Winchester Model 70 Super Grade 6.5 PRC 24in Maple
About this product
What is the Winchester Model 70 Super Grade 6.5 PRC? It's a premium sporting rifle that marries the classic pre-64 controlled round feed action, a 24-inch free-floated barrel, and a high-grade AAA maple stock into a modern 6.5 PRC platform. I consider it a purpose-built tool for serious long-range hunters who refuse to choose between mechanical heritage and ballistic performance. This rifle directly connects you to a legacy of field-proven design, updated with modern metallurgy and precision ammunition like Hornady's 147-grain ELD-Match.
What is the Winchester Model 70 Super Grade 6.5 PRC used for?
This rifle is engineered for harvesting medium-to-large game at extended distances where precision shot placement is non-negotiable. The 6.5 PRC cartridge, with its high Ballistic Coefficient projectiles and flat trajectory, excels beyond 400 yards, making this rifle ideal for Western hunters targeting mule deer or elk in open country. Its classic aesthetics and refined fit make it a collector's piece, but make no mistake – every feature, from the 1:8-inch twist rate stabilizing heavy-for-caliber bullets to the Pachmayr Decelerator pad managing a cartridge generating over 22 ft-lbs of recoil, is a functional choice for field use.
How does the Winchester Model 70 Super Grade compare to a Stevens 334?
The Super Grade is a hand-finished, premium-grade sporting rifle, while the Stevens 334 is a utilitarian, no-frills workhorse. The tangible differences are stark: the Super Grade utilizes a controlled round feed claw extractor, a three-position side safety, and exhibits a glass-smooth, hand-polished action, a set of features the push-feed Stevens action simply cannot match. Where the Stevens is better at hitting a budget of under $600, the Super Grade is decisively better at providing the mechanical reliability and smooth operation demanded for a single critical shot after a grueling stalk. The weight difference of nearly 2.2 lbs also translates directly into steadier off-hand shooting.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 7.75 lbs without optics and measures 44.75 inches in overall length. The 24-inch free-floated barrel provides the necessary velocity for the 6.5 PRC's long-range performance, while the hinged floorplate metal magazine offers access to its 4-round capacity without spilling cartridges. Unloaded, with a typical 24-ounce 3-9x40mm scope and steel rings mounted, expect the total weight to exceed 9.1 lbs – a trade-off for the stability offered by the dense AAA maple stock.
Who is this NOT for?
It is not for shooters prioritizing light weight above all else or those who view a rifle as a disposable tool. At 7.75 lbs, it is significantly heavier than many modern synthetic-stocked alternatives. It is also not ideal for new shooters on a tight budget; the high-grade maple stock requires more careful handling than synthetic and the $1700+ price point excludes entry-level purchases. If you primarily hunt dense eastern timber where shots are under 150 yards, a lighter, shorter-barreled rifle like the Stevens 334 chambered in .308 is a more practical choice.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle only. Winchester does not include scope mounts, a scope, a sling, or a case at this price point. You will need to immediately budget for a quality set of 1-inch scope rings or bases (the receiver is pre-drilled and tapped), a zeroing session, and a proper hard case rated for air travel to protect the polished bluing and maple. I recommend purchasing a torque-limiting screwdriver set to properly mount optics at 20-25 in-lbs without damaging the receiver threads.
Is the Winchester Model 70 Super Grade worth it at $1737.99?
Yes, for the shooter who values mechanical legacy and hand-finished precision, the price is justified. You are paying for the controlled round feed action’s legendary reliability, the labor-intensive, high-gloss finish on both AAA maple and polished steel, and a trigger that breaks cleanly at a factory-set 3.5 lbs. When you compare it to custom rifles starting above $3,500, the Super Grade delivers 90% of the performance and 100% more heritage at half the cost. It bridges past and present without compromise.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Pre-64 style controlled round feed bolt ensures reliable extraction, even when cycling the action at extreme angles.
- Triggers break clean at a consistent 3.5 lbs from the factory M.O.A. system with zero detectable creep.
- AAA maple stock with ebony tip provides a dense, stable shooting platform, improving off-hand balance over synthetic stocks.
- Free-floated 24-inch barrel with 1:8-inch twist reliably stabilizes long 147-grain match bullets for precision beyond 500 yards.
- Polished blued steel and hand-checkering on grip/forend represent a finish level rarely found under a $2,000 price point.
Trade-offs
- No threaded muzzle as standard requires a $150+ gunsmithing service and ATF paperwork for suppressor use.
- Weight of 7.75 lbs is 2.2 lbs heavier than the synthetic-stocked Stevens 334, a consideration for all-day mountain carries.
- High-gloss maple finish shows handling marks and requires more maintenance in wet weather than a synthetic stock.
- At 44.75 inches overall, the rifle requires a minimum-case internal length of 46 inches for secure transport, limiting ultra-compact case options.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 048702022319 |
| manufacturer | Winchester |
| manufacturer part number | 535218294 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 6.5 PRC |
| capacity | 3 |
| color | Black |
| length | 50.3000 |
| model | M70 |
| number of magazines | 1 3 rd. |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 9.8 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Three-Position |
| shipping weight | 9.85 |
| sights | Drilled & Tapped |
Frequently asked questions
- What scope mounts are compatible with this rifle?
- The receiver is factory drilled and tapped for standard two-piece or one-piece scope bases using a standard 6-48 screw thread. Bases from manufacturers like Leupold, Warne, and Talley are compatible. You will need separate bases and rings; a set of high-quality, matched rings like Warne's 1-inch steel rings will cost approx. $85.
- Does it come with a threaded barrel for a suppressor?
- No, this specific model features a 24-inch sporter-profile barrel with a traditional crowned muzzle, not a threaded one. To mount a suppressor, a certified gunsmith must thread the barrel, a service typically costing $150-$250, which also requires a federal tax stamp for the suppressor itself via a Form 3/4 process.
- How long does standard shipping take to an FFL?
- We process and ship in-stock firearms within 2 business days. Transit time to your selected FFL dealer via our contracted carrier is typically 3-5 business days, subject to carrier routing and FFL availability for processing. You will receive tracking information once the carrier scans the package.
- Is the maple stock finished or raw?
- The AAA maple stock is factory-finished with a high-gloss, hand-rubbed lacquer. This provides significant protection against moisture but is not as chemically resistant as modern epoxy finishes. In prolonged wet conditions, I recommend applying a light coat of a wax-based stock preservative like Birchwood Casey's Stock Sheen & Conditioner after each season.
- What is the chamber freebore length for 6.5 PRC?
- Winchester cuts their 6.5 PRC chambers to SAAMI-spec dimensions, which includes a freebore length of 0.188 inches. This is optimized for factory ammunition like Hornady Precision Hunter 143-grain ELD-X. Handloaders should note this spec when developing loads to avoid premature contact with the lands at magazine length.