Winchester Model 70 Featherweight .264 Win Mag Rifle

Description

You’re glassing a ridgeline at dawn, the air crisp and still. That’s the moment you need a rifle that bridges the gap between precision and practicality—a tool that carries like a dream and delivers when it counts. The Winchester Model 70 Featherweight .264 Win Mag, 24″ Barrel, Grade I Walnut Stock, Stainless Steel, 3rd is that rifle. It’s a controlled-round-feed bolt-action rifle built for the hunter who demands reliability in variable conditions and ethical shot placement at extended ranges. This specific configuration combines a weather-resistant stainless steel action with a classic, hand-filling Grade I walnut stock, chambered in the flat-shooting .264 Winchester Magnum.

Here’s the thing—this isn’t a safe queen. The Model 70’s M.O.A. Trigger System is user-adjustable from 3 to 5 pounds, allowing you to dial in a crisp, predictable break for field conditions. The 24-inch free-floated barrel is cold hammer-forged for consistency, and the classic claw extractor provides positive control over your round from magazine to ejection. That controlled feed is a proven advantage when you need to make a quick follow-up shot on uneven terrain. The stock is cut from solid American walnut and finished with a satin sheen, providing a solid foundation that fits out of the box without the need for aftermarket bedding. At a total weight of approximately 7.3 pounds, it strikes a critical balance: light enough for all-day carries in the Missouri Ozarks or Western mountains, yet substantial enough to manage the .264 Win Mag’s capable ballistics.

The .264 Winchester Magnum is the rifle’s defining trait. It drives high-BC 6.5mm bullets at velocities that flatten trajectories and extend your effective range significantly beyond standard hunting cartridges. Think of it as a long-range scalpel for medium to large game. With a typical 140-grain load, you’re looking at muzzle velocities near 3,000 fps, delivering potent energy downrange with less wind drift. This cartridge performs best with a quality optic, and the rifle’s drilled and tapped receiver is ready for a compatible scope from brands like Leupold, Vortex, or Nightforce. Mounting is straightforward—no gunsmithing required for standard bases—letting you get to zero and into the field faster.

Specifications

Spec	Detail
Model	Model 70 Featherweight 3rd
Caliber	.264 Winchester Magnum
Barrel	24″ Stainless Steel, Sporter Contour
Action	Controlled Round Feed Bolt Action
Stock	Grade I American Walnut
Overall Length	Approx. 44.5″
Weight	Approx. 7.3 lbs
Magazine Capacity	3+1 Rounds
Trigger	M.O.A. Adjustable (3-5 lbs)

Pros: The stainless steel construction offers superior corrosion resistance for wet or humid environments. The controlled-round-feed action is renowned for its reliability. The .264 Win Mag cartridge provides excellent long-range ballistics in a manageable platform. The classic walnut and stainless aesthetic is timeless and functional.

Cons: The .264 Win Mag ammunition can be less common and more expensive than mainstream rounds. The cartridge’s performance potential is best realized with careful hand-loading or premium factory ammo. The 24-inch barrel, while ideal for velocity, can be slightly cumbersome in extremely thick brush.

This rifle is for the discerning hunter who pursues game like pronghorn, mule deer, or elk in open country where shots may stretch beyond 300 yards. It’s for the shooter who appreciates traditional craftsmanship but requires modern materials and a proven, reliable action. It’s a rifle built for a single, well-placed shot after a long stalk. Priced at $1011.99, it represents a serious investment in a legacy platform updated for today’s hunter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the .264 Winchester Magnum suitable for elk?

A: Yes, with appropriate bullet selection and within reasonable distances. Using premium 140-grain or heavier bonded or monolithic bullets, the .264 Win Mag is a capable elk cartridge for hunters who prioritize shot placement. Its flat trajectory aids in accuracy at longer ranges common in elk country.

Q: How does this Featherweight compare to older Model 70s?

A: This 3rd Generation model retains the classic controlled-round-feed and claw extractor that made the pre-64 Model 70 famous. Key updates include the user-adjustable M.O.A. trigger, a modern recoil lug system, and the use of stainless steel. It’s a faithful evolution, not a departure.

Q: What type of scope base does it use?

A: The receiver is drilled and tapped for a standard Winchester Model 70 scope base pattern (front and rear). One-piece or two-piece bases from manufacturers like Leupold, Talley, or Warne are widely available and install directly.

This Winchester Model 70 Featherweight is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. See the product page for current availability and to start the process.