In 1966, Winchester’s centennial year, the 7 mm Rem. Mag. chambering was added, the checkering pattern began to improve—or at least increase in area—and the stock profile was made more attractive. But barreled actions continued to be featured in the catalog.

Also in that year, a new bolt-action, the Model 670, was introduced in seven calibers in both rifle and 19”-barreled carbine versions. In essence, it was a simplified Model 70 with a two-position safety separated from the bolt sleeve, a non-walnut stock, and a blind magazine. Oddly enough, the barrel was not free floating, but was closely bedded to the fore-end. Winchester was experimenting with new approaches to cost cutting.

The year 1967 saw few changes except for the addition of the .22-250 Rem. cal to the hunting line and the .308 Win. to the Target Model. A year later, the new anti-bind bolt was installed, and the action itself was better than ever. The catalog of that year made no mention of the free-floating barrel—indeed the channel had shrunk from a trade route to an acceptable depth this time.

With 1969 came the end of a painful five-year period of Winchester’s stock troubles. The company catalog that year used the terms “positive checkering” or “hand checkering” repeatedly in referring to the Model 70 and the new Model 770 (a compromise between the low-end 670 and the standard model). It was equipped with the Model 670’s blind magazine and the Model 70’s three-position safety and walnut stock.

Together with the welcome change in stock appearance came another version, the 19”-barreled Model 70 with full-length, Mannlicher-style stock. Also added to the standard rifle’s chambering choices was the .222 Rem. cartridge.

There was nothing new to report in 1970 or 1971 except for the International Army Match Rifle in .308 Win. cal. (7.62 mm NATO), which conformed to the UIT requirements.

In 1972, the Model 670 acquired the three-position safety and the 770 turned into the 70A, with a special police version being offered with uncheckered stock in cals. .30-’06 and .308 only. The Deluxe version of the Model 70 was improved and renamed the New Super Grade.

The Mannlicher-styled rifle disappeared in 1973. By 1975, Winchester was quite justified in touting its premium bolt-action as “The Model 70 the way you want it.” It has remained so, and in 1978 it became even more attractive by the XTR cosmetic treatment that Winchester has given its first-line sporting guns. In that year, the 670 model was dropped from the line.

Currently, the Model 70 and its blind magazine companion, the 70A, are available in 13 popular calibers and must be considered among the best hunting rifles of their type available from any source or from any era. If there is any justice, the term pre-’64 Model 70 should be coupled with that of the post-’68 Model 70 as examples of the best bolt-action rifles America has produced.