
Specifications
Year: 1936
Manufacturer(s): Winchester Repeating Arms Company - USA
Roles: Manual Repeat-Fire; Long-Range Precision;
Manufacturer(s): Winchester Repeating Arms Company - USA
Roles: Manual Repeat-Fire; Long-Range Precision;
Action: Manually-Actuated Bolt-Action System
Caliber(s): .30-06 Springfield;
Sights: Iron Front with Adjustable Rear; Optional Optics
Barrel Length: 660 mm (25.98 in)
Weight (Unloaded): 7.98 lb (3.62 kg)
Caliber(s): .30-06 Springfield;
Sights: Iron Front with Adjustable Rear; Optional Optics
Barrel Length: 660 mm (25.98 in)
Weight (Unloaded): 7.98 lb (3.62 kg)
Operators: Australia; Canada; Japan; Mexico; New Zealand; Philippines; United States
The Model 70 quickly became a well-liked sporting rifle system. It took on a conventional rifle appearance with its wood stock that made up the body, forend, and shoulder stock. The pistol grip was an integral component of this stock and elegantly curved for the contours of the primary shooting hand. The trigger unit was underslung in the usual way with the vital metal components inlaid into the wooden body like normal. This included the turn-down, knobbed bolt-action handle and bolt, ejection port, all requisite moving parts, and the barrel. Telescopic sights could be fitted over the receiver for accurized ranged fire though iron sights were retained as backup (adjustable rear). Barrel lengths of 22, 24, and 26 inches were offered and rifle weights therefore ranged from 6lb to 8lb. The feed system incorporated an internal spring well magazine with floorplate which typically held five cartridges ready-to-fire (depending on cartridge in play). A wide variety of chamberings and cartridge types were eventually seen with the Model 70 line.
The Model 70 saw use beyond the civilian market when it was picked up law enforcement groups and military services for the sniper role. The United States Marine Corps (USMC) took on a stock of about 373 rifles (.30-06 chambering) during World War 2 in 1942 and saw service in the Pacific Theater against the Japanese. Others were used in the training role to lead into operational use of M1903 Springfield sniper rifles and modified M1 Garand sniper forms. Some managed additional service in the Korean War (1950-1953). In 1954, the United States Army began purchasing a special Model 70 breed with a heavy barrel. Both Army and USMC elements used Model 70s in the upcoming Vietnam War (1955-1975) for a time but the weapons were never officially standardized sniper platforms.
Law enforcement groups also procured the Model 70 in numbers. Use of the rifle outside of the United States occurred in Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, and the Philippines. Special police versions were manufactured by FN Herstal.
Variants / Models
• Model 70 - Base Series Designation