Model 70 rifles assembled in Portugal
I went to a major sporting goods store today with the intent to buy a model 70 Winchester Featherweight in 30/06, I wanted to checked the bore with a 30 caliber bore gauge. I found the crown so poorly machined the gauge wouldn't enter the bore, a closer inspection revealed that the tool used to crown the barrel probably wasn't shaped properly or the tip broken. The stock had some very noticeable flaws on the snabel fore/end and the barrel was inscribed with assembled in Portugal. The 2nd rifle I looked at was a 308 Winchester with a bore diameter of .301" with damage again at the snabel fore/end. I drove over 400 miles today and spent money on fuel and food only. I've never had a buying experience like this ever. I thought what If I had purchased the first rifle from one of the internet websites where would I be, I shuddered at the thought.. I've seen several comments on this thread how well made the new Winchesters are made, apparently I didn't see the same rifles they saw, It's been one heck of a day.. William