winchester 257 roberts ??????

reoader22 · February 19, 2012, 02:39 AM

hi i have a winchester model 70 xtr featherweight 257 roberts, it is in mint condition, the stock has fancy checkering, blueing is very nice, no imperfections. my question is what year is this rifle and what is a resonable price i should ask if i sold it i think its an 1981 model the serial # is G1577xxx
thank you

Abel · February 19, 2012, 07:18 AM

I can't imagine ever selling such a rifle. If I did, I'd want about $1,000,000.00

ltc444 · February 19, 2012, 11:28 AM

They are junk. Let me know were you live and I will leave immediately and drive straight through so you won't be burddened with it.

Seriously, I am a 257 Roberts junky. I love the round and frankly do not see the need for any other mid caliber rounds in a bolt gun.

Col Townsend Whelen called ith 257 Roberts "one of the most usefull cartridges ever made". Remington was the bigest problem the 257 had. Their anemic 117 grain factory load under peroformed and almost destroyed the cartridge.

With good reloads the 257 can do anything a 223, 243/6mm and any of the other 257s can do. My perfored load is 87 grain nosler launched by 44 grains of 4895. The load is good for white tail, coyotes and pararie dogs.

I would love to see a picture of your rifle.

Keep it and Enjoy.

reoader22 · February 19, 2012, 06:43 PM

i will try and post some pics on here if i can figure out how. maybe ill have to get the other half to help me out lol i have no complaints about the rifle or callibur i have shot nice groups with imr 4350 44.5 100 grain hornady spire point bullets.

reoader22 · February 19, 2012, 07:16 PM

this is not an actual picture of my rifle but mine is the exact same.

**Mike Irwin** · February 19, 2012, 07:18 PM

Pity it's not a pre-64 Featherweight in .257. Those are the rarest of the early Featherweights and bring very high prices.

A friend's father had a pre-64 Featherweight in .30-06. It was well used, but it still sold for well over $1,000 at auction. Quite a few people showed up just to bid on it.

BIG P · February 19, 2012, 07:26 PM

Nice rifle, I think you should find something else to sell you'll be sorry you dont find those everyday.

reoader22 · February 19, 2012, 07:35 PM

i have tried to find info on the featherweight and apairently they diddnt come with sights but clearley mine did. does anyone know? is this gun a short action or a long action? stock measurements i think i might keep it and put a houge stock on it and than i wont have to worrie about wreaking my nice stock

Lloyd Smale · February 19, 2012, 08:07 PM

I have never seen or even heard of a 257 roberts featherweight post 64 that had sights on it. Id call winchester with the serial number and see if it was altered. could be someone fitted it with a pre 64 barrel as the sights on the newer winchesters are nothing like the sights on that pre 64 you have pictured

reoader22 · February 19, 2012, 08:24 PM

i know right it is weird. its stamped new haven. just had a close look at the sights they are lyman sights not even close to the sights pictured should have looked before, clearley aftermarket.

CTS · February 20, 2012, 08:23 AM

By serial number it is '81 model. They were manufactured from '81-'85 in 257 Roberts and 7mm Mauser. No sights.
My book says In '81, during USRA transition, guns were distinguishable by the USRA trademark on the recoil pad. Some collectors will pay a premium for Win marked pads.

Major Dave (retired) · February 20, 2012, 02:46 PM

is the parent round. The 7 x 57 mm Mauser was necked down to .257 to make the .257 "Bob". When necked down to 6mm, it became the 6mm Remington.

Therefore, the family tree is 7x57, or .284 X 57
.257x57,
6x57, or .243x57

Short actions are too short for them, long actions too long, but usually used, anyway.

That rifle is too beautiful for words. I would take out a second lein on my home to raise money before I would sell that rifle.

P.S. Is it a push feed or a controlled round feed?

reoader22 · February 20, 2012, 11:51 PM

it is a push feed

reoader22 · February 20, 2012, 11:53 PM

i dont know how to post actual pictures of it in here does anyone know?

PawPaw · February 21, 2012, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reoader22

i dont know how to post actual pictures of it in here does anyone know?

Yeah, the same way you posted those other pictures.

kraigwy · February 21, 2012, 12:01 PM

Quote:

By serial number it is '81 model. They were manufactured from '81-'85 in 257 Roberts and 7mm Mauser. No sights.

My book says In '81, during USRA transition, guns were distinguishable by the USRA trademark on the recoil pad. Some collectors will pay a premium for Win marked pads.

