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Remington 870 Wingmaster Review

Rarely does a firearm hold it’s own against the ongoing competition year after year. Something even more rare is a shotgun holding it’s own generation after generation, in it’s original form, unaltered despite ever-changing trends and “coolness factors”. Say hello to the Remington 870 Wingmaster.

The Remington 870 Wingmaster is just as smooth as ever and just as reliable as can be expected. The Wingmaster is truly a first class device in pure shotgunning form whether hunting, sporting, defending or just having fun.

If you are not familiar with the famous 870 Wingmaster, you are looking at a shotgun of pure precision and strength. This gun is available in 12 gauge (both 2 3/4 and 3 inch shells), 20 gauge, 28 gauge and .410 bore. The Wingmaster’s twin action bars keep the chambering and ejection at optimum performance and the weight and balance allows an easily discovered natural point of aim.

Even when it’s dirty, the 870 outperforms everything else on the market today. The receiver is cut from a solid billet of steel and frankly, seems to shoot under any conditions you put it through. Our Wingmaster got dropped in the mud during a pouring rain deer hunt, but after a quick flush of the barrel with some water and a quick wipe with a dirty rag into the receiver, the gun shot like it was new off the production floor and cycled the next shell smoothly and cleanly. It’s pretty incredible, can you tell that we were impressed?

The stock and forend are custom quality American walnut, clean finished and classically checkered. The receiver and barrel feature highly polished bluing and the barrel comes standard with a beaded front and ventilated ribbing.

Think you’ll need accessories? You don’t have enough years left in your life to use all the available accessories for the 870. From every choke tube imaginable, barrel lengths and configurations, slug barrels, trab barrels, skeet, upland game, deer hunting – you name it, they’ve got it. If you’re looking at options for home defense or tactical use, Remington’s got them as well. From pistol grips to entire tactical retrofits, they’ve got plenty of accessories to choose from.

There’s a reason that the sixty year old Remington 870 Wingmaster is the best selling shotgun of all time – ten million units and counting. The long and short of this is simple: if you’re looking for the best pump-action shotgun, this is the one to get.

Ranked #1 of 7 in our Best Pump Shotgun Comparison

Tanfoglio Witness Review

The Tanfoglio Witness is an inexpensive Italian handgun that is a clone of the CZ 75. It is imported into the United States by European American Armory (EAA) Corporation. It is often referred to as the “EAA Witness” for that reason.

When introduced in the mid-1970s, the CZ 75 was made in Czechoslovakia, which was a country under communist rule. Czeska Zbrojovka, the maker of the CZ 75, did not secure a patent for the design. Consequently, many companies began to make their own version of the CZ 75. Some were very good; some were not.

The Witness is one of the most available CZ clones available in the United States. EAA handles all of the warranty service work for Tanfoglio, so you will not find unusual delays in getting a gun fixed.

Ergonomics and Recoil
Shooters will find the ergonomics of the Witness are very good, and many shooters people are pleased with the grip size and angle. The way the gun is designed, your hand is able to grip very high on the gun, which helps minimize muzzle flip and recoil you will feel. Recoil is average for this size pistol. That is to say 9mm ammo is light recoiling, while larger calibers tend to recoil more. In addition to 9mm, the Witness is available in .38 Super, .40 S&W, 10mm and .45 ACP.

Reloading and Disassembly
You will find disassembly of the Witness is relatively easy. The slide is retracted slightly and the slide stop is pulled out of the frame. The slide assembly can then be eased forward and off of the frame.

Reloading is standard fare, press a button-type magazine release and the magazine drops free. A loaded mag can then be inserted into the magazine well.

Reliability and Durability
Unfortunately, the Witness is not rated for +P ammunition, which some may see as a suggestion of a weak design. For compact handguns where size constraints might prevent a pistol from safely shooting SAAMI-specification +P ammo, there is no reason why a full size handgun could not be built to handle these slightly higher chamber pressures. In addition to limiting ammunition selection for your self-defense, the inability to handle higher pressure loads also may suggest the gun could wear out more quickly than other brands.

