The Winchester Model 70 Featherweight Compact is a bolt-action rifle in .308 Win / 7.62mm NATO with a 20-inch barrel, 5+1 capacity, and a weight of 6.80 lbs. The shorter barrel and trimmer stock dimensions are aimed at smaller-framed shooters or hunters who want a rifle that doesn't feel oversized during long carries. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Winchester 
• Model: Model 70 Featherweight Compact 
• Caliber: .308 WIN / 7.62MM NATO 
• Action: Bolt Action 
• Capacity: 5 Rounds (+1) 
• Barrel Length: 20 inches 
• Weight: 6.80 lbs 
• Overall Length: 39.5 inches 
• Safety Type: Three-position safety 
• Trigger System: M.O.A. Trigger System 
   

Detailed Features 

 
The M.O.A. Trigger System has a crisp, adjustable pull, a meaningful step up from the mushy factory triggers on entry-level bolt guns. The three-position safety lets you load and unload with the bolt locked, useful when chambering a round before a hunt without fully disengaging the safety. Brushed polish finish on the barrel and receiver. The compact dimensions, 39.5 inches overall, make this noticeably shorter than a standard Model 70 in the same caliber.

Owners of the Model 70 Featherweight Compact in .308 are generally satisfied, and the consistent themes in feedback are worth knowing before purchase.

The weight and size get the most mentions. At 6.80 lbs with a 20-inch barrel and 39.5-inch OAL, it genuinely handles differently than a standard-length rifle. Buyers buying for themselves or fitting a smaller-framed shooter find it works well. The M.O.A. trigger is noted as a quality feature at the price point.

Accuracy with .308 is consistently described as good. Groups at 100 yards are reported tight enough for hunting use without hand-loading, and the .308 cartridge is well-regarded for its practical range and widely available ammo.

On the downside, some buyers comment that .308 recoil in a sub-7-lb rifle is noticeable, and a few have added a slip-on recoil pad as a result. Stock preferences vary. The Featherweight walnut looks good but isn't a premium grade, which some find acceptable at the price and others consider a shortcoming. Price versus comparable rifles comes up, though most buyers defend the Winchester name on long-term reliability grounds.