Known as the “Rifleman’s Rifle,” the Winchester Model 70 is a classic action design that just keeps on going well into the 21st century, nearly a century after it was first developed. One of the latest modernized versions of this rifle is the Model 70 Long Range MB, a dedicated precision platform designed to take game and hit steel at distance. Watch our “American Rifleman Television” Rifleman Review segment above to see the details on this cutting-edge classic.
“We’re here today on the bench with a classic from Winchester,” said Christoper Olsen, American Rifleman managing editor. “Now this is the Model 70 Long Range MB. Since it’s a Model 70, you do get the Model 70-style action. You get your MOA trigger, and with this one, you are stricken to just a 24″ barrel, but it is threaded 5/8×24 TPI, and it comes with a muzzle brake and a knurled cap if you decide not to have the brake. This comes in a total length of 44″, and that weighs at 7 lbs., 8 ozs without an optic. Now, like I said, you do get that classic action from Winchester. You got a two lug system with that long claw Mauser extractor, a wing safety, which is three-position, which is a very handy feature for hunters.”
Our particular test sample was chambered in the popular 6.5 mm Creedmoor, and the rifle provided space for four rounds inside its internal box magazine. A hinged floorplate enabled shooters to quickly and easily unload the gun without running the bolt, if needed.
“So a rifle’s barreled action is really worthless without a good quality foundation, and that’s where Winchester’s partnership with Bell & Carlson shines here,” Olsen said. “Now this is their extreme weather stock, and Bell & Carlson has done a lot of work to provide premium features in a well-thought-out package that is robust, stiff and durable. Now this thing can take extreme elements, from hot to cold to wet to dry, with zero effect. Within the gunstock, there is an aluminum bedding block that traverses not only just the receiver length but it goes out in front of the trunnion and extends into the wrist to provide a lot more rigidity than your standard gunstock.”
Other features in the Bell & Carlson stock included a wide, flat fore-end that enabled the gun to ride bags or other rests comfortably, but the flattened fore-end isn’t so large that it prevents the rifle from being carried comfortably in the field. In addition to some textured gripping surfaces, several lightening cuts on the fore-end’s tip provide extra airflow to ensure the barrel cools rapidly after quick follow-up shots. A pair of sling-swivel studs at the front of the stock allows shooters to have a bipod mounted alongside a sling.
“Something to note is that it only comes in short-action chamberings, so it’s coming in cartridges such as .22-250, .243, 6.5 mm Creedmoor, which is what we have here, 6.8 Western, .308 Winchester, 6.5 PRC, .270 WSM, and .300 WSM,” Olsen said. “So hunters and shooters alike will find that Winchester’s Model 70 is not just a capable rifle, it offers everybody something, whether you’re a target shooter or a hunter.”
Winchester Model 70 Long Range MB Specifications
Importer: Winchester Repeating Arms
Action Type: bolt-action, centerfire, repeating rifle
Chambering: 6.5 mm Creedmoor
Receiver: carbon steel; blued
Stock: Bell & Carlson, composite; tan with black textured webbing
Barrel: 24″ fluted carbon steel; six-groove, 1:8″ RH-twist rifling
Magazine: four-round internal; hinged floorplate
Trigger: M.O.A., single-stage; 3 lb., 15-oz. pull
Sights: none; drilled-and-tapped receiver
Overall Length: 44″
Weight: 7 lbs., 8 ozs.
Accessories: owner’s manual, lock
MSRP: $1,790