Final Verdict
The Tanfoglio Witness is a solid gun that offers a lot of value to a customer needing a reliable gun at a reasonable price point. The Witness can be purchased with a .22 LR conversion kit, which further extends the value of the handgun.

Ranked #9 of 10 in our Best Metal Handgun Comparison

SIG Sauer P226 Review

The Chosen SIG Sauer P226 is proven in combat as a serious pistol and therefore has been selected by the US Navy SEALs. It is extremely durable, very reliable and highly accurate. For these reasons, this firearm tops the list for best full-size, metal-frame pistol.

You will find that the P226 is available in a variety of configurations and calibers. At the time of this writing, you can get the pistol in 9mm, .40 S&W and .357 SIG. A caliber conversion kit is also available from SIG to convert the pistol to fire the inexpensive .22 LR.

Ergonomics and Recoil
Shooters will find that the recoil is light in 9mm and very manageable in both .40 S&W and the .357 SIG. This is due to the weight of the pistol and the excellent ergonomics of the gun.

Old SIG P226 pistols fit large hands very well, while being somewhat difficult for small-handed individuals. However, SIG introduced the E2 update, which greatly improved the handling characteristics of these pistols. The E2 update gives small- and medium-sized shooters better finger placement on the trigger and the overall grip. Shooters with larger hands will experience greatly improved handling characteristics of this gun.

Trigger and Accuracy
The standard trigger configuration is a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) configuration, meaning your first trigger pull is long, while your subsequent shots are light with short pulls. You can also find other trigger options, including single-action only and a double-action-only (DAO). Also available is the DAK (double-action Kellerman) system, which is a light DAO that is similar to a very smooth revolver trigger. The DAK is proprietary to SIG Sauer.

Reloading and Disassembly
You will find that reloading the P226 is easy, with a standard magazine release button located on the left side of the pistol’s frame. You can easily reach the button by either thumb, but it is not exposed, which prevents accidental activation.

You can easily field strip the P226 by locking the slide to the rear of the gun and rotating the take down lever 90 degrees. The slide assembly then slides easily off of the full-length rails.

Reliability and Durability
Legendary reliability is associated with the P226. Combat troops carry this in all possible conditions, from the arctic to the desert, from the skies to deep underwater. The SIG P226 just keeps working, which is a testament to its durability.

In an age of polymer pistols, there are many state police and local law enforcement agencies carrying this pistol into violent encounters every day. Even after years of service while carried exposed to the elements, these guns still perform well when called upon.

Final Verdict
While no gun can be the perfect firearm for all people in all circumstances, the SIG Sauer P226 is closer to perfection than its rivals. It has the rugged reliability that troops in combat rely on. It offers ergonomics to fit most people and the accuracy that makes a competition shooter happy. It is the clear winner when matched up against any other metal frame, full-sized handgun on the market today.

Ranked #1 of 10 in our Best Metal Handgun Comparison

Browning Hi Power Review

Under development at the time of his death, many people claim that the Hi Power was John Moses Browning’s ultimate handgun design. While Browning’s name is most often associated with the 1911 pistol, the Hi Power was an evolution beyond that gun.

Browning died in 1926, but Belgian manufacturer Fabrique Nationale (FN) continued the development of the gun. In 1935, the Hi Power went into production and is still being made today. The guns are available in the United States, from the Browning Company, but they are imported from FN.

The Hi Power is believed by many to be unmatched in design and quality. By some counts, the Hi Power has been in the military service of more than 50 countries. It has seen action around the world and has been used in the past by elite military and law enforcement units such as the FBI Hostage Rescue Team and Israeli Yamam.

Ergonomics and Recoil
You will find the ergonomics of the Hi Power are some of the best of any full-size, metal-framed pistol. Even though the gun uses a double stack magazine, the grip is surprisingly thin. This allows shooters of all hand sizes to obtain a good grip on the device. The gun is also exceptionally well balanced.

