Winchester Rifles – Models 70 and XPR – Now Chambered In 6.8 Western
Once Winchester and Browning announced the creation of the 6.8 Western cartridge, you knew it just had to come hand in hand with new Winchester rifles that would chamber it. Winchester Model 70 and XPR bolt-action rifles will now be offered for this promising new cartridge.
Famed Winchester Rifles Now In 6.8 Western
The Winchester Model 70, known as “The Rifleman’s Rifle,” will add the 6.8 Western chambering to its ranks. The time-honored Model 70 paired with the new 6.8 Western can be anyone’s all-around rifle. Nine Model 70 models will be available in 6.8 Western. The combination of the Model 70 and 6.8 Western will be a perfect match for most big game animals and for long-distance target shooting.
Winchester Rifles, 6.8 Western A Good Match
The 6.8 Western uses a heavy-for-caliber bullet with a high ballistic coefficient to achieve excellent long-range accuracy and effectiveness without the harsh recoil of many of the magnum cartridges. And with a maximum cartridge length of only 2.955 inches, the 6.8 Western fits into a short-action rifle.
That results in a 5 percent reduction in rifle weight compared to a long-action. Another advantage is the shorter, faster bolt-throw. Other features include a 1-in-8-inch barrel rate of twist; 3-round magazine capacity; and 24-inch barrel length.
Model 70 models offered in 6.8 Western at this time include Super Grade, Super Grade Maple, Super Grade French Walnut, Featherweight, Featherweight Compact, Extreme Weather MB, Extreme Tungsten MB, Long Range MB, and Extreme VSX MB.
XPR Rifles Offered In 6.8 Western Too
The XPR is newer to the line of Winchester rifles, having been introduced in 2015. An accurate, all-around hunting rifle with a keen eye on the shooter’s budget, the Winchester XPR is now chambered in 6.8 Western too. The excellent ballistics of the all-new 6.8 Western chambering paired with the accuracy of the XPR is an ideal setup for big game hunting and long-distance shooting. The ability to send this new class of heavy, high BC .277 caliber bullets to long distances is no challenge for this combination.
Winchester Rifles’ Innovative Trigger System
These Winchester rifles feature the advanced M.O.A. Trigger System. The trigger housing and all internal components in the M.O.A trigger are constructed of polished and hardened carbon steel with a blued finish for added durability and corrosion resistance. The trigger system works on the simple principle of the pivoting lever. The system offers a 2:1 mechanical advantage that results in a superior trigger pull. The trigger piece offers a wide, smooth face to better distribute finger pressure. That results in a lighter, more sensitive feel.
Because of its geometry and 2:1 mechanical advantage, the trigger piece travels only half the distance of the actuator (2X). Because this distance is cut in half, the perception of creep and overtravel is virtually eliminated.
For more information on Winchester Firearms, please visit winchesterguns.com. For more information on Winchester Ammunition, please visit winchester.com.
Steven Paul Barlow is a retired sergeant/station commander and former firearms instructor with the New York State Police. He is an avid hunter, fisherman, and enthusiast with all things related to firearms, knives, and survival. He has been writing on outdoor topics for more than 35 years. His collections of outdoor humor stories are available at BriarHill Books.