. Be safe. 👌
I have this exact rifle. Mine was a USA vintage. I love it I have a leupold 2x7 compact scope on it great rifle!!!
Others have already mentioned it, but it still needs to be said that you can instantly take care of that bolt handle opening more easily than you would like by sliding the safety all the way rearward.
That puts the trigger on safe, plus locks the bolt handle down.
Yes I’m aware, I should’ve rephrased what I meant by saying I simply don’t like how easy the bolt opens in the unlocked position.
Something I learned dealing with audio cables is run them up under your shirt then out the collar. Allows you to have the mic where you need it and your shirt will keep the cord out of the way.
Good tip thank you!
Thats a great rifle bro.👍👍
Keep up the good work.
Awesome explanation from a real hunter, I have a FWT but mine is .308 , love mine, and yes it is a great hunting rifle. I run a Leupold vx2 2-7 and also talleys
Glad to be of service!
You're Blessed they don't make that scope or offer the Rifle In 243 anymore.
Thank you for your video @ Mason Leather. Well to me this showing up in my recommended viewing is confirmation that we are being listened to. I have been looking for this exact rifle and have been making phone calls here in my living room both to the manufacturer and various dealers. You were right when you said that they were not available now. As a matter of fact they don’t even have a production date yet. But you were mistaken on one thing you mentioned about the rifle being a victim of its own perfection in the smoothness and ease of working the bolt. I think someone may have alluded to this already but I just wanted to be clear. The Winchester model 70 with the controlled round feeding and the three position safety is all on purpose and is no accident. The three position safety when placed in the rearward position not only puts the rifle on safe but it LOCKS the bolt in place. It will NOT accidentally open. With the trigger finger and thumb you grab the safety and move it forward (or to the middle position) and now the rifle is still on safe to be able to safely work the bolt to remove the chambered round ect. In the fully forward position (again with trigger finger and thumb) the rifle is now in the fire position and will discharge when the trigger is pulled. THEN if a follow-up shot was needed then the smoothness of the bolt and action will be nothing but a blessing. Just remember to move your three position safety to the rearward most position after loading your rifle and you will have no worries about the bolt opening until you are ready for it to. Thanks again for your video. I want this rifle as bad as any I have ever seen and I intend on making sure Winchester Repeating Arms knows it!😁
I have a Winchester Model 70 SuperGrade and its super accurate.
Excellent 👍. Beautiful rifle. I may look at the featherweight compact I never thought about it before. 243 is great I guess 6.5 Creed would be good or 308. Thank you
Fantastic rifles , I’ve had two . .243 & a 22-250
That rifle is beautiful gorgeous I love it
F&N gun makers is the gun manufacturer that builds the model 70 rifles now n they are absolutely top notch.
They went back to the pre 64 standards on the rifle n all I've seen on CZcams so far has been 5 star 🌟
I love a 243 win. I have a budget Mossberg Patriot Bantam with a 3-12x44 Sig Saur Buckmasters scope. I plan to get a Boyds stock for it soon.
I have a 25wssm great little gun model 70 synthetic I do like it no complaints stay safe
When I was 14 l worked my ass off mowing grass, splitting and stacking wood and anything else to make money to save up and buy a Feather Weight Winchester in 30/06. I was so proud. Then we tried to get it to shoot. We tried everything several reloads, floated the barrel and could never get better than a 3.5 group. I ended up trading for a Model 99 Savage in .300 Savage. Really have no idea how many deer l shot with it. It consistently will shot under an inch.
Got a Krico carbine in 243 Win. The double set triggers set it apart from the ordinary. I'd love to have a Featherweight, but make mine a 308.
