M70 XTR .264 Win. Mag

[publius]

I wanted to see if anyone knows the barrel twist on a Winchester Model 70XTR in .264 Mag?  What is the general opinion of the Model 70 XTR?  I'm thinking about getting one and want to shoot 140 gr. bullets. What would you pay for one in good condition (wood stock)?  Thanks for the help, Publius

[saltydog]

Mine is an older pre '64 with a 1:9 rate based on my observations - the XTR would either be 1:9 or 1:10 unless it is a custom barrel. Check it closely for wear.

[Luckyducker]

I don't know about the XTR, but the " Westerner", which was the first Winchester rifle chambered for the 264, had a 1/9" twist rate barrel.  Some hunters feel that the accuracy with the heavier bullets, such as the 140's, is "good enough" for hunting purposes.  I am not of that opinion.  I don't think I should have to settle for 1.5 MOA when a barrel having a 1/8" twist rate will deliver sub MOA with even the 160 grain JRN bullets.  On the other hand I like the XTR rifle but don't know the current market value of such.  Hope this helps, but remember opinions are like a-holes and everybody thinks theirs don't stink.

[Tunaman]

I just bought a XTR featherweight in 257 Bob. The rifle fits me as well as any rifle that i have ever owned and has the nicest wood that I have ever seen on a non custom rifle. There are a bunch of different styles of the Mod 70 that wore the xtr grade.. Esentialy what xtr means is that the blueing and wood were nicer than the standard stuff. Like Saltydog stated, check the barell and throat for wear. The 264 is known as a barrel burner and a throat eroder.