Are you at all familiar with the Winchester hammerless pump shotguns? If so, compare the feel, fit and finish and handling qualities of a pre-WW2 Mdel 12 in any gauge you like, field gun, with that of the POS Model 1200 Winchester pumpguns-- Most of the better finished and handling Winchesters I own (and shoot) were made prior to 1941-- look at this, if you will-- pre-war better grade walnut, rust blueing, closer tolerances, wood stood "proud" of the steel-- same analysis in your pre-vs -post 1964 Model 70's, both std grade and Super Grade, and reg. wt. and the later introduced Featherweight series M70's--
The answer regarding a Mauser BA design )M54-M-70, 1903 Springfield, Browning-Sako FN series, and others, over the Weatherby and Remington BA rifles is "Dead sure reliability in function-every time. If you and experienced hunter using BA rifles, you are well advised to cycle EVERY round of ammo for your chosen Caliber BA hunting rifle through your weapon, factory and especially handloads.
About 8-10 years ago, F&S gun editor (and mainstay old curmudgeon at large) Dave Petzal did an article on the top 50 best weapons every produced in America-- Top Pick-- The pre-1964 Winchester Model 70- hands down. That tell you anything?? RWTF
