Winchester 70 Sporter Varmint

[Jakes10mm]

I am debating a purchase on a Winchester 70 Sporter Varmint that has been cut down from it original 26" barrel length to 20". It is chambered in 223 Rem, so I'm debating any real loss in performance with the shorter barrel. I'm also trying to find out the twist rate in this Winchester...

I intend to use the rifle for two purposes:
1) Introduce my youngins' to centerfire cartridges.
2) Use as a short-medium range,up to 300yds) varmint rifle.

I like the heavy barrel profile as it should all but eliminate recoil...from my boys' perspective. We'll use a bench rest or bipod, so the handling weight should not effect them. I was looking at a NEF Handi-Rifle in 223, but this Winchester came up and is going for only $300 OTD with a Leupold Mount installed. Seems like a step up from the NEF at about the same price. I already have some rings and the barrel shortening was performed by the gunsmith that's selling it.

Opinions?

 

[tightneck]

As long as its condition is good, it sounds like a good buy. You will lose some velocity with the shorter barrel but from the sounds of it, you really dont need that much anyway. While I haven't owned an NEF, I have seen a few in action and I think the model 70 is a big improvement. Also, if you ever decide to rebarrel the model 70 or do any upgrading for that matter, you will have lots more options that you wont have with the NEF.

 

[StephenPerry]

Jake
I would not advise you buying the short barrel .223. It will have little re-sale value if you decide to sell later. Also the recoil will be more than you can imagine in the short barrel form for kids. As far as 300 yds forget it. You need some decent velocity for that and the balance of the rifle is questionable with that kind of rifle.
Remington tried the short barrel approach a long time ago with the Rem 600 with 20" barrel. The only good thing about that rifle was stripping it down to get the XP 100 action which could be used for a BR rifle or a nice custom rifle.
Jake don't get sucked in by somebody elses mistake. Hard to buy a gun to train kids with and be good for your use.
Stephen Perry

 

[Ogre6br]

bummer that it's already been cut- the extra distance keeps the noise further away from the young uns

I like the actions for what they do but it would have been better to flute the barrel if the aim was to reduce weight.

later
P

 

[JER]

As far as 300 yds forget it. You need some decent velocity for that and the balance of the rifle is questionable with that kind of rifle.

I strongly disagree. Winchester 223 Rem varminters have 1/9 twist barrels and will definitely stabilize bullets up to 69 grains with ease. Some even stabilize 75 grainers. A 68 or 69 grain match bullet is more than enough to buck the wind at 300 yards or less. Of course, lighter bullets are stabilized just fine in a 1/9 as well.

If 20" 223 barrels did not work at distance, the AR-15 would not dominate highpower as it does all the way to 600 yards.

Higher BC trumps MV all the time.

 

[Austin]

If 20" 223 barrels did not work at distance, the AR-15 would not dominate highpower as it does all the way to 600 yards.

I totaly agree.My friend shoots a NEF with a 20"barrel and does fine to 300yds.62grFB bergers in that gun work fine till eastern oregon winds kick up then he moves up to his 243.The noise facter is greater with a 20" but your kids are probably using ear protection any way.

 

[mikeinct]

great price for that action w Leupold mounts & rings ??..If the trigger has been tuned or has an aftermarket replacement I'd take that deal ..worst case get him to rebarrel it after the boys beat up that barrel at the range..The winchester H varmint model 70 is a nice platform for a custom barrel target or varmint rifle..good luck..The newer 20 caliber wildcats bases on the 223 case come to mind when it is time to rebarrel...The 223 does nothing for me as a varmint round..out west,lots of shooting, small P-dogs maybe, you need that..In Pa big Groundhogs need a solid thumping..mike in ct

 

[StephenPerry]

Jake
Have you bought the Winchester yet. Are you going to handload for the gun. Jake if you have a factory chamber it doesn't make a hill of beans difference whether the barrel is 20 or 26" long. Accuracy will be the same. You sound more like a field shooter than a precision shooter so it might fit your needs. If you bought the gun come back and tell us how it performs. Clean the barreled action well before you start. What scope are you going to run on it.
Stephen Perry

 

[halfmile]

This could be a good buy if the chamber is not too long. You can shoot 40 grains at 3800FPSthrough a 26 inch, so you might lose a little velocity but your point blank range is just a little under 300, properly sighted. 1.4 inches high at 100 for a 40 Vmax if I remember correctly.

Get a Stoney point into that thing and check the distance to the lands. If it ain't shot out buy it.

HM