Those guys build more m70s cause thats what more Americans in their mind want. That does not automatically conclude that the m70 is superior or improved over an M98.
Those builders may like the design of the M70,but they also like it very much for the business they would otherwise miss out on.

Its a bit like women, the more money thats generally on offer, the more forgiving they are of a mans less than perfect peronality and shape.
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Further more, when I asked Mr. Echols about the Dakota76, he indicated that he didnt like it.
From my understanding its an improved design M70, but somehow is deemed unacceptable??... what does that say about the Win?
D76 Improvements over the M70;
http://www.huntamerica.com/dakota/

Brian Harre who almost undoubtedly makes the most precise M70 type reciever out there, does not seem to think ones needs more recoil lug. He first made them with the typical cut out behind the recoil lug,now he makes them just plain straight like a mauser, plus C-ring....an M70 looking more like a mauser each day.