What's With The New Portuguese Made Winchester Model 70s These Days ?

mark-hunter · Oct 26, 2026

BTP-KennethWRoyce said:
I've already got my M98s, M70s, and an M76.
Can't go wrong with older legacy rifles like those.

Yes, I too have my gun locker stocked to my satisfaction.

But to start equipping from zero, today, would be a daunting task - especially on a budget.

Hunter-Habib · Oct 26, 2026

mark-hunter said:
Yes, I too have my gun locker stocked to my satisfaction.

But to start equipping from zero, today, would be a daunting task - especially on a budget.

Well, let's see now (we're strictly keeping it to rifles that are available off-the-shelf):

There's the FN made Winchester Model 70 (in .375 Holland & Holland Magnum, .416 Remington Magnum and .458 Winchester Magnum). As discussed elaborately in this thread, they're perfectly serviceable but need to sometimes be worked over by a competent gunsmith before taking to the field.

There's the Blaser R8 (in .375 Holland & Holland Magnum, .416 Remington Magnum, .458 Lott and .500 Jeffery).

There's the Mauser Model 98 Magnum (in .375 Holland & Holland Magnum, .416 Rigby and .450 Rigby). But they command a real premium (upwards of $14,000 I believe). On a personal note, I've always wondered why Mauser doesn't offer these in .404 Jeffery. Just like the original pre 1939 Mauser Oberndorf Type A Sporters.

Montana Rifle Company does the Tsavo model in .375 Holland & Holland Magnum only.

This year on Safari, my white hunters told me that six out of ten clients out here (with new production rifles) tend to gravitate towards a Blaser R8. These are usually clients above 45 or so. While the Blaser R8 is not a traditional looking rifle by any means, you can't deny that the things work absolutely marvellously. As you saw on your Asian shikar with my team last month from the back of an elephant howdah. We now also have another Blaser R8 chambered in .458 Lott which we offer to our clients for problem water buffalo hunts.

My personal take, is that for a hunter on budget who is looking to purchase a new production big bore bolt action rifle in a caliber larger than .375 bore... His best value for the money will still be to purchase a Winchester Model 70 Safari Express (chambered in either .416 Remington Magnum or .458 Winchester Magnum) and have it worked over by a competent gunsmith before taking it out on Safari.

RSL · Oct 26, 2026

I am particulary fond of my M70 Classic Super Express 375 H&H Mag. It was made in 1998 in New Haven. The last year of the Classic Super Express M70s that began production in 1994 according to my research.
These are CRF action rifles with a slimmer stock than the subsequent Safari Express models that were made until 2006 in New Haven then production by FN/Herstal began in South Carolina in 2007. The only minor complaint I have about my Classic Super Express, is the rectanglular lug on the bottom of the barrel for the front sling swivel. I would have preferred a barrel band like the Safari Express.

I would buy a South Carolina manufactured Safari Express but I feel like the Portugal assembled rifles are a gamble. The barrels are still made in South Carolina and shipped to Portugal. I read somewhere, cannot find it now, that the receivers are jobbed out to an outside machine shop. No mention of where or what country as I recall. I am not a M70 expert, obviously, so take this for what it's worth. Feel free to correct any errors or misconceptions.

mark-hunter · Oct 26, 2026

Yes, @Hunter-Habib you have covered the market very well, with most available firearms.

There is also a problem of distribution, so not everything you mentioned, is available everywhere.
For example, it is more than 10 years since I have last seen Winchester m70 available at local guns shops ( and it was in standard 30-ish calibers only)

The situation is result of market control of large gun productions groups, and smaller rifle companies trying to cope with challenges of modern market. As a result, classic rifle on affordable price becomes a rarity.

(From that perspective I think, that CZ company of old times of cz550 production days was the thorn in the eye to major western rifle producers.)

Best option now seams to be Blaser R8, although at start this rifle is a bit more costly, but in the long run, by adding barrels and scopes that rifle offers best options.

Would I choose blaser R8 over my classic inventory - no. But if I were to start from beginning, maybe it would be the only choice

Later edit.
We can discuss benefits and differences of straight pull, controlled round feed or push feeds all day long. But on the end of the day - for big game we need first and foremost THE CALIBER.
And if big bore caliber is available only in one production rifle, than it is the only choice.

