Remington 700 vs Winchester Model 70: The American Bolt Action Rivalry
A 70-Year Rivalry Between Two American Icons
Few debates in the American shooting community have lasted as long or run as deep as the one between the Remington 700 and the Winchester Model 70. These two bolt actions have been on range benches, in hunting camps, and in military armories for generations – and both still hold their own today. Understanding why each rifle earned its reputation helps you make a smarter choice, whether you are buying your first serious bolt gun or building a custom precision rifle.
The rivalry started to heat up in 1962 when Remington introduced the Model 700 to compete directly with Winchester’s already-established Model 70. Before that, the Model 70 was widely considered the gold standard for American bolt actions. The 700’s clean design, tight tolerances, and affordable price shook things up fast. Both rifles have evolved through factory changes, ownership shifts, and aftermarket explosions – and both still have passionate, loyal followings today.
How the Remington 700 Changed Bolt Action Design
When Remington launched the Model 700 in 1962, it brought a simplified, production-friendly action that also happened to be remarkably accurate. The cylindrical receiver and push-feed design allowed for tighter tolerances without complex machining, which translated directly into better out-of-the-box accuracy for the price. The military took notice quickly – the M24 Sniper Weapon System adopted by the U.S. Army is built on a 700 action, and that endorsement carried enormous weight in the civilian market.
The 700 also became the foundation for a massive aftermarket ecosystem. Aftermarket stocks, triggers, barrels, and chassis systems built around the 700 footprint are more widely available than for almost any other bolt action on the market. If you are planning a precision build or a custom hunting rifle, the 700 platform gives you more options at more price points than nearly anything else available in North America.
Why the 700 Dominated Custom Builds
- Consistent action dimensions made it easy for gunsmiths to work with
- Aftermarket trigger options like the Timney and Jewell fit without modification
- Chassis systems from companies like MDT and Magpul were designed around the 700 footprint
- Barrel threading and chambering are straightforward for most smiths
- The relatively low cost of donor actions kept custom builds affordable
The Winchester Model 70 Before and After 1964
The Winchester Model 70 was introduced in 1936 and quickly earned the nickname “The Rifleman’s Rifle.” Its pre-1964 design featured a controlled round feed system, a three-position safety, and hand-fitted craftsmanship that made it a favorite among serious hunters and collectors. Writers like Jack O’Connor championed the Model 70 in print for decades, cementing its reputation as the American hunting rifle.
Then 1964 happened. Winchester, under pressure to cut costs, redesigned the Model 70 with a push-feed action and cheaper production methods. The shooting community reacted badly – and loudly. Pre-64 Model 70s immediately became collector pieces, and the post-64 version struggled to shake the stigma for years. Winchester eventually reversed course, reintroducing controlled round feed in the 1990s and later releasing the current production Model 70 with a significantly improved trigger and fit. Today’s Model 70 is a genuinely excellent rifle, but the 1964 controversy still comes up in any serious discussion of the platform.
The Pre-64 vs Post-64 Breakdown
| Feature | Pre-1964 Model 70 | Post-1964 (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Feed system | Controlled round feed | Controlled round feed (restored) |
| Trigger | Two-stage, hand-fitted | MOA adjustable |
| Finish quality | Hand-fitted, polished | CNC-machined, consistent |
| Collector value | High | Lower |
| Hunting practicality | Excellent | Excellent |
Push Feed vs Controlled Round Feed – What Matters
Controlled round feed (CRF) means the cartridge is captured by the extractor the moment it leaves the magazine, and it stays under control all the way into the chamber. Push feed means the bolt pushes the cartridge forward and the extractor snaps over the case rim at the end of the stroke. In normal range and hunting conditions, both systems work reliably – the practical difference is smaller than the internet debates suggest.
Where CRF shows a real advantage is in demanding field conditions. If you are hunting dangerous game, working in extreme cold, or running the bolt at odd angles, CRF gives you a margin of reliability that push feed does not. For this reason, professional hunters in Africa have traditionally preferred CRF actions, and the pre-64 Model 70 was a common choice for that work. For most North American deer, elk, or target shooting use, the 700’s push feed system is entirely adequate and has never been a serious liability.
Accuracy Potential – Which Action Shoots Tighter
The honest answer is that both rifles are capable of excellent accuracy, and the barrel, ammunition, and shooter matter far more than the action design. That said, the Remington 700 has a stronger reputation in precision shooting circles, largely because it was adopted by military and law enforcement snipers and because its tight action tolerances lend themselves well to custom barrel work. Sub-MOA performance is achievable with factory 700s in most chamberings.