Nice rifle
I have been wanting a model 70 featherweight compact for quite a while now. I like it's look, feel, and compactness. I have been considering the 7mm-08 or 308 though. I prefer a longer barrel for the 243 and honestly, while I know the 243 is a great cartridge, I just can't seem to warm up to it much. I have owned several 243's and a 6mm Remington, and hunted deer, antelope, and coyotes with them with good results, but I just can't get very excited about them. A good friend owned a Remington 600 mohawk in 243, loved it and hunted with it for decades, but he mostly hunted closer ranges in woods. Maybe one day I might still get a model 70 compact, but with advancing age and deteriorating health, it is looking less and less likely. I have a standard model 70 featherweight in 257 Roberts that suites me well, and I did have a standard featherweight which happened to have beautiful fiddleback figure throughout the stock, but I prefer a 24 inch barrel for the 270 and I let that one go. I am happy for your success and pleasure in your model 70 compact 243, and I wish you many more good seasons with it.
Great content bro looking forward for the leaver action collection video please lots of close up of the action thanks.
Thanks!
With you on that compact featherweight- 243Win is Great cartridge-
I appreciate your pure, realistic/practical review of this rifle. Here and there I hear that this rifle is a 1.5 to 2 MOA which is unacceptable for me when a $400 Savage can perform sub MOA. I am encouraged to hear you saying you can do 1 MOA. I checked on line and see non for sale. All I see is the featherweight and supper grade. May I ask where did you buy yours?
Much appreciated! I have multiple Featherweights and they’re all 1-1.5 MOA rifles with standard hunting ammo, I’m sure they could be sub or 1 MOA if I tried a bunch of different loads, this particular one is just super accurate, who knows maybe I got lucky. Yea they’re hard to get, you just have to watch for them on GvnBr0ker, the compact models don’t pop up often and when they do they go fast.
I just snagged an M70 Extreme Weather SS model in 30-06, look for vids on it soon!
My Cheap Stevens 200s (Savage pre accutrigger) ($299) have shot .38 inches at 100 yards with $50 Tasco scope, so I'm a hard person to please with $1000+ rifles that will not beat that.
MY Cabela's near Acworth GA once had the standard featherweights one each in .243 and 6.5 Needsmore. I passed at the time, but would like one in .243. (Actually would prefer 6mm Remington with a 1/8 twist).
It depends on who's shooting. Ha
My .270 1953 model 70 sporter consistently prints 4 round groups of cheap Federal 130 grain power shok in under 1.5” and shoots MOA with my handloads. To me, that’s astounding for a 70 year old rifle with a non free floated barrel. I think that most of these new rifles are capable of great accuracy…the shooters, however, are another story.
Classic rifle i have it in 30-06 though
Yes very very nice rifle
You should have a 3 way safety that locks your bolt in back position, unlocks bolt but locks trigger in middle position and fires all the way forward.
I’m aware of how the safety functions
I wound up getting a savage Axis. Mostly because it's a left handed model for $400. By the time I had iron sights added and a gun metal grey cerakote put on I have a $800 rifle that is safe for a lefty is safe if the scope gets knocked and is rust resistant for about the same price as a basic left handed model from many other brands.
That’ll work for sure
So you put lip stick on a pig
Is the barrel thicker on this compact version that the regular featherweight?
It was a little too small for me, especially barrel length (too short). In 7mm 08 the muzzle blast was severe. So now its gone in trade for a Sako (Not for same usage). It was a very pretty gun.
My son and I have had one for over 15 years in 7mm08. It shoots less than half of inch at a hundred yards and will eat anything.
I have the same rifle in 308 I love mine also I own many other rifles but always seem to take it
Love it have Remington model seven 308 18 in barrel
I am a M70 fanatic.
Sounds great for shooting out ya truck
That's one beautiful rifle, 6.11lb is that with the scope also?.
Do the scope rings come with it? Are the ones you have on it the ones? Thanks
im looking at this because I'm a tiny roof korean why did you choose 243 not 308? would 3006 be the one much recoil for a shorty ?
When it’s moving at 3k+ fps it’s definitely gonna mess up that deer I have a 308,243,30-30 and 6.5 creedmoor and my 243 is my favorite and the 30-30 is pretty close
So obviously you can run the safety on the locked position but you can also load up, hold down the top round and close the bolt on an empty chamber to drop the pin. This will make the bolt lift slightly heavier than just putting it in the fire position alone. Personally I just hold down the top round snd close on an empty chamber and leave it in the fire position. Never had an issue. Once you get to your blind chamber a round and throw it on safe. Easy peasy
I'd love to see some 243 gel test videos.