Pondoro · Oct 26, 2026

The Brno ZKK 602 and CZ550 will probably become more and more sought after...a magnum length Mauser action made from superb Elektro-Poldi steel to bargain prices (compared to Rigby and other makers).

Forged To Be Special | Poldi Steel

Poldi Steel is one of the leading producer of steel bars in Czech republic. We produce a rich pallet of steel grades in different dimensional shapes, from carbon and alloyed structural steels to tool and special steels in the form of rolled and forged products.

www.poldi-steel.com

mark-hunter · Oct 26, 2026

Pondoro said:
The Brno ZKK 602 and CZ550 will probably become more and more sought after...

The thing that is missing in my locker, is 30 cal magnum rifle. I dont have real need for it. But the thought in my mind is, if I ever need it, or if I were to buy it, it would most likely be cz550 in 300 win mag.

Pondoro · Oct 26, 2026

These are 2 ZKK 602´s in .375H&H. The left one belongs to a friend of mine in Botswana..it is pretty battered after 40 years of hard use...still working and accurate. A testimony to how good and sturdy these rifles are..

fourfive8 · Oct 26, 2026

RSL said:
I am particulary fond of my M70 Classic Super Express 375 H&H Mag. It was made in 1998 in New Haven. The last year of the Classic Super Express M70s that began production in 1994 according to my research.
These are CRF action rifles with a slimmer stock than the subsequent Safari Express models that were made until 2006 in New Haven then production by FN/Herstal began in South Carolina in 2007. The only minor complaint I have about my Classic Super Express, is the rectanglular lug on the bottom of the barrel for the front sling swivel. I would have preferred a barrel band like the Safari Express.

I would buy a South Carolina manufactured Safari Express but I feel like the Portugal assembled rifles are a gamble. The barrels are still made in South Carolina and shipped to Portugal. I read somewhere, cannot find it now, that the receivers are jobbed out to an outside machine shop. No mention of where or what country as I recall. I am not a M70 expert, obviously, so take this for what it's worth. Feel free to correct any errors or misconceptions.

I believe your info is correct. I have the twin of your 375 HH Super Express in the safe sitting next to its more utilitarian cousin, a late New Haven Safari Express in 416 Rem. The Super Express M70s are very nicely finished factory rifles.

Russ16 · Oct 26, 2026

mark-hunter said:
Yes, @Hunter-Habib you have covered the market very well, with most available firearms.

There is also a problem of distribution, so not everything you mentioned, is available everywhere.
For example, it is more than 10 years since I have last seen Winchester m70 available at local guns shops ( and it was in standard 30-ish calibers only)

The situation is result of market control of large gun productions groups, and smaller rifle companies trying to cope with challenges of modern market. As a result, classic rifle on affordable price becomes a rarity.

(From that perspective I think, that CZ company of old times of cz550 production days was the thorn in the eye to major western rifle producers.)

Best option now seams to be Blaser R8, although at start this rifle is a bit more costly, but in the long run, by adding barrels and scopes that rifle offers best options.

Would I choose blaser R8 over my classic inventory - no. But if I were to start from beginning, maybe it would be the only choice

Later edit.
We can discuss benefits and differences of straight pull, controlled round feed or push feeds all day long. But on the end of the day - for big game we need first and foremost THE CALIBER.
And if big bore caliber is available only in one production rifle, than it is the only choice.

Depending on where you live there may not be much in the way of local gunshops. For me the choice is a 50ish minute drive to a Cabela’s or sportsman’s wharehouse or a few small shops that sell handguns and tactical rifles. The smaller shops won’t even have a single bolt gun in stock. The tie but ones have the usual selection of smaller caliber bolt guns but those are way outnumbered by AR style rifles.

But they will do transfers. So for me the entire game is online shopping or special order. Luckily there is a lot available. It is pretty easy to find a new Model 70 in a safari caliber. And there are plenty of used guns available.

25 years ago there weren’t any more safari calibers on shelves around me and it was much harder to find one as online didn’t exist in the same way.

