Winchester 70 XTR FWT Short Action .223 Rem. 22″ Bolt Action Rifle MFD 1984
SOLD FOR: $1,250.00
LSB#: LSB251204JV003
Make: Winchester
Model: XTR Featherweight Short Action
Serial Number: G1659038
Year of Manufacture: 1983
Caliber: .223 Remington
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER M70 XTR FWT SHORT ACTION”, “- .223 REM -“, along with Winchester’s New Haven address, and “WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”. The top of the chamber has a circled “WP” proof mark. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / – TRADE MARK -“. The right side of the receiver is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 22″
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut stock, with a capped semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, red rubber Winchester buttpad, and a checkered forend with a schnabel tip. There are sling studs front and rear. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock shows light to moderate wear, with scratches, dings, compressions, and scuffs throughout. The checkering is mostly well defined. The stock’s finish is largely intact. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some light pitting present, about 2″ down from the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with some minor thinning of the finish at the muzzle, some operational wear on the bolt, and a few minor dings in the floorplate and trigger guard. Otherwise, the bluing is deep and dark throughout. The jeweling on the bolt is vivid and bright, but does show some operational wear. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in Good to Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 70 XTR Featherweight Short Action reflects the evolution of the Model 70 during the post-1964 era, when Winchester refined the platform with improved finishing, upgraded stocks, and the XTR designation to signify enhanced trim and presentation. By the early 1980s, the Featherweight configuration had become a favored option among hunters who appreciated a lighter rifle without sacrificing the Model 70’s proven strength and controlled-round-feed heritage. Produced in New Haven, this rifle carries forward the legacy of one of America’s most respected bolt-action designs.
Chambered in .223 Remington, this rifle pairs the Featherweight concept with a cartridge introduced in the mid-20th century that quickly became a standard for varmint hunting and precision shooting. The .223 Remington is known for its mild recoil, efficient ballistics, and wide availability, making it a natural fit in a lightweight bolt-action rifle. The 22 inch barrel supports consistent velocity, while the drilled and tapped receiver underscores the rifle’s optics-ready configuration consistent with modern sporting use.
This example presents in good to very good overall condition, retaining the majority of its original blued finish with light wear consistent with field use. The bore remains bright with sharp rifling, with minor pitting noted near the muzzle area. The walnut stock shows honest handling marks while remaining structurally sound and well fitted to the action. Overall, this Winchester Model 70 XTR Featherweight stands as a representative example of a classic New Haven-produced sporting rifle from the 1980s, combining traditional styling with practical chambering. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.
