Poll: Model 70 sporter vs featherweight

Rustle in the Bushes · August 20, 2012, 11:16 PM

Man I cant decide between these two...

Not the type to buy a ton of guns, reckon this is one of those that Ill have for a good while as an all purpose 30-06.

itll be my only (modern) centerfire, will be used at the range and hopefully to take animals as well. This is one of the reasons why Im not going for a lighter gun such as a browning/tikka- dont want it beating my shoulder up too bad. I like wood, so not into the stainless/synthetic options.

damned if I cant decide between the two- help me out gun nuts!

kraigwy · August 21, 2012, 12:06 AM

The new FN Model 70 Featheweight's have a recoil absorbing recoil pad that really helps.

My 270 FN Featherweight doesn't feel any different then my pre-FN Featherweight in 257 Roberts.

You don't notice the light weight when shooting it, but you sure notice the weight (or lack there of) when humping the mountains while elk hunting.

gak · August 21, 2012, 02:11 PM

I voted Featherweight as it is one of my favorite guns of all time. In fact, while I can't argue the thicker black pad of the "new" ones (FNs) are superior functionally, aesthetically I'm a sucker for the ol' XTR and Classic Featherweights signature Winchester thin red pads--and just take it on the, uh, shoulder.

That said, .30-06 is as heavy a round I'd shoot through these Featherweights (Winchester made a limited number in .300 Win Mags out of the Connecticut plant..but there's a reason they stopped that chambering. Also, if you (OP) think you'll be primarily a rangemeister, the Sporter would be a better choice, and suck it up on the weight if actually spending a few days in the field. But I can't quite see getting a deer/elk gun strictly or primarily for the range! I spend just enough range time to get proficient for a chosen load or range of loads/bullets, but not enough to earn a master sniper badge like some do. (Gets a little spendy for one thing). I've done fine for 45 years with this scheme - and a Model 70 or two.

GeauxTide · August 21, 2012, 08:28 PM

The Sporter will have a 24" standard weight barrel and the recoil won't be bad, at all. I have a 7mm Classic that's a dream to shoot; however, I don't lug it around - just for shooting houses.

warbirdlover · August 22, 2012, 08:35 PM

Always liked the looks of the featherweight.

lovethosesooners · August 22, 2012, 09:55 PM

Love my .270 Sporter-it's NOT heavy...at all (30-06 weighs 7# 4oz...featherweight weighs.......7#!)

IMO, it comes to wether you prefer a Monte Carlo style stock (which I do) and appearance, as weight is eseentially the same

I'd like the Featherweight too, just prefer the Sporter.....

DennisCA · August 22, 2012, 10:36 PM

I voted for the featherweight, probably because I'm a bit bias.
In the mid-80's I traded a Marlin 336/30-30 for a Winchester model 70 (featherweight) .270; the absolute best decision I ever made!
( although I did love that marlin)
The only thing I have done to it is replace the 4X scope with 3X9.
I have taken it through some roughest country in AZ (I was glad it was featherweight) to swamps of North Carolina and then back west to CA.
I have taken a ton of deer with it, a bunch of jackrabbits, a few yotes and
some other animals that were unlucky.
I taken my biggest deer and longest shot with this gun (both were the same deer).

Major Dave (retired) · August 23, 2012, 12:28 AM

the distinctive look of the Featherweight -

Schnable forend

Fleur-de-lei checkering pattern

"A thing of beaty, and a joy forever!

FiveInADime · August 25, 2012, 04:57 PM

I love the featherweight stock, but I like a 24" barrel. I voted sporter.