Just a different way of looking at it.

mark-hunter · Oct 26, 2026

Russ16 said:
But they will do transfers. So for me the entire game is online shopping or special order. Luckily there is a lot available. It is pretty easy to find a new Model 70 in a safari caliber. And there are plenty of used guns available.

This is all fine,

But I live in faraway land (Croatia), where epitome of hunting is shooting wild boar from blind at night, and bring the meat home.

Thus, locally available calibers in guns shops are vanilla 30 calibers, with factory ammunition readily available in guns shops.
375 H&H ammo is already hard to find. Not to mention bigger calibers/

Nobody knows here what is CRF. (Gun culture low)
And GDP is modest, thus the average hunters income.

So Winchester rifles available in gunshops are XPR. They sell.

Moreover, due to import taxes and tariffs, and legal requirement that each fire arm on the market is CIP proved (additional cost), makes average price for imported American firearm more expensive for at least 1000 to 1500 USD over MSRP.

Garciamarquez1918 · Oct 26, 2026

Hunter-Habib said:
Well, let's see now (we're strictly keeping it to rifles that are available off-the-shelf):

There's the FN made Winchester Model 70 (in .375 Holland & Holland Magnum, .416 Remington Magnum and .458 Winchester Magnum). As discussed elaborately in this thread, they're perfectly serviceable but need to sometimes be worked over by a competent gunsmith before taking to the field.

There's the Blaser R8 (in .375 Holland & Holland Magnum, .416 Remington Magnum, .458 Lott and .500 Jeffery).

There's the Mauser Model 98 Magnum (in .375 Holland & Holland Magnum, .416 Rigby and .450 Rigby). But they command a real premium (upwards of $14,000 I believe). On a personal note, I've always wondered why Mauser doesn't offer these in .404 Jeffery. Just like the original pre 1939 Mauser Oberndorf Type A Sporters.

Montana Rifle Company does the Tsavo model in .375 Holland & Holland Magnum only.

This year on Safari, my white hunters told me that six out of ten clients out here (with new production rifles) tend to gravitate towards a Blaser R8. These are usually clients above 45 or so. While the Blaser R8 is not a traditional looking rifle by any means, you can't deny that the things work absolutely marvellously. As you saw on your Asian shikar with my team last month from the back of an elephant howdah. We now also have another Blaser R8 chambered in .458 Lott which we offer to our clients for problem water buffalo hunts.

My personal take, is that for a hunter on budget who is looking to purchase a new production big bore bolt action rifle in a caliber larger than .375 bore... His best value for the money will still be to purchase a Winchester Model 70 Safari Express (chambered in either .416 Remington Magnum or .458 Winchester Magnum) and have it worked over by a competent gunsmith before taking it out on Safari.

Worth noting that the Rigby PH is offered in 404. It's essentially a Mauser 98 and in that same $15,000 price range and immediately available through Cabela's.

PerH · Oct 26, 2026

One also have Reimer Johannsen Mausers .

TOBY458 · Oct 26, 2026

I’ve had a couple of those rifles and had similar issues. The problem doesn’t lie with the rifle though. It’s caused by an inadequate crimp on the cartridge case mouth. The rifles I had that would freeze up, as you say, were made to feed correctly by using a Lee factory crimp die. What is happening is, the case mouth is getting caught on the sharp edge of the chamber, as it is pushed forward. When this happens, the bolt will come to a dead stop. If you pull back slightly on the bolt, then push forward again, the round will usually chamber. I believe this could be remedied by removing the sharp edge in the chamber where the cartridge belt cut is made. But in order to do it correctly, I’d say the barrel would need to be removed.

With all that said, I bet he is using hand loaded ammo with an inadequate crimp. Once he crimps the ammo correctly, I bet his problem will go away. It worked on my two rifles anyway.

Ontario Hunter · Oct 26, 2026

mark-hunter said:
This is all fine,

But I live in faraway land (Croatia), where epitome of hunting is shooting wild boar from blind at night, and bring the meat home.

Thus, locally available calibers in guns shops are vanilla 30 calibers, with factory ammunition readily available in guns shops.
375 H&H ammo is already hard to find. Not to mention bigger calibers/

Nobody knows here what is CRF. (Gun culture low)
And GDP is modest, thus the average hunters income.

So Winchester rifles available in gunshops are XPR. They sell.

