M70 Sporter vs Featherweight
#1
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I think I will pick up a wood stocked .30-06. It is tough to find M70 rifles on the rack now, but some shops offer special order. This makes it difficult to compare the M70 Sporter and the M70 Featherweight. I have read the specs and am leaning toward the Sporter - but the Featherweight is slightly better looking to my eyes.
Anyone here have these models and wish to offer an opinion?
Anyone here have these models and wish to offer an opinion?
#2
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,143
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I've handled them both. I like the featherweight better. Fits me better, seems to balance better and IMO looks better.
The sporter has a 24" barrel and a cheek piece, the FW a 22" barrel & no cheek piece plus the Schnabel foregrip.
The sporter has a 24" barrel and a cheek piece, the FW a 22" barrel & no cheek piece plus the Schnabel foregrip.
#3
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This rifle will travel as a companion to my M70 Safari Express which has a cheekpiece. I do like the looks of the featherweight with the handy 22" barrel and the Schnabel forearm, but Winchester lists the difference in weight at only 4 ounces. With only a 4 oz delta I don't quite get the name "featherweight". Am I reading something wrong?
#5
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The SG is listed as a full pound heavier than the standard Sporter. I know there are a few differences in the stock but a full pound? I would like to put some of these models on a scale.
#8
Spike
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 1
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If possible I would handle both first. I've had a Featherweight Classic since they came out, maybe as I've aged (?) but I've come to like the more weight forward feel of the Sporter. I too own a Safari Express which I like a lot so maybe that effects my preference. The Sporter certainly feels more like the Safari Express just lighter.
Choices, choices!
Choices, choices!
#9
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That is what I want. I usually carry two rifles in my Tuffpak if I am traveling very far, and it is nice to match them up to an extent.
Sometimes stainless & synthetic are good, but other times walnut & blued is more appropriate. A .30-06 and a .375 are natural companions.
For some reason the new M70 is scarce right now.
Sometimes stainless & synthetic are good, but other times walnut & blued is more appropriate. A .30-06 and a .375 are natural companions.
For some reason the new M70 is scarce right now.