How many Winchester Model 70 Mannlichers were made in 30-06 how many in 270 Win how many in 308 Win and in 243 Win caliber?

Answer 1

Years ago, I used a Winchester M70, (7003) in .270 Win to shoot high power silhouette competition. I competed for about three years. The balance and fit, rifle/me, happens to be as good as it gets. The confidence from holding a rifle that fits... also ads to the point score. I used a Bausch & Lomb Balvar 8A with Bausch mounts. I won 56 out of 60 rounds. I am normally nothing more than a weekend shooter but somehow the ole' 70 took me to the top of my game. Aside from the notoriety of winning the matches, many shooters were curious about a rifle, even some experts didn't know existed. I have been a fan of the Winchester Model 70 Mannlicher style rifle ever since!!

To make a short story very, very long, it is first necessary to identify the rifle in question. Winchester made (According to my research) +/- 2401 of these Model 70 Mannlicher Style rifles. Many mannlicher stocked Model 70 rifles of variations and caliber...special orders... were made in Winchester's Custom Shop and many were made by outside contractors. For the answer to this Wiki question, only the rifles made in the Winchester Factory that left the factory in the Mannlicher configuration are included in the count. Also, many "after market" conversions were made with mannlicher stocks. (Be aware of counterfeit stocks. They are being manufactured today and are represented as "rare finds".) Original receivers were picked off line and hand fit to a bolt and a barrel. The bolt was hand etched with the serial number of the receiver. In the first year of "official production" (1968) the bolt handles were smooth. From then on the bolt handles were knurled with a single band completely around the knob.

Many features of the original stocks and metal are easy to identify it you know what to look for. For instance, an authentic M70 Mannlicher never had "Lightweight" or "Carbine" stamped on the barrel. The original stocks were made by Fajen.... ALL OF THEM!! however, the current production stock is made on a copy-cat jig and even to an experienced eye, is difficult to pick out. It is no trick, using a featherweight or carbine post 64, to cut the barrel, refit an after market stock and claim it is an original.

The serial number test for the date and style of manufacture is inconclusive. I have original appearing mannlicher style rifles with serial numbers indicating dates of manufacture from 1966 through 1974. In my attempt to focus on the "production rifles", I have enough information to believe the quantities, per caliber, are as follows: 30-06 = 1204, .270=593, .243=387, .308=217. This information is not published by Winchester, but if you contact me, I can share with you the sources from which it was derived.

This is the best information I have based on the 40 years I have followed this rifle. I will continue searching until it can eventually be verified or disproved. Current values range from $350 to $800 or more if condition warrants. A well used 30-06 is worth no more than a post 64 M70 in similar condition, however any Winchester, new with the box and documents can be worth much more. The value of a rifle is only determined by the price paid. Regional variables, condition, caliber, accessories, originality and etc all play a part. This is the best information I have based on the 40 years I have followed this rifle. I will continue searching until it can eventually be verified or disproved.

Interestingly, The rifles were not a "HOT ITEM". The reason? Perhaps the European styling was not popular after the Cold War. For whatever reason, Winchester sent about half of these rifles to overseas markets. Therefore only about half the rifles remain in the U.S.. I have catalogs showing, in addition to the U.S., they were marketed in Europe, Canada, and Australia.This could suggest that the Model 70, Mannlicher Style Rifles (Model 7004) remaining in the U.S. represent the most scarce group of production rifles ever made by Winchester. For additional information or simple palaver, feel free to contact Steve. iflya310@yahoo.com Another interesting bit of information: Since I originally posted this information, the prices have jumped considerably!! There are a few Winchester Model 70 Rifles for sale on the internet from $1600 to $2000 depending on their condition and location. contact Steve. iflya310@yahoo.com

This rifle deserves a hearty thumbs-up from me. If you have one and do not agree, I would be happy to discuss a sale, or trade for something that suits you better.....

Answer 2

.308 217--.243 400--.270 580--30-06 1204 approx. 108 .308' left in US I've got one!!!!!