What Guns were Popular During the 1970s?
The 1970s were a remarkable era for gun enthusiasts, with a vast array of firearms available for hunting, target shooting, and personal protection. Manufacturers like Ruger, Winchester, Smith & Wesson, and Colt were innovating and producing iconic designs that became synonymous with this decade. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular guns of the 1970s and delve into what made them stand out.
Popular Rifles
The following rifles were sought after and loved by shooters during the 1970s:
• M14 National Match: Chambered in.308 Win, the M14 was a natural evolution of the M1 Garand design. Developed in the early 1970s, it set a new benchmark for competition rifles, renowned for its accuracy and precision.
• Winchester Model 70: Legendary for its bolt-action and accuracy, the Model 70 had a long-running production lifespan (1920s-2010s), but during the 1970s, it dominated the big game hunting arena.
• Ruger 10/22: Ah, yes, the rimfire pioneer! Introduced in 1964, this.22 Long Rifle revolver became extremely popular in the 1970s, loved for its lightweight, ease of maintenance, and minimal recoil. Its affordable price, too!
• Stoner-63: One of the first assault rifles, introduced in 1970 by AR-10 designer Bruce Stoner. Chambered in 6.08mm, its innovative bullpup design and delayed blowback operation made headlines and sparked considerable interest in military and competitive circles.
• Enfield NO4 Mk II: Re-released as the ROF (Rifle Ordnance Factory) Rifle in the mid-1960s and 1970s, this UK-produced bolt-action rifle has its roots back to 1939.
Magnums and Powerful Handguns
The mid-to-late 1970s also saw the advent of newer, more potent cartridges for handgun enthusiasts and hunters, as well as the widespread popularity of so-called Magnums, which revolutionized the handgunning landscape:
- Remington Model 700 Varmint in.257 Roberts: Initially introduced as the Model 700 SS (Special Smooth) and later as a Varmint model with a threaded barrel, chambered for.257 Robt/Snap, becoming a renowned long-range option for its compact size.
- Ruger No. 1 in 7-65mm Hornady: Another iconic handgun, its long, accurate barrel suited target shooting.
• Smith & Wesson Model 41: Considered one of the world’s finest.22 Match target pistols; its crisp, single action trigger impressed target shooters; the popularity in the early 70s was marked.
Ammunition Revolution
The availability of unique cartridges and shotshells revolutionized handgunning in the 1970s:
Table: A selection of popular hunting and target rifles from 1970:
| Cartridge | Round Count per Box | Year Introduced | Mfg Brand |
|---|---|---|---|
| 308 Win. | 20 | 1954 | Winchester, Remington, Federal, etc. |
| .243 Remington | 20 | 1956 | Remington, Hornady |
| .416 Rem Mag. | 3, 20 | 1963 | Remington, Remington, Olin Corporation, etc. |
| 7 mm Remington | 3, 20 | 1965 | Remington, Speer, Weatherby |
Some notable introductions within this period and their influences are:
- Cannonball load: Shotshell innovation which allowed reloadable shotshell cases;
- Mini-mags:.50-cal cartridge developments, later popular with anti-tank munitions during conflicts;
Conclusion and References
Looking back on the 1970s, it becomes clear why gun enthusiasts became so entangled with so many magnificent rifles, bullets, handguns, and target pistols available for purchase! The list continues to excite me!
A Few Tips on Collectibility:
Consider the model’s rareness, wear, history, and age when inspecting a handgun or shotgun.
**Gun Collectibility Score: Based on production quantity, commonality (high/mid/bottom).
Gun Collectors, note!
