Description
Item Description
Model: 70 XTR European Featherweight
Serial: G1802082
Caliber: 6.5x55mm
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 22"
Optics/Sights: Blade Front Sight, Mounted Simmons 4x-12x40 Scope
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut Stock with Straight Comb and Schnabel Tip Forend
Action: Bolt-Action Rifle
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The introduction of the Winchester Model 70 Featherweight in August 1952 marked a significant evolution in American sporting rifle design, pairing tradition with innovation. Launched alongside the new .308 Winchester cartridge, the Featherweight aimed to satisfy hunters seeking a lighter, more maneuverable rifle without sacrificing performance. At a mere 6.5 pounds—substantially lighter than the standard Model 70—the Featherweight achieved its trim profile through thoughtful engineering: aluminum components replaced heavier steel parts, excess wood was removed from the stock, and a shorter, slim-profile 22-inch barrel helped reduce weight while maintaining accuracy. Notably, the Featherweight abandoned the barrel boss of its heavier counterpart in favor of a direct-dovetailed folding rear sight, simplifying the barrel and further trimming ounces. Special variants, such as those ordered by Gopher Shooter’s Supply, even omitted sights entirely for a sleek, customized look. The Featherweight's initial configuration—including a choice between standard and Monte Carlo-style stocks, as well as the more refined Super Grade trim—demonstrated Winchester’s commitment to balancing form, function, and aesthetics in a rifle intended for serious field use.
The reintroduction of the Featherweight in 1981 as the Model 70 XTR Featherweight marked both a revival and a modernization of the original concept. This updated version featured a push-feed bolt system, a notable departure from the pre-1964 Model 70's controlled-round feed mechanism. The push-feed design simplified manufacturing and allowed for smoother bolt operation, as cartridges were pushed directly from the magazine into the chamber without being controlled by the extractor during feeding. While some traditionalists viewed this change as a step down from the more robust controlled-round feed, many hunters appreciated the push-feed system for its ease of use, particularly when cycling the bolt rapidly. The revised Featherweight also reflected contemporary preferences: open sights were omitted, and the receiver was no longer drilled and tapped for aperture sights, as the majority of hunters had transitioned to using scopes. Despite its initial increase in weight, Winchester engineers reduced the heft by shortening and slimming the fore-end of the stock, reinforcing the tip with a schnabel to prevent splitting. Although the new rifle retained the elegant lines and checkered patterns reminiscent of earlier models, its steel floorplate and updated internals positioned it firmly in the modern era. When Olin sold Model 70 production rights to U.S. Repeating Arms Company (USRAC) later that year, the Featherweight continued in production, and USRAC soon addressed enthusiasts’ concerns by reintroducing the Mauser-style extractor and fixed-blade ejector, blending modern manufacturing with the trusted reliability of the original design.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