Currently shopping for a starter gun for my daughter's and youth/compact bolt guns tend to come in .308 based calibers.... Or .223. While I think the .223 is capable to kill deer, it's not a youth caliber as it's rather unforgiving with shot placement and angles.
That leaves me looking for basically a compact 243 or a 350 legend. I'd love to see manufactures pump out youth 300blk, 6.5 Grendel, 7.62x39, etc as cheaper bulk ammo options for practice and familiarizing kids with centerfires while being adequate out to 150+ on deer with proper ammo.
Specifically I was hoping to see a ballistics gel test on some managed recoil .243 options. Like Hornady custom lite and Remington managed recoil.
I bought a regular featherweight in 7mm-08
Best and most accurate deer rifle I have is a Browning Medallion using Winchester .243 Super short magnum.but hard to find ammo now.But at 400 yards it hits right where you aim I would even try at 500 yrds
I had a model 70 years ago I wish I still had it it was 308 chamber at 200 yards a 2inch bullseye I could put every shot in the center it had a 4×12 Weaver scope and all around great gun but the I got mine at an auction gun shop was closing I paid $97.50 at that time. I Sold my Browning 9mm Hi Power for $75.00 to buy the scope for it. Loved that Browning I could kick myself hundreds of times for selling it.
I just wanted to let you know, as a result of this video and the easy to lift bolt, I did some testing on my own Model 70 and found it to not be an issue.
To be fair, mine is just as easy to lift as yours, but I put mine in various positions of bolt lift and pulled the trigger. It fired every time, up until the point where it actually unlocks.
It has a 3-position safety, so with it fully rearward I don’t worry about it opening if I’m going trough the woods/brush. But sitting with it in the middle position I get what you’re saying. That said, try it on your rifle…should be able to fire with the bolt handle pretty far up…I think I was at about 70° and it still fired, dropping the bolt handle as it did.
Mine it an Extreme Weather Stainless in 6.5 Creedmoor. It has the black and gray Bell & Carlson stock with a stainless barrel/action. If I got a black leather cartridge cuff, with black paracord, and omitted the brass eyelets, what goes in their place? Basically I’m just wondering if it would look right on the less traditional Model 70 that I have. I’d like to give you some business so let me know if you think it would look good on my rifle, thanks!
Thanks for the input. Firing a bolt action rifle with the bolt handle not all the way down means that the bolt head and locking lugs are not fully engaged and firing it from a nearly open position is extraordinarily dangerous. At 70 degrees lifted there is almost nothing locking the bolt closed, firing it like that is ,again, extraordinarily dangerous.
Without the eyelets there are 1/4” holes in the leather, no eyelets. The leather is thick and will not tear through, probably ever. My cartridge cuffs fit standard adult sized straight comb buttstocks, meaning no Monte Carlo stocks. The bell and carleson has a raised cheek piece, which my cuffs can fit over but it’s not a great fit and I wouldn’t recommend it.
the rifle for hunting is one that fits you and your not flinching every time you squeeze or afraid of whats coming back to you most kills are under 150 yards there are a butt load of calibers that have a lot to offer in the short range game and not be abusive my opinion may not meet your approval less afraid of the gun inproves accuracy
i have a question ,need advice ...i have the same rifle.leupold freedom 3x9 scope. what scope bases do you have? i like your set up. nice rifle,nice leather work !
Thanks! These are Talley Ultralight rings (they are a ring/base combo) I highly recommend them. Use the LOW ring height, it will work for a 3-9x40, I assume your objective is 40mm.
@@masonoutdoors_masonleather yes the objective is 40mm . The rifle is a 2013 . One of the last ones made in South Carolina. Would you know the screw size in reviver 6-48 or 8-40? The Talley asks I wasn’t sure . I appreciate the advice ty
@@masonoutdoors_masonleather is .243 win considered a standard caliber? I’m kinda new at this . Ty again….
