You Will Shoot Your Eye Out

In the world of converted semiautomatic “machine guns,” the Browning 1919 is a happy example of one of the most iconic and historically important US machine guns and also one of the cheapest semiautomatic belt fed guns available. This stems from two factors, primarily. One is that the Browning 1919, being developed from the water-cooled M1917 Browning, is a closed bolt system. Open bolt semiautomatic designs are not allowed by ATF, and so most semiauto machine gun conversions require substantial alteration to convert from open bolt to closed bolt – which the M1919 does not need. Second, the IDF used the Browning M1919 for many years and in large numbers, and surplussed many of them in the late 1990s.

These guns came into the United States as parts kits in large numbers. This meant a glut of cheap guns, easily built as semi autos, and in an easily shootable caliber – 7.62mm NATO (as converted by Israel from their original .30-06 chambering).

Today, we are looking at an example of a semiautomatic converted M1919, and specifically at the various changes made by Israel to both improve the design and convert it successfully to the NATO cartridge.

The Winchester Repeating Arms Model 70 has earned the reputation for being the “Rifleman’s Rifle” and has been improved with qualities that both progressive and purist shooters can get behind. Its design dates back to the early part of the 20th century, and this controlled-round-feed action soldiers on today for good reason. Watch the video above to see a modern Model 70 built for long-distance targets.

The bolt-action Model 70 Long Range MB is not a lightweight hunting rifle. Rather, it is designed and built for long-range targets and contains the parts, pieces and construction conducive for such pursuits. Whether its with .22-250 Rem. on distant vermin or 6.8 Western on mid-range bugling elk, the Model 70 Long Range MB is available in many of today’s popular short-action cartridges.

Regardless of chambering, Winchester includes a 24” barrel that is matte blued and fluted. Further enhancing accuracy is the free-floating barrel and bedding system within the custom Bell and Carlson Extreme Weather stock, a hand-laid unit that is built of composite materials. The stock’s design features a wide fore-end and flat bottom that is made to ride across benchrest bags with ease.

Through and through, the Model 70 Long Range MB provides top-tier components that, in sum, create a capable and fun rifle to shoot. On the range, our testers fired shots from the bench and offhand positions and found the rifle excels at both. Though detachable box magazines are popular today, the gun’s hinged floorplate and four-round magazine is sufficient for most tasks. We found the gun’s adjustable trigger conducive for making tight clusters on target, even in its factory setting.

Specifications
Manufacturer: Winchester Repeating Arms
Action Type: bolt-action, centerfire, repeating rifle
Receiver: carbon steel, matte-blue finish
Barrel: 24″ steel, polished chamber, matte-blue finish
Trigger: MOA adjustable
Magazine: hinged floorplate, four-round-capacity internal box
Sights: none; drilled-and-tapped
Stock: Bell & Carlson Extreme Weather hand-laid composite
Overall Length: 44″
Weight: 7 lbs., 8 ozs.
MSRP: $1,610