The traditional caliber for the Hi Power is 9mm. With this cartridge, recoil is easy and only the most recoil-sensitive shooter will be bothered by it. Modern Hi Power pistols are also chambered in .40 Smith & Wesson. You will find these guns have a bit more recoil but are still very pleasant to shoot.

Trigger and Accuracy
The Browning Hi Power has a single action trigger that is light and crisp. The trigger pull helps to enhance accuracy, which is excellent in this pistol. The Hi Power has long been praised for precise shooting. Current models are worthy of the same respect.

Reloading and Disassembly
Shooters will soon realize that reloading the Hi Power is typical: press the magazine release button and the magazine will drop free.

Disassembly is not difficult, but it is more complicated than some other pistol designs. The shooter locks the slide to the rear using the safety, not the slide stop. Then the user pushes the slide stop up while pressing the pin from the right side of the pistol. Once loose, the operator can pull the slide stop free and pull the slide assembly off of the pistol.

The recoil spring is not captive, so you have to be careful when reassembling in order to get the spring and guide rod back in the correct alignment.

Reliability and Durability
The durability of the Hi Power is exceptional. Many of the original guns are still being shot today without any loss in accuracy or reliability.

Final Verdict
It really seems Browning got this pistol design right. It is a great balance of power, accuracy and reliability. Add in the pistol’s great lines, and it is a winner by anyone’s definition.

Ranked #5 of 10 in our Best Metal Handgun Comparison

SIG Sauer P220 Review

The SIG Sauer P220 was introduced in 1976, as a full sized handgun that launched the company to the forefront of modern pistol design. This pistol is extremely accurate and easy to operate. This design influenced many future pistols including the top metal-framed pistol: the P226.

Today, you can find the P220 is available in .45 ACP. A European version of the P220 is available in 9mm as a competition pistol. In the past, the P220 was also available in .38 Super. The vast majority of the pistols have been made in .45 caliber.

Ergonomics and Recoil
Most shooters will find that the P220 has very good ergonomics, fitting most hand sizes without a problem. The good grip works with the pistol’s size and SIG engineered it to create very mild recoil. Some claim the .45 ACP is a hard-recoiling cartridge, but most shooters rarely notice the recoil when shooting this pistol.

Trigger and Accuracy
You will find the accuracy of the P220 is exceptional. Sub-2-inch groups at 25 yards are readily made without the use of a rest. Like other traditional SIG Sauer pistols, the trigger options are double-action/single-action, single-action, double-action-only and DAK (double-action, Kellerman.)

Reloading and Disassembly
You will find that all modern P220 pistols use a push-button magazine release on the left side of the pistol. Once you push the button, the magazines all drop free. Older P220 pistols made in the 1970’s and 1980’s were made with either a button magazine release or a heel clip release. The heel clip release pistols were primarily found on European guns and not many were imported into the United States.

Like other traditional SIG handguns, you will find that taking the gun down is a straightforward process. The shooter should clear the weapon, lock the slide to the back and rotate the slide release lever down, perpendicular to the slide. Once done, the shooter merely eases the slide forward and off of the rails.

Reliability and Durability
SIG handguns enjoy a reputation of being ultra-reliable. Shooters find that this gun is no different, in fact, it helped build the legend. The P220 has seen action in combat all over the world, and it has proved itself as a superior performer. The guns are very durable and easily withstand anything thrown at them.

Final Verdict
The SIG Sauer P220 is a rock solid handgun. A shooter looking for a full size handgun with a metal frame that is chambered in .45 ACP would do well to consider this pistol. It will not fail when called upon.

Ranked #3 of 10 in our Best Metal Handgun Comparison

Sturm Ruger and Company

Founded by William B. Ruger and Alexander McCormick Sturm in 1949 with a minimal investment of $50,000.00, the Sturm, Ruger and Company (NYSE: RSR), as it is now known, is one of the leading manufacturers of quality firearms in the United States today. You can hardly glance at the history and timeline of this business and not have an appreciation of what an American company can accomplish. This is especially true for the controversial commercial shooting and sportsmen market.

