Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 G7036CN .257 Roberts Bolt Action Rifle, 1954 C&R
SOLD FOR; $2,726.00
WOA#: WY240323WM012
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Standard (Symbol No. G7036CN)
Serial Number: 286845
Year of Manufacture: 1954
Caliber: .257 Roberts
Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U. S. OF AMERICA / —WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL—”, “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-”, and “MODEL-70 – 257 ROBERTS -”. The left side of the barrel at the receiver and the left side of the receiver at the barrel are marked with a circled “WP” proof. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-”. The right side of the receiver’s chamber ring is marked “286845”. The serial number is also hand-scribed on the bottom of the bolt body.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into a textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The base is grooved for a hood that is not present. The rear sight is a folding “U”-notch dovetailed to a boss at the rear of the barrel. The notch has a white diamond aiming reference and can be reversed to present a “V”-notch. The receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled for mounting an optic (none installed). The left-rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight (none installed).
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut with semi-pistol grip, fluted Monte Carlo comb, a checkered steel buttplate and sling swivels mounted front and rear. The stock has scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are a couple of more notable nicks in the right below the comb. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is well-defined. The LOP measures 13 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has wear at the heel and around the edges with some light surface oxidation and well defined checkering. Overall, the stock rates in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There are a few light nicks and minor scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a safety mounted on the bolt. Pushed forwards, the safety is OFF. If pulled back all the way, it locks both the bolt and the trigger. If pulled back half-way, it blocks only the trigger. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This rifle comes with a leather sling.
Our Assessment: This is a vintage pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 standard rifle manufactured in 1954 and chambered in .257 Roberts. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and the mechanics are strong. The rifle has provision for just about any kind of sighting system you would want to install, but currently only has its installed iron sights. The pre-64 Winchester Model 70 actions are prized by shooters and collectors alike for their smoothness and reliability, and this one is no exception. Invented by Ned Roberts, the .257 Roberts cartridge was made from the 7mm Mauser case but necked down to .250″ or “quarter bore”. The result is a great all-around hunting cartridge that is still popular with hand-loaders today. In its condition, this rifle will make a great addition to a Model 70 collection but it should also still prove to be a great game-getter. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
