The Winchester Model 70, the “Rifleman’s Rifle,” is renowned for its out-of-the-box performance and timeless design. However, the true potential of this classic firearm is often realized through thoughtful customization. Upgrading key components can significantly improve ergonomics, accuracy, and overall functionality, tailoring the rifle to your specific needs and shooting style.
Whether you’re a hunter seeking better recoil management, a precision shooter needing a solid scope mounting platform, or simply looking to refresh the look of your firearm, the aftermarket has a solution. This guide covers nine of the best aftermarket stocks and accessories for the Winchester Model 70, helping you make an informed decision for your next upgrade. From pillar-bedded stocks to robust scope mounts, these products are selected to enhance your rifle’s capabilities.
Our Top Picks for Winchester Model 70 Upgrades
- Hogue Winchester Model 70 Long Action Sporter Barrel Pillar Bed Stock – Green
- Talley Picatinny Base Winchester Model 70 Long Action
- Hogue Overmolded Rifle Stock Winchester M70 Long Action Standard Barrel Channel
- EGW Picatinny Rail Scope Mounts for Winchester 70 STD/LA (Pre 64) 0 MOA
- Weaver Extended 1-Piece Multi-Slot Base – Winchester 70 SA
- EGW Winchester Model 70 WSM Picatinny Rail Scope Mount – 0 MOA
- Talley Lightweight 2PC Scope Mounts, Integral 1″ Rings Winchester 70 Post-64
- Leupold STD 1-Piece Scope Base for Winchester Model 70
- Timney Triggers Winchester Model 70 Trigger
Hogue Winchester Model 70 Long Action Sporter Barrel Pillar Bed Stock – Green
The Hogue Pillar Bed Stock is engineered for shooters who demand a perfect fit and enhanced accuracy. Its design is specific to the Winchester Model 70 Long Action with a Sporter barrel, guaranteeing a secure and seamless installation without the need for gunsmithing. The integrated aluminum pillars reinforce the stock’s structure, creating a more stable platform for the action and improving consistency from one shot to the next.
Beyond its structural benefits, this stock features Hogue’s famous OverMolded rubber grip. This soft, non-slip texture provides a firm hold in all weather conditions, giving you superior control over the rifle. It also effectively absorbs and distributes recoil, making your shooting sessions more comfortable and allowing for faster follow-up shots.
Talley Picatinny Base Winchester Model 70 Long Action
For those who require a versatile and extremely durable mounting solution, the Talley Picatinny Base is an excellent choice. Manufactured right here in the USA, this base is built to the highest standards of quality. It is specifically hardened to 68 Rockwell, making it exceptionally resistant to wear and impact, ensuring your zero stays true through rough handling and repeated use.
This base is designed to withstand the significant recoil generated by all magnum calibers, providing a rock-solid foundation for your optics. The full Picatinny rail offers maximum flexibility, allowing you to mount a wide array of scopes, red dot sights, and other accessories with standard rings, making it a great option for tactical or precision rifle builds.
Hogue Overmolded Rifle Stock Winchester M70 Long Action Standard Barrel Channel
This Hogue Overmolded stock offers a fantastic blend of comfort and performance for your Model 70. Like its counterpart, it is precision-machined for a perfect fit on long-action models with a standard barrel channel, ensuring a hassle-free installation process. The pillar bed construction is a key feature, providing a stable interface between the action and the stock to help improve your rifle’s inherent accuracy.
The standout characteristic is the all-encompassing OverMolded rubber coating. This material gives the stock a comfortable, grippy feel that remains secure in wet or cold conditions. It also serves as an excellent recoil pad, reducing felt recoil and making the rifle more pleasant to shoot during extended range sessions or while hunting.
EGW Picatinny Rail Scope Mounts for Winchester 70 STD/LA (Pre 64) 0 MOA
Owners of the classic Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 standard/long action rifles need a mounting solution that respects the firearm’s heritage while providing modern functionality. This EGW Picatinny rail is made specifically for these iconic firearms, offering a precise fit that maintains the rifle’s classic lines. The 0 MOA configuration is perfect for most hunting and general shooting scenarios where extreme long-range elevation is not required.