Being a worldwide recognized name Ruger offers over 400 variations of firearms and accessories in more than 30 current product lines. For over 60 years, the Ruger motto of “Arms Makers for Responsible Citizens” has proven to be just this in a case of success and American entrepreneurship.

When you enter a gun shop or other firearms/sportsman supply dealer, you will literally find a Ruger firearm in every section on display. This is one more addition to the long list of Ruger accomplishments.

In pistols, you will find the classic arms of the old west in the single six and the like; you will also find the more modern and vaguely Luger-ish Mark III series. Moreover, you will see the metal and polymer modern styles that are so popular today for target, plinking and self-defense.

Glancing over at the rifle counter you will see the head-nodding classic, in the Ruger 10/22. You will also find its multitude of aftermarket accessories for variation and customization. Looking a bit further, you will see the Mini-14 and Mini-30. Both of these firearms have taught us that a short-barreled rifle is more than just a ranch-hand gun. On down the line you spy the award-winning Gunsite Scout Rifle, which continues to promote self-head-slapping in appreciation of how it shoots.

As you continue further down the rifle racks, you begin to see the more modern sporting rifles. The SR-556 is a rifle system that more than competes with the multitude of competitive “black rifles” out there on the market today.

Ruger also offers duplicating classic pistols such as the Colt Single action in .22 rimfire as the “Single Six.” It eventually moved on to making its own pistol influenced by the design of the German Luger in the “Ruger Standard” line.

Stepping up to the handgun counter, the number of Ruger pistols may seem daunting. That is until you examine each one practically. You also need to understand that each series has an intended purpose and few are designed to “overlap” the others.

You will find plinking and target shooting to handgun hunting and everything in between, in the Ruger line. Both single and double action units, each complete with an assurance of quality that can be matched by a few industry leaders.

Few manufacturers today can boast the diversity of their product lines for just about every type of shooting that may exist on the planet. Military and law enforcement, competition shooting, concealed carry, home defense, hunting, plinking or firearms for instructional purposes; a Ruger firearm is available in some variation that can fit any need.

As an owner of Ruger firearms myself, (.22 Mark III handgun competition model and a Ruger All American Rifle in .30-06,) I can attest to the quality of these guns. The only time I have ever had to contact Ruger for any reason regarding a post-sale, was the first time I took the Mark III apart. Getting it apart was not the issue. That came when I could not get it back together while referring to the video on its website. You should know that it has since changed the video, and now the instructions are much more clear and understandable. I can now disassemble and reassemble the gun literally with my eyes closed. Customer service was thorough, attentive and pleasant to deal with.

Another alluring feature of firearms by Ruger is the medium price point. While any builder of fine shooting equipment will have its top-tier models and designs, Ruger has managed to keep the great majority of its models at the median price point. This allows the company to still provide an excellent product, yet keep them affordable for the everyman and, more importantly, every woman.

If you think I am biased because I am an owner of more than one Ruger firearm, check out this short list of some of the awards taken home by Ruger:

Manufacturer of the Year: 1992, 1993
Handgun of the Year for:
- 1993: Ruger Vaquero
- 1997: Ruger Bisley-Vaquero
- 2001: Ruger Super Redhawk
- 2008: Ruger LCP
- 2009: Ruger LCR
- 2010: Ruger SR9c
- 2011: Ruger LC9
Rifle of the Year:
- 1999: Ruger .22 Magnum 10-22
- 2002: Ruger 77/17RM .17 HMR Rimfire
Shotgun of the Year:
- 1992 Ruger Red Label Sporting Clays
- 2002 Ruger Gold Label Side-By-Side

Now, here is a current list of all the available firearms from Ruger. However, this list does not include accessories or parts, but does include variations on the model listed.