Moreover, due to import taxes and tariffs, and legal requirement that each fire arm on the market is CIP proved (additional cost), makes average price for imported American firearm more expensive for at least 1000 to 1500 USD over MSRP.

You need to invite a friend who can bring a gun over and gift it to you. Still have to deal with taxes and "proving" but maybe more affordable. I have done permanent export Canadian paperwork for rifle to Africa (twice) so getting the guns out of the country isn't a big issue (just need to wait for minister to sign). I know it's a lovely country to visit and must be something else to hunt besides graveyard shift pigs? Asking for a friend ...

Ontario Hunter · Oct 26, 2026

TOBY458 said:
I’ve had a couple of those rifles and had similar issues. The problem doesn’t lie with the rifle though. It’s caused by an inadequate crimp on the cartridge case mouth. The rifles I had that would freeze up, as you say, were made to feed correctly by using a Lee factory crimp die. What is happening is, the case mouth is getting caught on the sharp edge of the chamber, as it is pushed forward. When this happens, the bolt will come to a dead stop. If you pull back slightly on the bolt, then push forward again, the round will usually chamber. I believe this could be remedied by removing the sharp edge in the chamber where the cartridge belt cut is made. But in order to do it correctly, I’d say the barrel would need to be removed.

With all that said, I bet he is using hand loaded ammo with an inadequate crimp. Once he crimps the ammo correctly, I bet his problem will go away. It worked on my two rifles anyway.

Watch the video on page two. The OP's rifle is hanging up even with an empty magazine. Crimping his ammo won't fix it. The loading ramp in your rifle should not be catching on the edge of brass. Crimping may help but the problem is the rifle. If tolerances are that close, just changing loads or ammo brand could resurrect the issue (different OAL or bullet design). Someone needs to correct it by modifying the rails and or ramp so the cartridges are released from magazine properly. Possible that cartridges are not jumping onto the bolt face properly (I.e. too late) This could be due to poorly fit extractor and/or too much extractor spring tension. Crimping is a bandaid solution for something that requires proper attention.

SStomcat · Oct 26, 2026

Hunter-Habib said:
Well, let's see now (we're strictly keeping it to rifles that are available off-the-shelf):

There's the FN made Winchester Model 70 (in .375 Holland & Holland Magnum, .416 Remington Magnum and .458 Winchester Magnum). As discussed elaborately in this thread, they're perfectly serviceable but need to sometimes be worked over by a competent gunsmith before taking to the field.

There's the Blaser R8 (in .375 Holland & Holland Magnum, .416 Remington Magnum, .458 Lott and .500 Jeffery).

There's the Mauser Model 98 Magnum (in .375 Holland & Holland Magnum, .416 Rigby and .450 Rigby). But they command a real premium (upwards of $14,000 I believe). On a personal note, I've always wondered why Mauser doesn't offer these in .404 Jeffery. Just like the original pre 1939 Mauser Oberndorf Type A Sporters.

Montana Rifle Company does the Tsavo model in .375 Holland & Holland Magnum only.

This year on Safari, my white hunters told me that six out of ten clients out here (with new production rifles) tend to gravitate towards a Blaser R8. These are usually clients above 45 or so. While the Blaser R8 is not a traditional looking rifle by any means, you can't deny that the things work absolutely marvellously. As you saw on your Asian shikar with my team last month from the back of an elephant howdah. We now also have another Blaser R8 chambered in .458 Lott which we offer to our clients for problem water buffalo hunts.

My personal take, is that for a hunter on budget who is looking to purchase a new production big bore bolt action rifle in a caliber larger than .375 bore... His best value for the money will still be to purchase a Winchester Model 70 Safari Express (chambered in either .416 Remington Magnum or .458 Winchester Magnum) and have it worked over by a competent gunsmith before taking it out on Safari.

Golam Saheb, I agree wholeheartedly. If I may add my two cents, having gone through the process myself while searching for a new rifle, I would add ParkWest to your list. They offer semi-custom rifles built to your specifications at a lower price point than a Rigby or Heym Martini Express, with comparable or, in some respects, superior quality and pedigree.

