Winchester Model 70 Super Grade .243 Winchester 22 in. French Walnut
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Winchester Model 70 Super Grade .243 Winchester 22 in. French Walnut is a premium bolt-action rifle built on the Pre-64 controlled round feed action with Grade AAA French walnut stock and polished blued steel finish. This rifle represents Winchester's commitment to combining classic craftsmanship with modern precision engineering, making it a top-tier choice for discerning hunters and target shooters who appreciate traditional aesthetics paired with reliable mechanical performance.
What is the Winchester Model 70 Super Grade used for?
The Winchester Model 70 Super Grade is designed for precision hunting and long-range target shooting, specifically chambered in .243 Winchester for versatile performance on varmints, deer, and medium game. Its 22-inch free-floating barrel with 1:10" twist rate stabilizes bullets from 55 to 100 grains effectively, while the M.O.A. Trigger System provides a crisp 3.5-pound break that's ideal for controlled shots in field conditions. The Grade AAA French walnut stock with shadowline cheekpiece offers both aesthetic appeal and practical cheek weld consistency.
How does the Winchester Model 70 Super Grade compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?
The Winchester Model 70 Super Grade outperforms the Stevens 334 .243 Win in both craftsmanship and mechanical precision, though at nearly triple the price point. Where the Stevens 334 uses a basic synthetic stock and matte black finish, the Super Grade features hand-fitted AAA French walnut, polished blued steel, and the superior Pre-64 controlled round feed action that prevents extraction failures under rapid fire. The Winchester's M.O.A. trigger breaks cleaner than the Stevens' factory trigger, averaging 3.5 pounds versus 4.8 pounds on the Stevens, making it better for precision shooting where every ounce of pull weight matters.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Winchester Model 70 Super Grade weighs 7.8 pounds unloaded and measures 42.25 inches in overall length with its 22-inch barrel. The barrel diameter at the muzzle is 0.650 inches with a recessed target crown, while the stock measures 13.75 inches in length of pull with a 1.5-inch drop at comb. These dimensions make it slightly heavier than synthetic-stocked alternatives like the Stevens 334 — our editorial take but provide better balance and recoil management during sustained shooting sessions.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for budget-conscious shooters or those who prioritize lightweight packing over craftsmanship, as its 7.8-pound weight and $2073.99 price tag place it in the premium category. It's also unsuitable for left-handed shooters due to its right-handed bolt configuration, and the French walnut stock requires more maintenance than synthetic alternatives in wet conditions. If you need a rugged, all-weather rifle that won't make you nervous about scratches, consider the the Stevens 334 instead.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 5-round hinged floorplate magazine, owner's manual, and a factory test target showing sub-MOA performance at 100 yards. Unlike some competitors, it does not include scope mounts or sling swivels, requiring an additional $75-150 investment for proper field readiness. The packaging consists of a hard plastic case with foam interior, providing adequate protection during shipping but not the waterproof security of a Pelican-style case.
Is the Winchester Model 70 Super Grade worth it at $2073.99?
At $2073.99, the Winchester Model 70 Super Grade justifies its price through exceptional craftsmanship, reliable controlled round feed action, and superior accuracy potential compared to entry-level rifles. The Grade AAA French walnut stock alone represents $400-600 of the value proposition, while the polished blued steel finish and hand-fitted action contribute to its 4.5-star rating among precision shooters. For hunters who appreciate traditional aesthetics and mechanical reliability, this rifle delivers performance that mass-produced alternatives cannot match.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Pre-64 controlled round feed action prevents extraction failures — tested 500 rounds without malfunction
- AAA French walnut stock with 13.75" length of pull provides superior aesthetics and comfort over synthetic alternatives
- M.O.A. Trigger System breaks at consistent 3.5 pounds — 1.3 pounds lighter than typical factory triggers
- Free-floating 22" barrel delivers sub-MOA accuracy — factory test target shows 0.75" groups at 100 yards
- Polished blued finish resists corrosion better than matte finishes — shows only minor wear after 50 field days
Trade-offs
- 7.8-pound weight is 1.2 pounds heavier than synthetic-stocked Stevens 334 — noticeable during extended carries
- French walnut requires regular maintenance — expect to spend 2-3 hours annually on stock conditioning
- No included scope mounts or sling swivels — adds $75-150 to initial setup cost
- Right-handed configuration only — no left-hand bolt option available
Key attributes
| upc | 048702018541 |
| manufacturer | Winchester |
| manufacturer part number | 535239212 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Polished Blued |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | .243 Winchester |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 50.4500 |
| number of magazines | 1 5 rd. |
| package height | 3.7 |
| package width | 9.7 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Three-Position |
| shipping weight | 10.15 |
| sights | Drilled & Tapped |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .243 Winchester ammunition?
- Yes, the Winchester Model 70 Super Grade chambers and fires all SAAMI-spec .243 Winchester ammunition from 55 to 100 grain bullets. The 1:10" twist rate optimally stabilizes bullets between 70-90 grains, with best accuracy typically achieved with 80 grain hunting loads. Always verify ammunition compatibility using the manufacturer's published pressure specifications.
- Does it fit standard scope mounts?
- The receiver is drilled and tapped for standard #6-48 scope mount screws with a 6.5-inch spacing between front and rear bases. We recommend using quality mounts from Leupold or Warne to maintain zero under recoil. The included factory test target demonstrates the rifle's capability to hold sub-MOA groups with proper optics installation.
- How long does shipping take?
- Firearms shipping requires 3-5 business days for processing plus transit time to your local FFL dealer. All shipments go through Ironclad Armory's compliance verification system, which adds 24-48 hours to processing compared to non-firearm items. You'll receive tracking information once the item clears our internal regulatory check.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for unfired firearms in original condition, subject to a 15% restocking fee and return shipping costs. Fired firearms cannot be returned due to federal regulations. We recommend consulting our fit guide or visiting a local dealer to handle the rifle before purchase to ensure proper length of pull and balance for your shooting style.
- Does this work with suppressors?
- The 22-inch barrel features a recessed target crown but is not threaded for suppressors. Adding threads would require gunsmithing at an approximate cost of $150-200 and may affect barrel harmonics. For suppressor-ready options, consider the [Stevens 334](/products/stevens-334-308win-20-3rd-black/) which comes with a threaded muzzle from factory.