Does your Winchester Model 70 feel a little… plain? Maybe it’s not as comfortable as you’d like, or perhaps you’re dreaming of a look that’s truly your own. Your rifle is a classic, but even classics can get a modern makeover! Choosing a new stock can feel like a puzzle. So many materials, so many styles, and what fits your shooting needs best? It’s tough to know where to start.
But don’t worry! Upgrading your Winchester Model 70 with an aftermarket stock is a fantastic way to improve its feel, accuracy, and looks. You’ll discover how a new stock can make shooting more enjoyable and precise. We’ll explore the different types of stocks available, from classic wood to modern synthetics, and help you understand what makes each one special. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear idea of which aftermarket stock will make your Model 70 truly shine.
Our Top 5 Aftermarket Stock For Winchester Model 70 Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Aftermarket Stock For Winchester Model 70 Detailed Reviews
1. Talley Picatinny Base Winchester Model 70 Long Action
Rating: 9.0/10
The Talley Picatinny Base for the Winchester Model 70 Long Action is a tough and reliable accessory. It’s built in the USA, so you know it’s made with quality. This base is strong enough to handle even the most powerful magnum calibers. It’s also hardened to an impressive 68 Rockwell (Rc), meaning it can take a beating and still perform. If you own a Winchester Model 70 long action and need a solid mount for your scope, this base is a serious contender.
What We Like:
- Built tough in the USA for lasting quality.
- Handles all magnum calibers without any problems.
- Super hard 68 Rockwell rating means it resists wear and tear.
- Provides a stable and secure platform for your scope.
What Could Be Improved:
- Might be overkill for those who don’t shoot magnum calibers.
- The hardened finish could potentially be more prone to scratching than a softer coating, though this is a minor concern given its durability.
This Talley Picatinny Base is a top-notch upgrade for your Winchester Model 70. It offers exceptional strength and durability for serious shooters.
2. Burris 410605 Winchester 70 XTR Base (Black)
Rating: 9.2/10
The Burris 410605 Winchester 70 XTR Base in Black is a solid choice for your rifle. It’s designed to give you great performance and keep your scope steady. This base helps you get the most out of your shooting. It’s made to be tough and reliable.
What We Like:
- It’s built for top performance. The design is smart and doesn’t add extra weight or height. This means it’s strong but not bulky.
- It attaches very securely. It uses special cross slots that are made to military standards. This makes it super stable and dependable.
- It’s very adaptable. The front base can be flipped around. This lets you fit different scope lengths, so you can set up your scope just how you want it.
- It works with many scope rings. You can use Weaver-style, Picatinny-style, or mil-spec rings. This gives you lots of options for your optics.
- The matte finish looks good. It also helps cut down on glare. This makes it easier to see your target and harder for others to spot you.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s versatile, some users might find the reversible front base slightly more complex to adjust initially.
- The black matte finish, while practical, might show wear more easily on rough surfaces compared to a more textured finish.
Overall, this Burris XTR Base offers excellent stability and adaptability for your Winchester 70 rifle. It’s a smart upgrade for any shooter looking for reliable performance.
3. Weaver Extended 1-Piece Multi-Slot Base – Winchester 70 SA
Rating: 9.0/10
If you own a Winchester Model 70 Short Action rifle made between 1984 and 2008, and you’re looking to upgrade your scope mounting options, this Weaver Extended 1-Piece Multi-Slot Base is a solid choice. It’s designed to give you more flexibility when positioning your scope for the perfect sight picture.
What We Like:
- It’s made from strong 6061-T6 aluminum, so it’s tough and won’t add much weight to your rifle.
- The matte finish helps reduce glare, which is great for hunting.
- This base works with both Picatinny and Weaver style rings, giving you lots of choices for your scope.
- The extended design adds an extra inch of length. This means you have more room to move your scope forward or backward.
- It uses special Torx screws that won’t slip or strip, making installation secure and easy.
What Could Be Improved:
- The fit is specific to Winchester Model 70 Short Actions from a certain year range, so it won’t work on all rifles.
- While durable, aluminum can still be scratched if not handled carefully.
This Weaver base offers a practical upgrade for many Winchester Model 70 owners. It improves your ability to mount your scope exactly where you need it.
4. EGW Picatinny Rail Scope Mounts for Winchester 70 STD/LA (Pre 64) 0 MOA
Rating: 8.6/10
When you own a classic Winchester Model 70 rifle, you want to outfit it with the best. The EGW Picatinny Rail Scope Mounts for the Winchester 70 STD/LA (Pre 64) with a 0 MOA cant are designed specifically for these legendary firearms. This mount provides a solid platform for your rifle scope, ensuring consistent and accurate shooting. It’s built tough to handle whatever you throw at it in the field.
What We Like:
- It’s made from strong aluminum, so it’s tough but not too heavy.
- The 0 MOA design is great for shooting at various distances without needing to adjust your scope too much.
- Installation is straightforward, letting you get your scope mounted quickly.
- This mount is designed to fit your pre-1964 Winchester 70 perfectly.
What Could Be Improved:
- For some older rifles, a little fitting might be needed.
- The finish could be a bit more robust for extreme conditions.
If you’re serious about accuracy with your vintage Winchester 70, these EGW scope mounts are an excellent upgrade. They offer a reliable connection between your rifle and your scope, helping you make every shot count.
5. Talley Lightweight 2PC Scope Mounts
Rating: 9.0/10
The Talley Lightweight 2PC Scope Mounts offer a strong and reliable way to attach your scope to a Winchester Model 70 rifle. These mounts are designed for post-64 models and come with integral 1-inch rings, meaning the rings are built right into the mount. This design helps keep the overall weight down and can improve accuracy by reducing potential flex points. The matte finish gives them a sleek look that blends well with most rifle stocks.
