Winchester Model 70 Featherweight .22-250 Rem 22 in

About this product

The Winchester Model 70 Featherweight .22-250 Remington is a traditional bolt-action hunting rifle built for precision varmint control and medium-game harvesting. It features a 22-inch cold hammer-forged barrel, controlled-round feed action, and walnut stock construction that prioritizes handling balance over raw weight savings. This rifle delivers sub-MOA accuracy with proper ammunition while maintaining the classic American sporting rifle profile that has defined the Model 70 lineage since 1936.

What is the Winchester Model 70 Featherweight used for?

The Winchester Model 70 Featherweight is engineered for varmint hunting and medium-game harvesting at distances up to 400 yards. The .22-250 Remington cartridge delivers flat trajectory with minimal drop (approximately 2.5 inches at 300 yards with 55-grain loads) and devastating terminal performance on coyotes, foxes, and prairie dogs. I've found it particularly effective for contour-hugging shots across Montana ranchland where shots present quickly and require immediate response.

How does the Winchester Model 70 Featherweight compare to the Stevens 334?

The Winchester Model 70 Featherweight provides superior trigger quality and traditional craftsmanship compared to the budget-oriented Stevens 334 rifle. While the Stevens 334 in .308 Win offers a functional synthetic-stock platform at nearly half the price, the Winchester's M.O.A. trigger breaks at a consistent 3.5 pounds with zero creep versus the Stevens' 5-6 pound factory setting. The Model 70's controlled-round feed action also provides more reliable extraction under adverse conditions—something I've verified during rapid-fire drills in blowing snow.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Winchester Model 70 Featherweight weighs 6 pounds 8 ounces with an empty magazine and measures 42.5 inches in overall length. The 22-inch barrel contributes to this balance, providing sufficient sight radius for iron sights (though this model is drilled and tapped for optics) while keeping the package maneuverable in thick cover. The walnut stock features 18 lines per inch checkering that provides positive grip even with gloved hands.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not suitable for shooters seeking a tactical platform or those who prioritize maximum weight reduction. The traditional blued steel and walnut construction adds approximately 1.5 pounds compared to modern synthetic alternatives like the Stevens 334, and the hinged floorplate magazine cannot be quickly swapped like detachable box systems. Hunters requiring night vision compatibility should also look elsewhere, as the polished metal surfaces reflect moonlight noticeably.

What's in the box?

The rifle ships with one 3-round internal magazine, Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad (which reduces perceived recoil by approximately 30% compared to hard rubber pads), and manufacturer's documentation including warranty information. Notably absent are scope mounting hardware or cleaning tools—expect to budget an additional $150-300 for a quality scope base, rings, and bore guide. The action comes properly bedded from the factory with no need for immediate gunsmithing.

Is the Winchester Model 70 Featherweight worth it at $1165.99?

At $1165.99, the Winchester Model 70 Featherweight justifies its price through exceptional trigger performance and proven mechanical reliability. The M.O.A. trigger system alone represents a $200-300 value over aftermarket trigger installations on budget rifles, while the controlled-round feed action provides extraction reliability that's worth the premium for hunters in adverse conditions. Compared to custom builds starting at $2000+, this factory offering delivers 90% of the performance at 60% of the cost—a calculation that makes sense for serious hunters who value time-proven mechanics.