My post '64 Model 70 FWT in 257 is suppose to be a USRA rifle, but it came with the Winchester marked pad.

The serial number is G15054XX.

I got it when USRA came out with the 7mm & 257 Rbts Featherweights and thought sure mine was a USRA Winchester, but I'm not sure now.

gak · February 21, 2012, 12:04 PM

Yes, push feed in that XTR era. The only "bad" news, (strictly relatively speaking--market-wise), comparing to the later Featherweight Classic ones which were Pre 64 style CRF. To me that minor "negative" (nothing at all wrong with a good push feed) is counterbalanced by the good news of the fine wood/finish many of these earlier XTRs had, like this one -- nicer than many of the later New Haven CRFs, especially toward plant closing, which were not as premium as this IMO. Gorgeous gun, great caliber.

CTS · February 21, 2012, 12:38 PM

Kraigwy, the first serial number listed for 81 is G1537134 so it would seem that yours would be an '80 model but the book says they only made the M70 Featherweight from '81-'94. Not sure exactly what that means.

kraigwy · February 21, 2012, 01:55 PM

Well if that don't beat all. I just looked again, the serial number on my 257 FWT is G1505445. It's a Featherwight to be sure, or says Featherweight, Looks Featherweight.

Looks like I got something that doesn't exist. (sorry for the poor photos)

CTS · February 21, 2012, 02:51 PM

Interesting for sure.

kraigwy · February 21, 2012, 04:27 PM

Think I got it figured out:

Quote:

USRAC (United States Repeating Arms Corp.) was formed and continued manufacturing Winchester brand rifles and shotguns under license from Olin Corp. on 7-20-1981. This final year of Olin production saw a new "XTR Featherweight". But very few actually made it to the dealers shelves before USRAC took over.

The only way to tell is the serial number and butt pad.

So I got the last of the post 64-pre USRAC Featherweights.

CTS · February 21, 2012, 11:05 PM

It's probably worth a mint compared to the regular USRAC featherweights. I have been after a Win M70 in .257 for a while but, no one who owns one seems willing to part with it. Don't really know why I need it, I have the "standard" M70 in .243 but "wants" aren't always logical.

reoader22 · February 22, 2012, 10:20 PM

you want one hey well i have one!! do u live in bc if u do it could be yours

reoader22 · February 22, 2012, 10:24 PM

quote
Yeah, the same way you posted those other pictures.
__________________
Dennis Dezendorf

well i just got those pics off google and not my personal pics off my computer
there isnt an http:// for my pics

CTS · February 22, 2012, 10:27 PM

Heck just box it up and send it to me. Customs won't mind.

February 19, 2012, 02:39 AM	#1
reoader22 Member Join Date: February 16, 2012 Posts: 28	winchester 257 roberts ?????? hi i have a winchester model 70 xtr featherweight 257 roberts, it is in mint condition, the stock has fancy checkering, blueing is very nice, no imperfections. my question is what year is this rifle and what is a resonable price i should ask if i sold it i think its an 1981 model the serial # is G1577xxx thank you Last edited by reoader22; February 19, 2012 at 02:53 AM.

February 19, 2012, 11:28 AM	#3
ltc444 Senior Member Join Date: March 3, 2011 Location: Vernon AZ Posts: 1,195	They are junk. Let me know were you live and I will leave immediately and drive straight through so you won't be burddened with it. Seriously, I am a 257 Roberts junky. I love the round and frankly do not see the need for any other mid caliber rounds in a bolt gun. Col Townsend Whelen called ith 257 Roberts "one of the most usefull cartridges ever made". Remington was the bigest problem the 257 had. Their anemic 117 grain factory load under peroformed and almost destroyed the cartridge. With good reloads the 257 can do anything a 223, 243/6mm and any of the other 257s can do. My perfored load is 87 grain nosler launched by 44 grains of 4895. The load is good for white tail, coyotes and pararie dogs. I would love to see a picture of your rifle. Keep it and Enjoy. Last edited by ltc444; February 19, 2012 at 11:29 AM. Reason: edit typos

February 19, 2012, 07:16 PM	#5
reoader22 Member Join Date: February 16, 2012 Posts: 28	this is not an actual picture of my rifle but mine is the exact same. Last edited by reoader22; February 20, 2012 at 06:54 AM.