Constructed from high-quality materials, this one-piece rail provides a continuous, stable platform for your optics. The multiple cross slots give you ample flexibility to position your scope rings for optimal eye relief and positioning, ensuring a comfortable and consistent shooting experience with your vintage rifle.
Weaver Extended 1-Piece Multi-Slot Base – Winchester 70 SA
If you own a Winchester Model 70 Short Action produced between 1984 and 2008, this Weaver Extended Base is a reliable and practical mounting option. The one-piece design adds rigidity to the receiver, which can contribute to maintaining a consistent zero. Its extended length and multiple slots offer greater flexibility for scope placement compared to standard two-piece bases.
Made from durable 6061-T6 aluminum, this base manages to be both strong and lightweight, avoiding unnecessary weight on your rifle. As part of the respected Weaver system, it guarantees compatibility with a wide range of Weaver-style and Picatinny rings, making it a versatile and trusted choice for many hunters.
EGW Winchester Model 70 WSM Picatinny Rail Scope Mount – 0 MOA
Rifles chambered in Winchester Short Magnum (WSM) calibers have specific action dimensions, and this EGW rail is engineered to match them perfectly. This dedicated design ensures a secure and precise fit, providing a solid foundation that can handle the sharp recoil of WSM cartridges. The one-piece Picatinny rail is machined from 6061-T6 aluminum in the USA, guaranteeing high quality and durability.
Featuring a 0 MOA elevation, this mount is ideal for short- to mid-range shooting applications out to around 500 yards. The full-length MIL-STD 1913 rail with multiple cross slots allows for nearly unlimited positioning of your scope rings and other accessories, giving you the flexibility to set up your rifle exactly how you want it.
Talley Lightweight 2PC Scope Mounts, Integral 1″ Rings Winchester 70 Post-64
Talley Lightweight mounts are renowned for their simple, strong, and elegant design. This two-piece set combines the base and rings into a single, integrated unit for Post-64 Winchester Model 70s, resulting in a lower overall profile and reduced weight compared to separate bases and rings. The minimalist design is a favorite among hunters who want a secure mount without adding bulk to their rifle.
Despite their lightweight construction, these mounts are incredibly robust and provide a rock-solid hold for your 1-inch scope. The direct attachment of the rings to the base eliminates a potential failure point and ensures perfect alignment, which helps protect your scope and maintain zero. This is a classic, no-nonsense mounting solution that performs reliably.
Leupold STD 1-Piece Scope Base for Winchester Model 70
Leupold is a name synonymous with quality and reliability in the optics world, and their STD scope bases uphold that reputation. This one-piece base for the Winchester Model 70 is built to provide a rock-steady foundation for your scope. The unified design offers increased rigidity over two-piece systems, which can be beneficial for maintaining accuracy, especially on rifles with significant recoil.
Engineered for a precise fit, it ensures proper alignment and simplifies the installation process. As part of Leupold’s standard system, it offers wide compatibility with a variety of ring styles, giving you the freedom to choose the perfect setup for your scope and shooting preferences. It’s a trusted component for a dependable rifle system.
Timney Triggers Winchester Model 70 Trigger
One of the most impactful upgrades you can make to any rifle is a precision trigger, and Timney is the industry leader. Replacing the factory trigger on your Winchester Model 70 with a Timney trigger can dramatically improve your shooting accuracy. These triggers are famous for their crisp, clean break, minimal overtravel, and highly adjustable pull weight.
A better trigger allows for smoother, more consistent shot execution, which directly translates to tighter groups on target. Whether you’re a hunter needing a reliable, safe pull in cold weather or a target shooter seeking a light, crisp break, Timney offers a model to suit your needs. This upgrade provides a tangible improvement in the feel and performance of your Rifleman’s Rifle.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Stock for Your Winchester Model 70
Upgrading the stock on your Winchester Model 70 is one of the most effective ways to improve its performance and make it truly yours. I’ve been through this process a few times, and I can tell you that the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. To help you navigate the choices for the best aftermarket stocks for your Winchester Model 70, here are the key factors I always consider.
