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buckstix
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Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper?
      #240144 - 04/01/14 05:29 PM

Hello All,

Last weekend I got a postcard in the mail from Cabela's, offering "Employee Discount Pricing" on all items in their store. Since I have 2 stores in my area, one 35 minutes north, the other 60 minutes south, I decided to "road-trip" to see if there was anything in their Gun Libraries that could interest me.

Well, there was one. I ran across this little beauty. Its the little known "Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express". (not to be confused with their lesser Safari Express) I believe this may be somewhat of a sleeper, (at least to me) having been introduced in the late 1990s through the Winchester Custom Shop, and then being discontinued within only 5 - 6 years. I was told most of the orders for this model came at Safari Club Shows.

This one is chambered in 416 Remington Mag, and falls nicely midway between my 375 H&H, and my 458 Win Mag. Well, I used this self-justification for the purchase. (as well as the additional 15%+ employee discount pricing I received)

The first picture shows an advertisement I found. The subsequent pictures show the rifle I purchased. It came with a Leopold 1-1/2-5 scope on Talley lever-rings. The rifle appears to be unfired. I have contacted Winchester's Historical Department to obtain specific history on the rifle's configuration / purchase. Apparently stock dimensions, recoil pads, scopes and mounts, could all be specified when ordering the rifle. One reference I located told of ordering a rifle in September of 2000, and receiving it 13 months later in October, 2001.

By the way, this one is no longer "unfired", having ventured out in sub zero temperatures to test fire it. 5 shots produced a nice one-hole group at 100 yds with some handloads that were made by reforming 375 H&H brass. I'm anxious to see what it will do when the real brass arrives.

I'd be interested to hear if there are others out there that own this model, and their opinions about it.



100 yards
5 shots = 1" group
400g Horn RN
67g IMR 4895
F215
2050 fps


--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: buckstix]
      #240152 - 04/01/14 06:10 PM

Good shooting and nice rifle.

I looked at getting something similar in the mid-90's as the basis for a larger project. But didn't follow through, no doubt due to price.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
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kamilaroi
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: buckstix]
      #240153 - 04/01/14 06:13 PM

Nice stuff for a factory piece but a 1 inch thick recoil pad?

Addendum: That shown appears somewhat thicker.

MIAOW!

Edited by kamilaroi (05/01/14 06:51 PM)

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buckstix
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: kamilaroi]
      #240158 - 04/01/14 06:22 PM

Hello kamilaroi,

This one actually has a 1-3/8" thick "Kick-Eez®" Recoil Pad. Based on quality of fit, I believe it was factory installed. Although not aesthetically pleasing, with the 40 pounds of recoil I felt, it was appreciated. And, with the potential of 60 pounds of recoil with full loads, it will be "really" appreciated.

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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Igorrock
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: buckstix]
      #240164 - 04/01/14 08:44 PM

Very nice rifle !

--------------------
http://promaakari.wordpress.com/

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kamilaroi
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: buckstix]
      #240165 - 04/01/14 08:52 PM

^ No offence intended nor implied but for me 45 odd foot pounds is manageable even with current (RWS) 404J loads and my 404J under construction at 8.75 charged is around this. A 8.5lb Lott at 8lbs or 500J at 9lbs is a different beast altogether. DAMHIKT.

Wanna buy a 500J?

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tophet1
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: kamilaroi]
      #240166 - 04/01/14 11:26 PM

Kick-Eze make a great pad. I'd rate that .416 ahead of a .458.

That rifle looks the business and a good buy. Well done sir.

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buckstix
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: kamilaroi]
      #240172 - 05/01/14 01:59 AM

Hello kamilaroi,

No offense taken, but when I have a "Self-Flagellation" moment, I grab one of several other rifles that will "kick the Crap" out of me in the 95 to 120 pounds of recoil range.

Meantime, although I like I prefer "look" of a "toe & heel" plates, I'm kinda pleased that someone else took the initiative to install such a nice "functional" recoil pad. Yesterdays load felt like a steel butt-plated 30-06 shooting 200g bullets. This one is going to be more "fun" than "mean" even with Full Power loads.

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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gryphon
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: buckstix]
      #240177 - 05/01/14 04:11 AM

Going on your target group that pad is doing no harm at all..doesn't need fixing if its not broke!

I love the M`70`s

--------------------
Get off the chair away from the desk and get out in the bush and enjoy life.

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buckstix
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: gryphon]
      #240191 - 05/01/14 09:21 AM

Hello gryphon,

Thanks for the reply. I'm not a really a Model 70 collector. I only have 6 others. Five are custom model 70s built by Leonard Mews in the 1950s, and one is a custom Target G-series in 30-06 cal with a 32-1/2" Obermeyer Barrel.