@@masonoutdoors_masonleather ok I think I figured it all out … ty again! Much appreciated
I'd take an elk with a 100 grain copper solid .243 from inside 200 yards. I'd feel comfortable doing that.
A buddy of mine has taken w/t deer, Black Bear ( 12 yr old sow ) and elk.
☆
Should be a three position safety if you put it all the way back the bolt won't move on you like that.
Indeed, I prefer to keep it on position 2 though due to the type of hunting I do, usually only have a few seconds and don’t want to fumble from the rear position which I find difficult to do with just a thumb flick.
While I wouldn't recommend it, I know of a few fellow hunters in north central British Columbia who regularly hunt moose with a .243 so I don't think there should be a problem going after the biggest of mule deer with one.
Yea I wouldn’t do it but have heard of the same thing
What’s up Lee!!!
🤣 haha nice to “see” ya! 🤜🏼 💥
Great channel. Keep up the great work! You know, I think you should incorporate “story time”.
@@DoublePlay21 I thought you might say that 😂 I’ll have to do a hunting edition of story time, I’ve got a few 👌🏼
i was always attracted to this rifles asthetics but they seemed to be overpriced just for the fancy checkering.
The 62 grain Barnes vg at over 3400 fps easily. Is so devastating out of 243win. Laser and devastating and lead free
We are saddened to know Winchester no longer makes the M70 in .243. My small framed family needs the featherweight and the youth models.
I think you mean Winchester not Remington.
@@pnwdweler4100 Yes.
Compact you say.? Try a ruger m77 hawkeye compact! Thats a cheeky sized one!
Yep those are cool, 16” barrels, I might snag one.
Best deer rifle for you
I have one nearly identical Winchester M70 Featherweight in 6.5 CM but for some crazy reason the magazine only holds four rounds! My three other M70s all hold five in the mag. Why this one holds four is beyond me. The manual that came with it says four round capacity too so its not just my gun.
What year is your rifle?
You can control the muzzle better,I do the same. God bless ! 🇺🇸
I have one but hate the trigger.
Where can you find one of these?
vs remington 700?
After sighting in at 60 feet, I could easily cover 5 shots with a nickel czcams.com/users/postUgkxQt2uORDRfFOVSrO4idv4B90ThT6EOnEL ! Truly a pleasure to shoot! Scope was easy to adjust for eye relief. Only problem the varmints must have seen it delivered lol!Update: So impressed with shot groups at 30 yards I purchased a Hammers 3×9 with adjustable Objective scope! Now a true nail driver!
I don't think you can do any better than that rig for whitetails.
Great gun for the little kids and old guys lol
That bolt issue, when you put the rifle in safety position it should lock it closed
Sho wood be nice in a 6.5 x 55 Mauser
Absolutely
If it is uncocked the bolt wont flop open. If cocked the 3 position safety will take care of that.
I’m aware, the bolt is still too easy to open in position 2 IMO
@@masonoutdoors_masonleather Why would that be a problem?
Winchester IMO, is making big mistakes in discontinuing just about everything. No more Sporter versions forcing you to have to buy Supergrade, no .243 in a compact as you said, but keeping the 6.5 BS. It's a big Turnoff for me. Since I found a 7X57 from 2013 for less that $1000, I think I'll keep that and forget about the rest.
I agree with you, I think people go to the various M70’s for that classic style and Winchester is starting to deviate from that.
Everything is going to shit.
怎么购买呢?
243 Are you saying you love tracking deer?😮
The rifle, heck ya, I got one, - but NOT in 243 ! It's NOT a deer caliber. 270 much better choice 👍
It’s shame I’ve never once since a review of the featherweights where they shot accurately out of the box.
This one and several others I’ve got are plenty accurate
@@masonoutdoors_masonleather fair nuff! This is about the only video or review that I’ve heard or seen that the accuracy matched the price of the rifle.
Английского не знаю владею таким только в 308 более 160 трофеев ни разу не подвел великолепная винтовка