Sent From My Galaxy S 4g Using Tapatalk

View Poll Results: Model 70 featherweight or sporter?
featherweight	18	50.00%
sporter	18	50.00%
Voters: 36. You may not vote on this poll

August 20, 2012, 11:16 PM	#1
Rustle in the Bushes Senior Member Join Date: June 5, 2011 Location: Canada- West Posts: 173	Poll: Model 70 sporter vs featherweight Man I cant decide between these two... Not the type to buy a ton of guns, reckon this is one of those that Ill have for a good while as an all purpose 30-06. itll be my only (modern) centerfire, will be used at the range and hopefully to take animals as well. This is one of the reasons why Im not going for a lighter gun such as a browning/tikka- dont want it beating my shoulder up too bad. I like wood, so not into the stainless/synthetic options. damned if I cant decide between the two- help me out gun nuts!

August 21, 2012, 12:06 AM	#2
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 8,619	The new FN Model 70 Featheweight's have a recoil absorbing recoil pad that really helps. My 270 FN Featherweight doesn't feel any different then my pre-FN Featherweight in 257 Roberts. You don't notice the light weight when shooting it, but you sure notice the weight (or lack there of) when humping the mountains while elk hunting. __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Oct '78 Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

August 23, 2012, 12:28 AM	#8
Major Dave (retired) Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2008 Location: Between Dallas and Shreveport, LA Posts: 516	I love the distinctive look of the Featherweight - Schnable forend Fleur-de-lei checkering pattern "A thing of beaty, and a joy forever! __________________ Artillery lends dignity to what would otherwise be but a vulgar brawl.

August 21, 2012, 02:11 PM	#3
gak Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2005 Posts: 2,715	I voted Featherweight as it is one of my favorite guns of all time. In fact, while I can't argue the thicker black pad of the "new" ones (FNs) are superior functionally, aesthetically I'm a sucker for the ol' XTR and Classic Featherweights signature Winchester thin red pads--and just take it on the, uh, shoulder. That said, .30-06 is as heavy a round I'd shoot through these Featherweights (Winchester made a limited number in .300 Win Mags out of the Connecticut plant..but there's a reason they stopped that chambering. Also, if you (OP) think you'll be primarily a rangemeister, the Sporter would be a better choice, and suck it up on the weight if actually spending a few days in the field. But I can't quite see getting a deer/elk gun strictly or primarily for the range! I spend just enough range time to get proficient for a chosen load or range of loads/bullets, but not enough to earn a master sniper badge like some do. (Gets a little spendy for one thing). I've done fine for 45 years with this scheme - and a Model 70 or two.

August 21, 2012, 08:28 PM	#4
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 2,922	The Sporter will have a 24" standard weight barrel and the recoil won't be bad, at all. I have a 7mm Classic that's a dream to shoot; however, I don't lug it around - just for shooting houses.

August 22, 2012, 08:35 PM	#5
warbirdlover Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2009 Location: central Wisconsin Posts: 2,322	Always liked the looks of the featherweight.

August 22, 2012, 09:55 PM	#6
lovethosesooners Member Join Date: November 5, 2010 Location: DFW Posts: 52	Love my .270 Sporter-it's NOT heavy...at all (30-06 weighs 7# 4oz...featherweight weighs.......7#!) IMO, it comes to wether you prefer a Monte Carlo style stock (which I do) and appearance, as weight is eseentially the same I'd like the Featherweight too, just prefer the Sporter.....

August 22, 2012, 10:36 PM	#7
DennisCA Member Join Date: June 3, 2012 Location: Union City CA (a.k.a. Poople's Republik of CA) Posts: 93	I voted for the featherweight, probably because I'm a bit bias. In the mid-80's I traded a Marlin 336/30-30 for a Winchester model 70 (featherweight) .270; the absolute best decision I ever made! ( although I did love that marlin) The only thing I have done to it is replace the 4X scope with 3X9. I have taken it through some roughest country in AZ (I was glad it was featherweight) to swamps of North Carolina and then back west to CA. I have taken a ton of deer with it, a bunch of jackrabbits, a few yotes and some other animals that were unlucky. I taken my biggest deer and longest shot with this gun (both were the same deer).

August 25, 2012, 04:57 PM	#9
FiveInADime Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2012 Posts: 223	I love the featherweight stock, but I like a 24" barrel. I voted sporter. Sent From My Galaxy S 4g Using Tapatalk