Is this a good rifle?

Question

I've been shooting a winchester model 70 7mm 08 for whitetail hunting in Michigan. So far I have only had one good look at a buck with it, but he went down on the spot. Basically I just would like to know more info about it. If I mounted a scope to it, would it be good for longer ranges? Plus I think my sights are off to the left a bit, how can I fix that? I'm a pretty good shot so I dont think its me (If I aim left of the target, I hit it).

Answer 1

You have a great rifle and YES, adding a decent quality Scope will add distance and accuracy to your shots, and increase your range out to 250 yards or further easily......

As far as shooting to the left with iron sights I would suggest next time you go to the range have someone go along and "Spot" for you as you shoot. Many times having another person along lets them see any mistakes you are making and don't realize you are making. Four eyes are always better than two. A Spotter can also call your shots high, low,left or right quicker and more accurately which will save you money and a lot of wasted ammunition.

Answer 2

Sounds like you have a good gun. If you think the sights are off, go to a range and shoot some 3 shot groups. If it is off to the left, move the rear sight right a little bit. Be careful and don't move it too much at once and check the 3 shot groups after each move. A good scope would help at longer ranges, but do you have many shots where you would need it? A good 2.5 to 9 or 3 to 9 power variable left dialed down to the lowest setting works well in almost any situation.

Answer 3

The model 70 was the original bolt action rifle for precision rifle for the Army, after the 1903 was too old and outdated. After about '68 or so quality did go down, so the military moved to the Remington 700, a similar, but different, bolt action precision rifle.

Mounting a scope should help with longer, accurate shots. The 7mm-06 round is capable out to quite some distance, and shouldn't be underestimated.

For correcting the iron sights, depending on what type of sigts you have, you should be able to 'drift' the front sight to the left with a brass punch and hammer until you're able to accurately use the sights to group several shots where you're pointing them.

Answer 4

Carefully move your rear sight to the right and see where the bullets are hitting the target. You move the rear sight the way you want your bullets to go on the target. Right to move them right on the target, left to move them left, up to move them up and down to move them down.

While you don't say so, you seem to indicate that you are shooting with open sights. A properly sighted scope is always going to make you more accurate with your rifle than when you are shooting with open sights. If you buy a scope, don't get a cheap one because they are a terrible waste of money. Expect to pay at least $250 to $500 for a decent scope. A good one costs even more. You will always get better lenses for the money when you buy a fixed power scope rather than a variable power scope. Most shooting can be done with a fixed power scope of either 4 power or 6 power. I like Leupold scopes but there are other quality scopes out there. Talk to your gun store salesman and get some advice from him on which scopes he recommends as being good scopes.

Answer 5

A Winchester Mod. 70 is a fine rifle.
The 7mm. - 08 should be effective on deer
to 300Yd.s , (probably farther than you would
want to shoot offhand).
If you're hitting to the left, take it to a range and
reset the sights.
A scope will help. Choice of type depends on
the conditions in which you hunt.
For quick aquisition you want a nice bright
4X with a wide field. For long shots in open
country you can go to higher power.
You're probably best off with a 3-9X variable.
(Sportsmans Guide now offers a Nikon "Prostaff`
for about $150.)

Answer 6

Put a good 3 X 9 power scope on it asap.* It will increase the distance & assist you in placing your kill shot more accurately.* To correct your open sights move the back sight to the RIGHT a little bit.*

Answer 7

What JD said plus, do you shoot left-handed? If you do you could unconsciously be pulling slightly to the left as you squeeze the trigger. If this is the case, just practice your technique. If not, check your sights by shooting paper and making the needed adjustments. A scope would be a definite plus.

Best.

H

Answer 8

sounds like a good rifle. you can fix the sights no problem.