Winchester Model 70 Super Grade .243 Winchester 22 in. French Walnut

The Winchester Model 70 Super Grade in .243 Winchester with a 22-inch barrel and French walnut stock is a factory-built precision rifle for shooters who demand controlled round feed reliability and classic American craftsmanship. This bolt-action rifle uses a Pre-64 style action, polished blued steel, and a Grade AAA French walnut stock with an ebony forearm tip and shadowline cheekpiece. It is chambered in .243 Winchester, a versatile cartridge suitable for varmint hunting, deer hunting, and target shooting. The 22-inch free-floating barrel is button rifled with a recessed target crown, and the receiver is drilled and tapped for optics. The hinged floorplate magazine allows quick unloading without cycling rounds. This is a production rifle built to Winchester’s Super Grade specifications, not a custom build.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Winchester Repeating Arms
Model	Model 70 Super Grade
Material	Steel receiver and barrel, Grade AAA French walnut stock with ebony tip
Compatibility	.243 Winchester ammunition; accepts standard Win Model 70 scope bases and rings
Finish	Polished blued steel
Weight	Per manufacturer specs: approximately 7.5 lbs (unscoped)
Condition	New, factory-sealed

Key Features

• Pre-64 Controlled Round Feed Action — Why it matters: This action type provides positive cartridge control from magazine to chamber, reducing the risk of double-feeds and improving reliability under field conditions, especially during rapid bolt cycling.
• Grade AAA French Walnut Stock with Ebony Forearm Tip — Why it matters: The dense walnut stock absorbs recoil and maintains dimensional stability in varying humidity. The ebony tip adds weight forward for improved balance and reduces barrel harmonics interference.
• 22-Inch Free-Floating Button Rifled Barrel — Why it matters: Button rifling produces consistent bore dimensions and uniform twist rates, improving accuracy potential. Free-floating prevents stock contact that can shift point of impact as the barrel heats.
• Recessed Target Crown — Why it matters: Protects the muzzle crown from damage during handling or in the field, preserving bullet launch consistency and maintaining accuracy over the rifle’s service life.
• Hinged Floorplate Magazine — Why it matters: Allows unloading the magazine without cycling each round through the action. This is useful when clearing the rifle for storage or crossing obstacles, and it prevents unnecessary wear on the extractor.

Who It’s For

This rifle is built for the rifleman who prioritizes mechanical reliability and accuracy over weight savings or modularity. It suits the hunter who needs a rifle that feeds reliably in cold weather or when shooting from awkward positions, and the target shooter who appreciates a production rifle with consistent accuracy out of the box. Law enforcement marksmen who use .243 Winchester for precision work will find the controlled feed action and free-floated barrel familiar and dependable. This is not a lightweight backpacking rifle; it is a deliberate, field-ready tool for shooters who understand the value of a well-fitted stock and a proven action.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Controlled round feed action functions reliably with all bullet profiles, including soft points and hollow points.
• Pro: Grade AAA walnut stock is hand-selected for grain and density, providing a stable bedding surface without needing aftermarket work.
• Pro: The .243 Winchester cartridge offers flat trajectory and mild recoil, suitable for both varmint and medium game.
• Con: The polished blued finish requires regular maintenance to prevent rust in humid environments; a stainless or cerakote option is not available from the factory.

Comparison vs. Competitors

Feature	Winchester Model 70 Super Grade .243	Ruger American Predator .243	Tikka T3x Lite .243
Action Type	Controlled round feed (Pre-64 style)	Push feed	Push feed
Stock Material	Grade AAA French walnut with ebony tip	Synthetic (black polymer)	Synthetic (black polymer)
Barrel Length	22 inches	22 inches	22.4 inches
Magazine Capacity	5+1 (hinged floorplate)	4+1 (detachable box)	5+1 (detachable box)
Weight	7.5 lbs	6.5 lbs	6.3 lbs
Price	$2,017.48	$579.00	$1,149.00

FAQ

Does this rifle come with scope bases or rings?

No. The receiver is drilled and tapped for Winchester Model 70 scope bases (standard two-piece or one-piece rail). Rings and bases are sold separately. Per Winchester specs, the receiver uses 8-40 screw threads.

What is the twist rate on the .243 Winchester barrel?

Per manufacturer specs, the 22-inch barrel has a 1:10 twist rate. This stabilizes bullets from 55 to 100 grains, covering varmint loads up to hunting rounds for deer and antelope.

Is the stock fully bedded from the factory?

The barreled action is free-floated, but the recoil lug area is not glass-bedded. The stock is factory-inletted to tight tolerances. Some shooters choose to bed the action for maximum accuracy, but many find the factory fit sufficient for sub-MOA performance with match ammunition.

Can this rifle be used for precision long-range shooting?

Yes, within the effective range of .243 Winchester. The free-floated barrel, controlled feed action, and target crown support consistent accuracy. With quality optics and match ammunition, this rifle is capable of 1 MOA or better at 100 yards. However, the .243 cartridge is limited by wind drift and retained energy beyond 600 yards on game.

Does the Model 70 Super Grade have a detachable magazine?

No. It uses a hinged floorplate that opens to release all cartridges from the internal magazine. This design is preferred by many hunters for its simplicity and reliability under field conditions.

Why Buy From Us

• ✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
• ✓ Ships 1-2 business days
• ✓ 30-day returns
• ✓ Secure checkout

Browse more bolt action rifles or shop our hunting rifles collection. For optics and mounts, see our rifle scopes.

Last updated: April 2026. According to NSSF data, bolt-action rifles account for over 35% of centerfire rifle sales in the U.S. annually.