Comments on the Wichester M70 LT Classic (25-06)

[AndABeer]

A new 25-06 for me?

I sold my last 25-06 some time ago and miss having a rifle in this most versatile caliber. I have found a source for a NIB M70 LT for $500 and am ready to jump on it but I'd like some comments from the audience. I love my .416 M70 Safari Express but it is certainly not what I would term pleasant to shoot so this piece looks like a great item for me to have. The only thing that causes me some hesitation is the barrel which I am guessing is pretty thin as the rifle weighs less than 8 lbs. Main purpose would be varmit and target shooting (which is why I'd like at least a medium barrel) but I'd also use it for whitetail as well.

How much does it cost to rebarrel from a lighter barrel to a heavier one? Yeah, I could go with a Remington Sendero but I really like that big claw extractor.

My father in law also has a Mauser butterknife commercial action and a stock blank that he said he would give to me. Maybe I should have one built from scratch? Though when I do that, I think I'd rather do it in a more unusual chambering.

All thoughts and comments appreciated.

 

[DeBee]

The barrel is standard sporter weight if I'm not mistaken... You could send it off to a smith for a complete blueprint/true/tune/rebarrel but then you're looking at around $1000 invested without a scope... Other options include trigger job/pillar bed/safety tune... I wouldn't go for the heavy barrel due to the "offhand" nature of the redesigned stock- you'll throw off the balance and the swing of the thing... Search the web for Winchester gunsmiths for exact pricing.

Now how can you resist a free action? Jump on that one while you have the Winchester off at the smith!

 

[R&H]

I bought that exact gun a couple of months ago. I also really like the 25-06 and I have loved the gun. I like the stock design and the action has functioned flawlessly. It is pretty smooth now after being broken in a little.

My biggest surprize was how accurate the rifle was. I bought the gun because I liked the action and the stock. I figured if it didn't shoot well I would have it rebarreled. So far everything I have tried is capable or better than 1" groups at one hundred yards. Usually around .75 ". That inclueds 75 gr. Hornadys and 100 gr Speer Hot Cores and Nosler Balistic tips.

If I was to do it again I might hold out for the Super Grade. They didn't offer it in 25-06 when I bought mine. They have a nicer stock and a better trigger guard. The cast aluminum one on the LT is kind of cheezy. The triggers need a little work as well.

All in all I think they are a pretty nice gun for the money. I am extremely pleased with mine.