First, you need to think about material. The classic choice is a premium walnut stock, which offers timeless aesthetics and a traditional feel. It looks fantastic, but it can be heavy and is susceptible to warping with humidity changes. For a more modern, rugged approach, synthetic stocks made from fiberglass or carbon fiber are the way to go. They are incredibly stable in all weather conditions, lightweight, and practically indestructible. Laminated wood stocks are a great middle ground; they offer the beauty of wood with much greater stability and durability than plain walnut.
Next, consider the fit and inletting. A poorly inletted stock can ruin the accuracy potential of even the best rifle. You’re looking for a stock where the barreled action sits in the inletting with consistent, even contact, especially at the recoil lug and the front/rear action screws. Some stocks are designed with a “bedded” action, often using an aluminum bedding block or a full-length aluminum chassis. This is a huge advantage as it provides a perfectly stable and repeatable platform for your action, which directly translates to better accuracy.
The design and ergonomics are just as important. What will you primarily use the rifle for? A sleek, lightweight sporter contour is perfect for carrying all day in the mountains. For long-range target shooting or varminting, a heavier, varmint or target-style stock with a wide, flat fore-end is better for stability on a bipod or a bench. Pay close attention to the grip and comb. A vertical pistol grip can give you a more controlled, modern hold, while a traditional grip might feel more familiar. An adjustable comb and buttpad are premium features that let you custom-tailor the fit for your cheek weld and length of pull, making a world of difference in comfort and shot consistency.
Finally, don’t forget about compatibility. The Winchester Model 70 has been produced for decades with different action lengths (short, long, magnum) and pre-64 vs. post-64 variations. You must confirm that the stock you want is specifically made for your rifle’s model and caliber. Getting this wrong is an easy and costly mistake. By focusing on material, fit, design, and compatibility, you can confidently select one of the best aftermarket stocks for your Winchester Model 70 that will serve you well for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it difficult to install a new stock on my Winchester Model 70 myself?
For the most part, it’s a straightforward job that you can do at home with basic tools. You typically only need a set of gunsmithing screwdrivers to remove the action screws, swap the stock, and re-tighten everything. The key is to be careful not to overtighten the screws and to follow the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications if they provide them. However, if you are installing a stock that requires additional bedding work or fitting, or if you are not comfortable working on your firearm, taking it to a qualified gunsmith is always a smart option to ensure everything is perfectly aligned.
Will changing the stock improve my rifle’s accuracy?
It absolutely can, and often does. The factory stock on many rifles, especially older or more budget-friendly models, may not provide a perfectly stable bed for the action. They can also put pressure on the barrel in inconsistent ways. A quality aftermarket stock, particularly one with an aluminum bedding block or a full chassis system, secures the action rigidly and consistently. This prevents the action from shifting under recoil and allows the barrel to vibrate harmonically the same way with every shot, which is a fundamental principle of accuracy.
What is the main advantage of a chassis system over a traditional stock?
The main advantage is modularity and inherent stability. A chassis is typically made from aluminum and acts as the structural core of the rifle. The “stock” parts are often separate pieces attached to this chassis. This design almost always includes a built-in, precision bedding system. Furthermore, chassis systems are famous for their accessory rails (like an ARCA rail for tripods), adjustable buttstocks and combs, and the ability to use detachable box magazines. If you want a highly customizable, tactical, or competition-oriented platform, a chassis is the best choice for your Winchester Model 70.
How much should I expect to spend on a good aftermarket stock?
Prices have a very wide range, and you generally get what you pay for. You can find basic synthetic replacement stocks starting around $200 to $300. Mid-range laminated or fiberglass stocks with some bedding features usually run from $400 to $700. High-end custom walnut stocks or top-tier carbon fiber and chassis systems can easily cost anywhere from $800 to well over $1,500. Your budget should reflect your intended use; a hard-use hunting rifle doesn’t need a $1,500 custom stock, but a precision rifle certainly benefits from the features of a higher-end model.
Do I need to re-zero my scope after changing the stock?
Yes, you should always plan to re-zero your rifle after any significant change to the stock or action. Even if you are incredibly careful during the installation, the relationship between the scope (mounted to the action) and the barrel can shift slightly. The stress on the action screws and the way the action sits in the new stock can cause a minute change in point of impact. It’s a simple and necessary step. Take your rifle to the range, fire a few groups, and confirm your zero is still where it needs to be before you rely on it in the field or at a match.