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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gryphon
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: buckstix]
      #240194 - 05/01/14 10:18 AM

Well that makes seven..thats a collection to me ha ha

--------------------
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Ash
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: gryphon]
      #240195 - 05/01/14 10:23 AM

Now you can fin a custom shop I'm .470 Capstick to go bigger than the win mag =D

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Ripp
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: tophet1]
      #240196 - 05/01/14 10:35 AM

Quote:

Kick-Eze make a great pad. I'd rate that .416 ahead of a .458.

That rifle looks the business and a good buy. Well done sir.



I agree..hv (1) in 458..but (3) 416's...flatter shooting and better penetration.
Great looking rifle..congrats
Ripp

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

Edited by Ripp (07/01/14 01:10 AM)

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264
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: buckstix]
      #240197 - 05/01/14 11:11 AM

Buckstix- nice rifle. Any chance of pics of your other custom 70's.
I run a few 70's including two super expresses 375 and 458, not in the same class as your custom's but very practical. Thanks Mick

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buckstix
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: 264]
      #240206 - 05/01/14 06:04 PM

Hello 264,

Perhaps I'll show them in another session.

For now I'd like to hear from others that own, or have owned, the African Express Model.

But as a teaser, here's one "you" might enjoy. Its a Custom Winchester Model 70 Featherweight in 264 Win Mag caliber. (sorry, I don't have a lot of pictures)

Stock is by Leonard Mews in Exhibition Grade California Claro Black Walnut.
Metalwork is by Leonard Mews, in deep blue finish.
Action is Pre-64 Model 70 Winchester Featherweight with hinged floor plate.
Barrel is 22" factory light weight in 1:12 twist.
Stock is roll-over high comb with shadow outlined check-piece and "swamped" profile forend.
Checkering is "Buck Rogers - Rocket" pattern with 30 lines/inch French (skip-line) borderless.
Forend checkering is 4 panel tear-drop.
Forend tip is "African Blackwood" with "heart" cross-section.
Forend tip is "Vee" cut-in with curved diagonal and slight Schnabel.
Pistol grip cap is scalloped "African Blackwood" with ivory "Mews Diamond" raised inlay.
Recoil pad is black, curved, "White-Line".
Scope is Bosh & Lomb 2.5x-8x with Buelher rings and adjustable base.



--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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93x64mm
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: buckstix]
      #240232 - 06/01/14 09:25 AM

Buckstix
Push feed or controlled feed action?
My first rifle is an old model 70A in .243, push feed type.(Extractor on bolt lug)
Certainly shoots good enough for me, but its a bitch to extract most times & my loads are MILD & all cases sized & checked for length - chamber appears smooth etc.
Hope you don't have the same trouble with this one - certainly a nice piece of kit!
Wonder if you can fit a Sako type extractor on the Winchester like you can a RemingtonM700?
Good pick up
93x64mm

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Buchsemann
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Reged: 12/12/08
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: 93x64mm]
      #240233 - 06/01/14 09:51 AM

Nice looking rifle and nice shooting. Sounds like it's very comfortable to shoot, for a big bore, thus a lot of fun. Well done.

--------------------
Happy the man, and happy he alone,
He who can call today his own:
He who, secure within, can say,
Tomorrow do thy worst, for I have lived today.

- John Dryden

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gryphon
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: Buchsemann]
      #240235 - 06/01/14 11:56 AM

I would love to be the proud owner of that 264 but I ask doesn't the 22 inch barrel negate the ballistics somewhat?
I am under the impression one needs a 26" pipe for full 264 WM figures.

--------------------
Get off the chair away from the desk and get out in the bush and enjoy life.

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buckstix
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: 93x64mm]
      #240236 - 06/01/14 12:24 PM

Hello 93x64mm,

This is a control feed action. (mauser type extractor) No sticky extraction problems, even at full power loads.

Hello gryphon,

No problem with the 22" bbl. With today's powders its easy to obtain the 1959 published velocities of 3030 fps with a 140g bullet from a 26" bbl. In fact, I've pushed the 140g Speer to over 3200 fps.

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

Edited by buckstix (06/01/14 05:08 PM)

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gryphon
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: buckstix]
      #240240 - 06/01/14 03:40 PM

Quote:

Hello 93x64mm,

This is a control feed action. (mauser type extractor) No sticky extraction problems, even at full power loads.

Hello gryphon,

No problem with the 24" bbl. With today's powders its easy to obtain the 1959 published velocities of 3030 fps with a 140g bullet from a 26" bbl. In fact, I've pushed the 140g Speer to over 3200 fps.



I was going on your OP below

Barrel is 22" factory light weight in 1:12 twist.

--------------------
Get off the chair away from the desk and get out in the bush and enjoy life.

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buckstix
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: gryphon]
      #240241 - 06/01/14 05:10 PM

Yes, I meant to say 22" bbl. The 264 has a 22" bbl. I've chronographed some loads over 3200 fps with a 140g bullet.