Bolt-Action Rifles

Ruger American Rifle®
Standard
Compact
Gunsite Scout Rifle
Guide Gun
M77® Hawkeye®
Standard
Standard Left-Handed
All-Weather®
Compact
Laminate Compact
African
Magnum Hunter
Sporter
Tactical
Predator
M77® Mark II Target
Ruger 77/44®
Ruger® 77/357™
Ruger 77/22®
Ruger 77/17®

Single-Shot Rifles

- No.1
- Light Sporter
- Varminter
- Medium Sporter
- Tropical
- International

Autoloading Rifles

SR-556®
Standard
Carbine
E-Model
Varmint Target
Uppers
SR-22® Rifle
10/22®
Takedown
Carbine
Target
Compact
Sporter
Tactical
Mini-14®
Ranch Rifle
Target Rifle
Tactical Rifle
Mini Thirty® Rifle

Centerfire Pistols

LCP®
Standard
LC380™
LC9®
Standard
SR9c®
Standard
SR9®
SR40c®
Standard
SR40®
SR45™
SR1911®
P95™

Rimfire Pistols

SR22®
Standard
Mark III™
Standard
Target
Hunter
Competition
22/45™
Lite
Threaded Barrel
Target

Double-Action Revolvers

LCR®
Standard
SP101®
Standard
GP100®
Standard
Redhawk®
Super Redhawk®
Standard
Alaskan

Single-Action Revolvers

New Bearcat®
Standard
New Model Single-Six®
Single-Ten®
Single-Nine™
Convertible
Hunter
17 HMR
New Model Blackhawk®
Blued
Stainless
Convertible
Bisley™
New Model Super Blackhawk®
Standard
Hunter
Bisley™ Hunter
Ruger Vaquero®
Blued
Stainless
Bisley™
SASS®

A firearms manufacturer has to provide more than just quality shooting experiences. It has to produce consistency and reliability that is tangible. The only proof to this testament is when someone asks you what it is that you shoot, and your answer is along the lines of “I own Colts, Sigs, Remington’s and Winchesters, but I’m shooting my Ruger.” This leaves little doubt to what you are saying. It also states the kind of American shooter that you are. Which is a shooter who expects affordable reliability in a long-lasting platform that will continue as it has to this day and well into the future.

I will pass my Ruger firearms down to my grandchildren. History and success with dangerous products has proven that it will be so.

Kahr T9 Review

June 3, 2013 by TopGunReview Staff

Most people think of Kahr pistols as being small, thin and compact. While being small in size is an accurate description for most of the company’s guns, the T9 is actually a full size pistol with a 4-inch barrel and metal frame.

Shooters will find that the Kahr T9 is a single stack 9mm pistol that retains the thin slide that Kahr in known for, but does so with a much larger overall package. Many people will appreciate the fact that the magazines hold eight rounds and the gun has full size sights.

Ergonomics and Recoil
As noted above, Kahr guns are very thin pistols. The T9 is not any different in that regard. This allows the shooter with even the smallest of hands to get a good grip on the pistol and properly address the trigger. The recoil that you will feel is minimal and easy to control.

Trigger and Accuracy
The T9 uses a double-action-only trigger that is as smooth as any found on a semi-auto pistol. The trigger pull is like that of a quality revolver, smooth and relatively light without any obvious stacking which most shooters will enjoy.

The accuracy on Kahr pistols is very good, even with the short barrel models. The T9 has excellent sights and a longer barrel and sight radius, which will help to ensure you hit your target every time. These things added together make this a solid performer.

Reloading and Disassembly
You will find that reloading is easy with a push-button style magazine release on this firearm. The disassembly is fairly common for metal-framed guns. You will partially retract the slide, and pull out the slide stop lever. You will then push the slide forward, and off of the slide rails. Because the recoil spring is not captive, you must be careful when removing the guide rod. It is under a lot of pressure, and it can fly across the room.

