Looking for some info on a Win Mod 70

[Wander]

I buying a Winchester Model 70 classic DBM 7mm rem mag soon. From my research this looks be a 94 model that was discontinued in 95 and features a return to the pre 64 action. The serial # is G35604 but it seems that finding build date info for this period at Winchester is not easy.Any one have a guide or a link to one? Any info on this rifle would be great, I'm pretty psyched to get back deer hunting-it's been a while.

 

[ssc45]

Hi Matt,
I may have some info. Your gun, if I remember correctly is made by USRAC. The DBM was made, I think from 94-95. I also seem to remember that some were controlled feed-with the claw, like pre 64 and some were push feed and the mags would only work in their model. If yours says classic, I would think it is CFL, check the bolt. Does it have the large Mauser type claw? If you ever want to watch a pissing match, go to an African hunting forum and claim one is better than the other. I also want to say that mags are hard to find, so be careful.

The reason I have this limited recollection is a friendly feud I have with a hunting buddy who favors 70's and I favor 700's--but have 70's as well. He bought a DBM and I had a rem 7400, which also uses a DBM. I remember an oldtimer telling both of us we were idiots, because it was a matter of time before we lost the mag or forgot it on a trip. We thought, "dumb old guy." That is until, I showed up in Colorado one year with rifle and no mag to be found anywhere and my partner came out to CA to go pig hunting with gun and no mag. Anyway, I sold the 7400.

Wish I could give you more info, but my knowledge is very limited on Win 70's.

Cheers, Steve

 

[Wander]

Thanks Steve, from what I'm finding I think you are dead on. I will to be very careful to keep the mag with the rifle and find a spare to keep handy. With my work schedule which is often very busy during deer season I doubt I'll do more than 1-2 trips to hunt a year and those will be to hunt with friends/family that have multiple spares in their gun safes but it would suck to go to all the trouble and then something like a left behind magazine mess it up. The bolt is the CFL type so the pre 64 style. I see you mentioned it was a 94-early 95 build which matches everything else I've found. Was this before or after Browning bought Winchester?

 

[ssc45]

Matt,
I am not sure how to answer. USRAC was bought out by Herstal. The same corp that has FN and Browning. Hence, I don't think browning ever bought winchester, but was within the same parent company. I will have to check my info to be sure, but I think it is accurate.

Cheers, Steve

 

[Wander]

I see, I guess I heard the condensed version but in this day and age it's all mega corporations that own everything so I'm sure that is correct. I'm thrilled to be getting a good deal on a 7mm rsm. The scope is Bushnell 45 so something I will probably upgrade but we'll see.