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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264
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: buckstix]
      #240245 - 06/01/14 10:49 PM

Very nice rifle. Thanks for posting.Cheers Mick

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buckstix
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: 264]
      #240246 - 06/01/14 11:06 PM

Hello 264,

Someday when I get time to take better pictures, I'll post my other Models 70 customs.

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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Ripp
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: buckstix]
      #240250 - 07/01/14 01:09 AM

Quote:

Yes, I meant to say 22" bbl. The 264 has a 22" bbl. I've chronographed some loads over 3200 fps with a 140g bullet.



I have a .264 W with a 26 inch barrel..and with 140's have chrono'd over 3400 but usually keep them slightly over 3300 fps..

I agree with Gryphon in that the 26" barrel is more ideal for that particular caliber..

Ripp

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

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buckstix
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: Ripp]
      #240265 - 07/01/14 07:40 AM

Hello Ripp,

Perhaps.

I'm very happy with 3200 fps from my 22" bbl. The 4" reduction in barrel length really gives it the "look" - I'm sure that's what Leonard Mews intended when he built this custom. The shorter barrel also gives it very fast handling charicteristics.

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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CptCurlAdministrator
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: buckstix]
      #240274 - 07/01/14 11:11 PM

Very nice rifle, buckstix!

I am a big fan of the Model 70 Classic. I think they are hugely underappreciated. For what reason, I don't know. I think Winchester ruined all the good will associated with the Model 70 when they cheapened it in 1964 and later. Then when they restored its glory with the Classic series it was too late. A new generation had no appreciation or nostalgia, so the offering fell on rocky ground.

I have a nice pair of Classic Safari Express rifles in .458 Mag. and .375 Mag. They are well-built, accurate, and pleasing to the eye. I reported on them 4-1/2 years ago at this thread:

Win M70 Classic Safari Express x2

Congratulations on your find. I have not yet had the pleasure to try one of the products of the Winchester custoom shop.

Stay warm!

Curl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.



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buckstix
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: CptCurl]
      #240285 - 08/01/14 04:28 AM

Hello CptCurl,

Thank you for the reply,

I read about your 2 Classics at the link above. Very nice rifles, indeed! I agree with you about Winchester missing the boat as far as nostalgia goes. By the time Winchester tried to react to the slumping interest, because they "cheapened" their product, it was too late. We all got old.

I am most pleased to have discovered this African Express Model, and I really like the "looks" of it. I especially like the drop bottom mag and how the wood follows down at the front of the trigger-guard. It really gives it that classic "African" look. The Winchester 416 Rem (bottom) is not quite as neat as my 505 Gibbs, (top) but it comes very close. I still get excited just looking at my Gibbs.

I think the Winchester would look a might better if I bobbed about 3" off the barrel.



--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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470evans
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: buckstix]
      #240713 - 16/01/14 10:25 AM

Hello,

I have the Custom African Express in a LH 375. It's a lovely rifle that's very accurate.

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gwh
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: buckstix]
      #240732 - 16/01/14 04:41 PM

That 416 is very nice.

--------------------
Hunt hard, shoot straight

"I speak of Africa and golden joys; the joy of wandering through lonely lands; the joy of hunting the mighty and terrible lords of the wilderness, the cunning, the wary and the grim"

Theodore Roosevelt, Khartoum, 1910

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buckstix
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: gwh]
      #241097 - 24/01/14 10:03 AM

Hello gwh,

Thanks for your reply. I had the rifle on display at a local gun show this past weekend. I accidentally left the muzzle overhanging the edge of one of my display cases by about 1/4". When I went to open the display case, it was swept off the table and down to the concrete floor. My heart stopped. A man passing by - "dove" for it, and caught it 6" from the floor. He said "good timing, eh?" I offered to buy him, his family, and all his relations supper, but all he said was; "lucky I came by when I did," and he kept right on walking. Now that's lucky.

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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CptCurlAdministrator
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: buckstix]
      #241121 - 24/01/14 10:54 PM

Quote:

Hello gwh,

Thanks for your reply. I had the rifle on display at a local gun show this past weekend. I accidentally left the muzzle overhanging the edge of one of my display cases by about 1/4". When I went to open the display case, it was swept off the table and down to the concrete floor. My heart stopped. A man passing by - "dove" for it, and caught it 6" from the floor. He said "good timing, eh?" I offered to buy him, his family, and all his relations supper, but all he said was; "lucky I came by when I did," and he kept right on walking. Now that's lucky.



"Lucky" would be the understatement of the year!

You better keep that rifle and not change a thing. It has a charmed existence.

Curl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.



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buckstix
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Re: Winchester Model 70 Custom African Express - a real sleeper? [Re: CptCurl]
      #241734 - 05/02/14 01:06 AM

Hello CptCurl,

Yes, "Lucky" doesn't cover it. The hair on the back of my neck "still" stands-up when I think about watching that rifle slide off the table.

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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