Reliability and Durability
Shooters will enjoy that Kahr pistols tend to be very reliable and are able to digest a wide range of ammunition. The metal-framed T9 pistol is very durable. There are questions associated with the long-term durability of the inexpensive polymer framed guns produced by Kahr, but those do not apply to this pistol.

Final Verdict
The Kahr T9 is a solid handgun with a size that is good for nearly anyone interested in using this firearm for concealed carry or serious range training. It is durable and features a very smooth trigger, which helps shooters get better groups on target. However, at more than $800, some shooters may hesitate when offered the option of a similar quality gun for hundreds less.

Ranked #6 of 10 in our Best Metal Handgun Comparison

Magnum Research Desert Eagle Review

If size is your only criterion for what makes a great handgun, the Desert Eagle pistols from Magnum Research will rank at the top. These guns are large and chambered in powerful cartridges. Current production pistols are chambered in .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum and the daddy of them all is the .50 AE. One out of production variation of the Desert Eagle was chambered in .41 Magnum.

Desert Eagle pistols come with either a 6-inch barrel or a 10-inch barrel. You can also get the 6-inch model with a muzzle brake. However, adding the muzzle brake makes the pistol weigh nearly five pounds, before loading with ammo.

Unlike most other pistols, the Desert Eagle is gas operated instead of recoil or blowback operated. The patented system uses elements that would appear familiar to shooters with knowledge of the AR-15 and Mini-14 platforms.

Ergonomics and Recoil
You will find that for its size, the ergonomics of the Desert Eagle are pretty nice. The gun is big and heavy, so it is well suited for those who have larger hands and good upper body strength. The recoil is surprisingly mild when compared to other handguns chambered for the same rounds. This is largely due to the mass of the gun and the gas operating system.

Trigger and Accuracy
Shooters will find the accuracy with the Desert Eagle is pretty good. You can also add scopes for precision shooting and hunting to the current production of Desert Eagle pistols. With the right load and a good scope, these guns are very accurate.

Reloading and Disassembly
Reloading is accomplished by pressing a release button, allowing the magazine to drop from the grip and then inserting a new magazine into the frame.

Disassembly is a little more complex than on other modern pistols, but not very difficult. After you ensure the gun is empty, you will push in on a pin located on the left side of the frame. Simultaneously, you push down on the barrel lock, which is located on the right side of the frame. You can then slide the barrel forward and up, out of the slide. Once you remove the barrel, you can remove the slide, piston and recoil spring assembly by pushing them forward and off of the frame.

Reliability and Durability
Generally, the Magnum Research Desert Eagle is considered reliable and durable. However, you may find that gas systems can be more finicky than recoil operated systems. You must use care when selecting the correct ammunition for these pistols. Most .50 AE ammo should work without problem in the Desert Eagle. The .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum cartridges are typically designed for use in revolvers, so you may need to experiment some in order to find the right load for the your personal needs.

Final Verdict
You will find that there are few guns that compare to the Desert Eagle in the terms of size or sheer fun. However, as a practical gun for self-defense, it does fall short. The overall worth of these guns is largely dependent on what you plan to use it for. For hunting or sport, they will likely please, but with a large price tag.

Ranked #10 of 10 in our Best Metal Handgun Comparison

Smith & Wesson MP45 Review

Something about the company
A part of the American gun history, Smith & Wesson has been around since 1852. Their pistols and revolvers are part of standard equipment in police forces and armies around the world, as well as part of the popular culture, made famous by Hollywood in such movies as Dirty Harry. Today they produce rifles, sport guns as well as knives, but their mainstay still boasts a line of pistols, such as the M&P45 series we will be discussing today.

Ergonomics and Recoil
The design of the new MP model is still reminiscent of the Glock 17 which S&W have copied in the past (ending up in a lawsuit), however it is changed just enough to not cause any issues. The shape now has an ideal angle between the barrel and the thin, comfortable grip, allowing for a better balance. With 158 mm in height, 205 mm in length, 35 mm in width, the gun is a standard issue when it comes to combat weapons, neither small nor large. The frame is plastic, but it is not a polymer, but Zytel (DuPont), a different, harder material, which in the end results in a somewhat lessened recoil when compared to a steel option. However, this could be the result of a thicker grip, distributing pressure more.