That said, the route I chose, and one I would wholeheartedly recommend, is to look for a pristine, nearly new Dakota Safari or African in your preferred caliber. Having put more than 50 rounds through mine at the range, I can personally vouch for its quality, fit, and finish.

The best part? If you're patient and a little lucky, you can find one for less than half the price of a new ParkWest. In my book, that's a pretty compelling proposition!

Disclaimer - I hope or do not intend to open a pandoras box here

dchum · Oct 26, 2026

Doug3006 said:
@Hunter-Habib, the clock is ticking on your hunt report! Please don’t be tardy.

Ya would love to hear about it and what outfit he just hunted with in RSA.

Looking forward to hearing all the details of this trip

Ontario Hunter · Oct 26, 2026

Hunter-Habib said:
Well, let's see now (we're strictly keeping it to rifles that are available off-the-shelf):

There's the FN made Winchester Model 70 (in .375 Holland & Holland Magnum, .416 Remington Magnum and .458 Winchester Magnum). As discussed elaborately in this thread, they're perfectly serviceable but need to sometimes be worked over by a competent gunsmith before taking to the field.

There's the Blaser R8 (in .375 Holland & Holland Magnum, .416 Remington Magnum, .458 Lott and .500 Jeffery).

There's the Mauser Model 98 Magnum (in .375 Holland & Holland Magnum, .416 Rigby and .450 Rigby). But they command a real premium (upwards of $14,000 I believe). On a personal note, I've always wondered why Mauser doesn't offer these in .404 Jeffery. Just like the original pre 1939 Mauser Oberndorf Type A Sporters.

Montana Rifle Company does the Tsavo model in .375 Holland & Holland Magnum only.

This year on Safari, my white hunters told me that six out of ten clients out here (with new production rifles) tend to gravitate towards a Blaser R8. These are usually clients above 45 or so. While the Blaser R8 is not a traditional looking rifle by any means, you can't deny that the things work absolutely marvellously. As you saw on your Asian shikar with my team last month from the back of an elephant howdah. We now also have another Blaser R8 chambered in .458 Lott which we offer to our clients for problem water buffalo hunts.

My personal take, is that for a hunter on budget who is looking to purchase a new production big bore bolt action rifle in a caliber larger than .375 bore... His best value for the money will still be to purchase a Winchester Model 70 Safari Express (chambered in either .416 Remington Magnum or .458 Winchester Magnum) and have it worked over by a competent gunsmith before taking it out on Safari.

I hate to agree but for $2500 a new Model 70 Safari Express is hard to beat. Might require a bit of tinkering to make it work properly but for that price, not a big deal. I built my 404 on a Czech military action and even after doing most of the work myself it still cost in the neighborhood of $3K. The only difference between the two rifles besides the caliber (and action length) is the barrel band sling swivel. Personally I wouldn't have one on my rifle anyway. Don't want it slung that low. In fact, my rifle wears Winchester Safari Express iron sights and crossbolts. Anyway, someone could buy a new Safari Express, get it turned up, and even re-barreled to +40 caliber "stopping" caliber and still be thousands of dollars below a British custom rifle. Maybe ten thousand.

TOBY458 · Oct 26, 2026

Ontario Hunter said:
Watch the video on page two. The OP's rifle is hanging up even with an empty magazine. Crimping his ammo won't fix it. The loading ramp in your rifle should not be catching on the edge of brass. Crimping may help but the problem is the rifle. If tolerances are that close, just changing loads or ammo brand could resurrect the issue (different OAL or bullet design). Someone needs to correct it by modifying the rails and or ramp so the cartridges are released from magazine properly. Possible that cartridges are not jumping onto the bolt face properly (I.e. too late) This could be due to poorly fit extractor and/or too much extractor spring tension. Crimping is a bandaid solution for something that requires proper attention.

I didn’t see the video. But my issues were caused by the case mouths catching on the rear of the chamber portion of the barrel, not the feed ramp.

Ontario Hunter · Oct 26, 2026

TOBY458 said:
I didn’t see the video. But my issues were caused by the case mouths catching on the rear of the chamber portion of the barrel, not the feed ramp.

Are your cases getting scratched? Did you check headspace with go-no go gauges?

What's With The New Portuguese Made Winchester Model 70s These Days ?

mark-hunter

Hunter-Habib

RSL

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