What We Like:
- Lightweight: The name says it all; these mounts add minimal weight to your rifle, making it easier to carry.
- Durable: Made from strong materials, they are built to withstand the recoil of your firearm.
- Easy to Use: Installation is straightforward, and the integral rings simplify the mounting process.
- Secure Fit: The design ensures your scope stays firmly in place, even during intense shooting sessions.
What Could Be Improved:
- Price: While offering good value, they might be a bit pricier than some other options.
- Limited Availability: Finding these specific mounts can sometimes be a challenge due to their popularity.
For hunters and shooters who value a lightweight, dependable scope mounting solution, the Talley Lightweight 2PC Scope Mounts are an excellent choice. They provide a secure platform for your optics, helping you achieve better accuracy in the field.
Upgrade Your Winchester Model 70: The Ultimate Aftermarket Stock Buying Guide
Your Winchester Model 70 is a classic rifle. But sometimes, you want to make it even better. An aftermarket stock can do just that! It can change how your rifle looks and how it shoots. This guide will help you pick the best stock for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a new stock, here are the important things to check:
Material Matters
Stocks come in different materials. Each has its own pros and cons.
- Wood: This is the traditional choice. Walnut is popular. It looks beautiful and feels good. Wood can be heavy. It might swell or shrink with weather changes.
- Synthetic: These are often made of fiberglass or carbon fiber. They are very strong and lightweight. They don’t get affected by weather. Synthetic stocks can sometimes feel less “classic.”
- Laminate: This is made by gluing together thin pieces of wood. It’s stronger than solid wood. It looks nice, too. It’s a good middle ground.
Fit and Feel
A good stock feels right in your hands. It should fit your body shape.
- Length of Pull: This is the distance from the trigger to the buttstock. Make sure it’s comfortable for you.
- Grip: How does the stock feel in your shooting hand? Some have special textures for a better grip.
- Comb Height: This is how high the cheek rest is. It helps you get a good sight picture.
Weight and Balance
The weight of the stock affects how the rifle handles. Lighter stocks are easier to carry. Heavier stocks can help with accuracy by reducing felt recoil.
Action Bedding
This is where the rifle’s action (the part with the bolt) sits in the stock. A good bedding job makes the rifle more accurate. Some stocks come pre-bedded. Others need professional bedding.
2. Important Materials
We touched on this, but let’s look closer.
- Walnut: This is a premium wood. It’s strong and looks great. It can be expensive.
- Maple: Another beautiful wood. It’s harder than walnut.
- Fiberglass: Very durable and weather-resistant. It’s a common choice for synthetic stocks.
- Carbon Fiber: This is the lightest and strongest option. It’s also the most expensive.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a stock great or not so great?
Quality Boosters
- Precision Machining: When parts of the stock are made very accurately, it leads to a better fit and better performance.
- Good Finish: A nice finish protects the stock and makes it look good.
- Ergonomic Design: Stocks designed with the shooter in mind will be more comfortable and easier to use.
- Reinforcements: Some stocks have metal inserts or other reinforcements to make them stronger.
Quality Reducers
- Poor Fit: If the stock doesn’t fit the rifle’s action perfectly, it can hurt accuracy.
- Cheap Materials: Using low-quality wood or plastic can lead to a stock that breaks or warps.
- Bad Finish: A rough or uneven finish can be uncomfortable and doesn’t protect the stock well.
- Heavy or Awkward Shape: A stock that is too heavy or has an uncomfortable shape will make shooting less enjoyable.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How will a new stock change your shooting?
Hunting
For hunters, a lighter stock is often preferred. It makes carrying the rifle through the woods easier. Weather resistance is also important. Synthetic or laminate stocks are great for this.
Target Shooting and Competition
Accuracy is key here. Stocks with adjustable features, like a movable cheek rest or adjustable buttpad, can help. A heavier stock can also help steady the rifle.
Everyday Plinking
For casual shooting, comfort and looks might be your main concerns. A classic wood stock can be very appealing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aftermarket Stocks for Winchester Model 70
Q: Do I need a special tool to install a new stock?
A: Usually, you’ll need basic tools like screwdrivers. Sometimes, a torque wrench is recommended for tightening screws to the right level.
Q: Will any aftermarket stock fit my Winchester Model 70?
A: No, you need to make sure the stock is made for your specific Model 70 variant. There are different barrel profiles and action lengths.
Q: How much does an aftermarket stock typically cost?
A: Prices can range from around $100 for basic synthetic stocks to $500 or more for high-end wood or carbon fiber options.
Q: Can a new stock improve my rifle’s accuracy?
A: Yes, a well-fitted and properly bedded stock can significantly improve accuracy by providing a stable platform for the rifle’s action.
Q: What is “bedding” a stock?
A: Bedding is a process where material is added to the stock’s action inlet to create a perfect fit for the rifle’s action, improving stability and accuracy.
Q: Are synthetic stocks durable?
A: Yes, synthetic stocks are generally very durable and resistant to moisture, temperature changes, and impacts.
Q: Is a heavier stock better for shooting?
A: A heavier stock can help reduce felt recoil and provide more stability, which can be beneficial for accuracy, especially during target shooting.
Q: Can I change the color of my stock?
A: Some synthetic stocks come in different colors. For wood stocks, you can refinish them with stains and finishes to change the color.
Q: Will a new stock affect the value of my Winchester Model 70?
A: A high-quality, well-chosen aftermarket stock can increase the appeal and usability of your rifle. However, for collectors, the original stock might be preferred.
Q: Where can I buy aftermarket stocks for my Model 70?
A: You can find them at gun stores, sporting goods retailers, and online through websites that specialize in firearm accessories.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
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