Trigger and Accuracy
MP 45 has a trigger pull of 3,500 daN and the trigger travel of 8mm. It is striker fired, and in tests it managed to group shots in 48 to 92 mm at 25m distance, which would make for an excellent personal weapon, and reliable in combat as well. There is a Picatinny rail on the service version which can be used for laser sights and flashlights and the Novak sights are pretty awesome, with white spots in case of poor visibility.

Reloading and Disassembly
As far as the chamber is concerned it is a little tightly cut which might prove difficult for some types of ammunition to chamber correctly. Perhaps a maximum ammunition gauge would be a wise purchase to use with this gun. On the plus side, it is adapted for both the right-handed and the left-handed people, with the magazine release on both sides. The slide break is also available on both sides, melted into frame. Apart from adjusting the grip to your hand, the long steel axis with a sling swivel serves as a tool for the disassembly as well, which is not the best solution.

Reliability and Durability
Since it is using somewhat harder plastic it should be sturdier as well, however, despite the expectations of the designers, do not expect it to last above 12,000 bullets fired. The steal parts will serve you alright and look good with black melonite protection.

Final Verdict
There is definitely a place in the market for this gun, with the good looks and a brand name behind it. The plastic frame does not bode well for a long term use, but it will outlive the polymer versions out there and it does reduce recoil. If you pay attention to the type of ammo, you will reduce the occurence of bullets not chambering. The gun range results are pretty satisfying and the Novak sights are a nice addition, however the overly complicated disassembly drives the ranking further down.

Derek Finegan is the Editor at State of Guns and is a fan of firearms. But his favorite is the cold, cold blade. One might disagree with him, but it is tough to contradict a man with that big of a machete collection in the living room.

Winchester Model 70 Review

In the beginning, Peter Paul Mauser invented the 98. America “borrowed” the design for the 1903 Springfield, was sued, paid up and then after WWII Winchester “borrowed,” it again when Mauser wasn’t really in a position to complain. The Model 70, “The Rifleman’s Rifle”, is, in essence, a result of post-WWII market conditions that proved fortuitous for both Winchester and the American shooter. The Model 70 offered excellent accuracy, the use of new-fangled scopes and a price tag that the average sportsman could live with.

During the course of its career the Model 70 was at first a controlled round feed action like its Mauser ancestor, but in 1964 turned into a push feed action. The push feed models were an all-original design but met with little enthusiasm, the result of which was to turn the pre-64 models into instant collector’s items. Currently the Model 70 is back in its original controlled round feed form with dual-opposed locking lugs and a non-rotating extractor (finally putting an end to fifty-odd years of teeth gnashing) and available in several of its original variants.

While the Model 70 controlled round feed action is very similar to others that came before, it is in many respects an improvement. The 70 is an extremely smooth, well-built action that rarely jams. The safety is, in the opinion of many, perfect, and has been borrowed by others many times. It is also capable of handling the highest pressure cartridges which, coupled with its reliability, made it a favorite among dangerous game hunters. There is no reason to think that the current incarnation of the controlled round feed Model 70 will not meet with as much favor as the first one did.

The new model 70 lost points for its trigger because currently Winchester is not equipping them with adjustable triggers. The included trigger is nice, but consumers more or less expect an adjustable model these days. One point was also deducted for Durability because a few changes have been made in the action that differentiates it from the original; the front ring of the receiver has been slightly enlarged and a new, finer thread pattern is used to attach the barrel. In theory, these changes should improve the strength of the action, but until the new changes have been run through the ringer, it’s prudent to at least point them out to the prospective buyer.

Ranked #3 of 7 in our Best Bolt Action Rifle Comparison