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Win 70 Classic Compact/.308?
- Thread starter JNewell
- Start date
I managed to track down a Winchester Model 70 Classic Stainless .308 in the Featherweight configuration last year and I'm pleased with it. Sure, it needed some work- trigger tune, remove hot melt glue bedding and replace with pillar bedding, bed trigger guard, replace recoil pad with a 1/2" Pachymar-- still needs a new bolt sleeve because the milling machine chattered on the underside and the firing pin rubs and the safety goes clack when released and the bolt jumps...
With that being said, I shot a 1 1/4" (edge to edge) 5 shot group off a Harris bipod through a Leupold 3.5-10 Tactical set on 8 in Warne QD rings with Federal Match 168s- and I wasn't even trying! Just casual shooting. My friends were impressed. I was stunned. They credited the bullets... the gun would like the expensive stuff...
If your primary concern is recoil, go for the .308 Featherweight instead of the Compact. It has a bit more steel. The Compact holds one less round. I'd immediately change to an Old English style rounded recoil pad in either case. Second, I wouldn't even waste my time shooting one as it comes from the factory. Immediately rebed if you are skilled at it- rip the hot melt glue out of the stock with a pliers. I bedded 1" out beyond reciever ring and free floated from there. Seal the inside of the barrel channel with Pro Chem Oil and under the recoil pad while it's off or epoxy it on. Get a trigger job. If possible give the rifle a very thourough going over to examine for wandering mill cutters, rough bolt lift or safety operation before buying- hopefully you can select from several... still, I don't think there is a better hunting rifle on the market right now for the price.
Also, few rifles have a worse felt recoil than the Jungle Carbine-- I think it's the stock design mostly... the Winchester will be a comparative pussycat...
With that being said, I shot a 1 1/4" (edge to edge) 5 shot group off a Harris bipod through a Leupold 3.5-10 Tactical set on 8 in Warne QD rings with Federal Match 168s- and I wasn't even trying! Just casual shooting. My friends were impressed. I was stunned. They credited the bullets... the gun would like the expensive stuff...
If your primary concern is recoil, go for the .308 Featherweight instead of the Compact. It has a bit more steel. The Compact holds one less round. I'd immediately change to an Old English style rounded recoil pad in either case. Second, I wouldn't even waste my time shooting one as it comes from the factory. Immediately rebed if you are skilled at it- rip the hot melt glue out of the stock with a pliers. I bedded 1" out beyond reciever ring and free floated from there. Seal the inside of the barrel channel with Pro Chem Oil and under the recoil pad while it's off or epoxy it on. Get a trigger job. If possible give the rifle a very thourough going over to examine for wandering mill cutters, rough bolt lift or safety operation before buying- hopefully you can select from several... still, I don't think there is a better hunting rifle on the market right now for the price.
Also, few rifles have a worse felt recoil than the Jungle Carbine-- I think it's the stock design mostly... the Winchester will be a comparative pussycat...
Brian Williams
New member
I have a Compact in 7mm-08. the recoil is less than 308 but it is a great gun. I shot a 5 shot group with rem nosler bt factory loads that was 3/4 in @ 100yds
I would also rebed the action, free float the barrel and I am going to get the trigger touched up a little even though it is nice the way it is, could be better
BTW I have a leupold VX II 3x9 compact in leupold rings
loaded 4 + 1 w/ sling around 6.75 lbs
I would also rebed the action, free float the barrel and I am going to get the trigger touched up a little even though it is nice the way it is, could be better
BTW I have a leupold VX II 3x9 compact in leupold rings
loaded 4 + 1 w/ sling around 6.75 lbs