Winchester Repeating Arms's press release clarifies a common misconception about the Model 70: that rifles made after 1964 lack the claw-style extractor and controlled round feed (CRF) that made Pre-64 versions legendary. Winchester addressed this in 1992 by bringing both features back.
What Happened in 1964
Winchester redesigned the Model 70 in 1964 to reduce manufacturing costs. The change replaced the claw-style extractor—which gripped over 25 percent of the cartridge rim—with a plunger-style ejector. The claw design kept cases flat against the bolt face throughout the entire cycle and maintained a secure grip even if a shooter didn't fully close the bolt during a panic reload. With the plunger-style system, feeding and ejection issues emerged, though Winchester says these problems were rare.
The Modern Model 70
Since 1992, all Model 70 rifles have featured the claw-style extractor and CRF once again. Winchester now offers 16 Model 70 variants, all with this proven feed system. The company pairs this foundation with modern manufacturing improvements unavailable to mid-century shooters.
Key Details
- MOA Trigger System with zero take-up, zero creep, and zero overtravel
- Forged steel receivers machined from single pieces to tighter tolerances
- Free-floated barrels in modern stocks to prevent harmonics disruption
- Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pads on many models
- Improved corrosion-resistant finishes and metallurgy
- Available in models including Featherweight, Super Grade Maple, and Extreme
What It Means for Gun Owners
The Pre-64 Model 70 remains a sought-after classic, but the idea that modern versions are inferior doesn't hold up. Current Model 70 rifles deliver the same controlled round feed reliability as their predecessors while adding tighter receiver tolerances, improved trigger consistency, and better materials. Modern manufacturing enables the rifle to handle recoil from magnum cartridges more effectively and resist corrosion better than older blued finishes.
Bottom Line
Hunters no longer need to chase used Pre-64 rifles to get Winchester's proven feed system. The modern Model 70 combines the DNA that made the original famous with decades of refinement in manufacturing precision, ergonomics, and durability.