The Winchester Model 70 is no slouch. Current production Model 70s regularly deliver MOA or better groups with quality ammunition, and the action is well-regarded by gunsmiths for its smooth bolt travel and consistent headspacing. If you are building a hunting rifle and accuracy is the goal, either platform will get you there. If you are building a dedicated benchrest or long-range precision rifle, the 700’s deeper aftermarket support gives it a slight edge simply because of component availability.
Quick Takeaways
- Both rifles are capable of sub-MOA accuracy with good barrels and ammo
- The 700 has a deeper precision shooting aftermarket
- The Model 70 offers smooth bolt travel that many hunters prefer
- Factory triggers on both modern rifles are much better than earlier production
- Bedding and barrel quality matter more than action choice for most shooters
- Neither action is a handicap at typical hunting distances
Trigger Upgrades and Factory Options Compared
The Remington X-Mark Pro trigger shipped on current 700s is a significant improvement over the older trigger that faced safety recalls years ago. It is adjustable and functions well for hunting use, though serious precision shooters often replace it. The good news is that aftermarket trigger options for the 700 are extensive – if you want a light, crisp pull for benchrest work, options are available at almost every price point.
The Winchester MOA trigger on current Model 70s is genuinely excellent and competitive with aftermarket options costing much more. It adjusts down to around 2.5 pounds cleanly and has a crisp, consistent break that many hunters and target shooters find fully satisfying without any further investment. If trigger quality out of the box is a priority, the current Model 70 has a real advantage over a stock 700. Both rifles benefit from a professional trigger job or quality aftermarket unit if you are chasing tight precision groups.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Between These Two
Choosing between these two rifles is straightforward if you know what to avoid. Here are the most common errors buyers make:
- Buying a pre-64 Model 70 for hunting use – these are collector items now, and shooting them hard adds risk to a valuable piece
- Assuming the 700 is always more accurate – factory barrel and ammo selection matter far more than action design
- Overlooking the 1964-1990s Model 70 era – these rifles are often undervalued and can be excellent shooters after a trigger job
- Ignoring the Remington bankruptcy impact – post-bankruptcy 700s from the new Remington ownership have had mixed quality control reports; inspect carefully
- Choosing based on aftermarket support alone – if you are buying a hunting rifle and not planning a custom build, the 700’s aftermarket advantage is mostly irrelevant
- Skipping the stock and bedding question – a factory plastic stock on either rifle will limit accuracy more than the action will
- Buying a caliber based on the rifle rather than your actual use case – both platforms are available in a wide range of chamberings, so pick the cartridge first
FAQ – Remington 700 vs Winchester Model 70
Is the Remington 700 or Winchester Model 70 more accurate?
Both are capable of sub-MOA accuracy with quality barrels and ammunition. The 700 has a deeper precision aftermarket, but the Model 70 is not inherently less accurate. Barrel quality, bedding, and ammunition matter more than the action.
What does controlled round feed actually do?
Controlled round feed keeps the cartridge under extractor tension from the moment it leaves the magazine until it is fully chambered. This makes extraction more reliable in extreme conditions and unusual shooting positions. For most North American hunting, it is not a decisive factor.
Are post-bankruptcy Remington 700s worth buying?
The new ownership – RemArms – has resumed production of the 700. Early reports are mixed, and quality control has been inconsistent compared to pre-bankruptcy production. If you are shopping for a new 700, inspect it carefully or buy from a dealer with a solid return policy.
Which rifle has better aftermarket support?
The Remington 700 has significantly more aftermarket support – stocks, chassis, triggers, and barrels are available from more manufacturers at more price points. If a custom build is your goal, the 700 platform is the easier path.
Is the pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 worth the premium?
For collecting and historical interest, yes. For hunting or daily shooting use, no – current production Model 70s shoot just as well and cost far less. Pre-64 rifles carry collector value that makes using them hard to justify.
Which is better for dangerous game hunting?
Most professional hunters favor controlled round feed actions for dangerous game work, which gives the Model 70 an edge in that specific application. The CRF system reduces the risk of a feeding failure in a high-stress situation where a second shot needs to cycle fast and reliably.
Can I use 308 Win in both rifles?
Yes – both the Remington 700 and Winchester Model 70 are available in 308 Win and have been for decades. It remains one of the most popular chamberings in both platforms and is well-supported by factory and aftermarket components.