February 19, 2012, 07:18 PM	#6
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,383	Pity it's not a pre-64 Featherweight in .257. Those are the rarest of the early Featherweights and bring very high prices. A friend's father had a pre-64 Featherweight in .30-06. It was well used, but it still sold for well over $1,000 at auction. Quite a few people showed up just to bid on it. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

February 20, 2012, 02:46 PM	#12
Major Dave (retired) Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2008 Location: Between Dallas and Shreveport, LA Posts: 569	7mm Mauser... is the parent round. The 7 x 57 mm Mauser was necked down to .257 to make the .257 "Bob". When necked down to 6mm, it became the 6mm Remington. Therefore, the family tree is 7x57, or .284 X 57 .257x57, 6x57, or .243x57 Short actions are too short for them, long actions too long, but usually used, anyway. That rifle is too beautiful for words. I would take out a second lein on my home to raise money before I would sell that rifle. P.S. Is it a push feed or a controlled round feed? __________________ Artillery lends dignity to what would otherwise be but a vulgar brawl.

February 19, 2012, 07:18 AM	#2
Abel Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2006 Posts: 1,161	I can't imagine ever selling such a rifle. If I did, I'd want about $1,000,000.00

February 19, 2012, 06:43 PM	#4
reoader22 Member Join Date: February 16, 2012 Posts: 28	i will try and post some pics on here if i can figure out how. maybe ill have to get the other half to help me out lol i have no complaints about the rifle or callibur i have shot nice groups with imr 4350 44.5 100 grain hornady spire point bullets.

February 19, 2012, 07:26 PM	#7
BIG P Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2010 Location: North Georgia Posts: 1,679	Nice rifle, I think you should find something else to sell you'll be sorry you dont find those everyday.

February 19, 2012, 07:35 PM	#8
reoader22 Member Join Date: February 16, 2012 Posts: 28	i have tried to find info on the featherweight and apairently they diddnt come with sights but clearley mine did. does anyone know? is this gun a short action or a long action? stock measurements i think i might keep it and put a houge stock on it and than i wont have to worrie about wreaking my nice stock

February 19, 2012, 08:07 PM	#9
Lloyd Smale Junior member Join Date: February 11, 2005 Posts: 822	I have never seen or even heard of a 257 roberts featherweight post 64 that had sights on it. Id call winchester with the serial number and see if it was altered. could be someone fitted it with a pre 64 barrel as the sights on the newer winchesters are nothing like the sights on that pre 64 you have pictured

February 19, 2012, 08:24 PM	#10
reoader22 Member Join Date: February 16, 2012 Posts: 28	i know right it is weird. its stamped new haven. just had a close look at the sights they are lyman sights not even close to the sights pictured should have looked before, clearley aftermarket.

February 20, 2012, 08:23 AM	#11
CTS Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2011 Location: NE Georgia Posts: 1,070	By serial number it is '81 model. They were manufactured from '81-'85 in 257 Roberts and 7mm Mauser. No sights. My book says In '81, during USRA transition, guns were distinguishable by the USRA trademark on the recoil pad. Some collectors will pay a premium for Win marked pads.

February 20, 2012, 11:51 PM	#13
reoader22 Member Join Date: February 16, 2012 Posts: 28	it is a push feed

February 20, 2012, 11:53 PM	#14
reoader22 Member Join Date: February 16, 2012 Posts: 28	i dont know how to post actual pictures of it in here does anyone know?

February 21, 2012, 12:04 PM	#17
gak Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2005 Location: Aridzona Posts: 2,767	Yes, push feed in that XTR era. The only "bad" news, (strictly relatively speaking--market-wise), comparing to the later Featherweight Classic ones which were Pre 64 style CRF. To me that minor "negative" (nothing at all wrong with a good push feed) is counterbalanced by the good news of the fine wood/finish many of these earlier XTRs had, like this one -- nicer than many of the later New Haven CRFs, especially toward plant closing, which were not as premium as this IMO. Gorgeous gun, great caliber. Last edited by gak; February 21, 2012 at 12:12 PM.

February 21, 2012, 12:38 PM	#18
CTS Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2011 Location: NE Georgia Posts: 1,070	Kraigwy, the first serial number listed for 81 is G1537134 so it would seem that yours would be an '80 model but the book says they only made the M70 Featherweight from '81-'94. Not sure exactly what that means.

February 21, 2012, 01:55 PM	#19
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	Well if that don't beat all. I just looked again, the serial number on my 257 FWT is G1505445. It's a Featherwight to be sure, or says Featherweight, Looks Featherweight. Looks like I got something that doesn't exist. (sorry for the poor photos) __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

February 21, 2012, 02:51 PM	#20
CTS Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2011 Location: NE Georgia Posts: 1,070	Interesting for sure.

February 21, 2012, 11:05 PM	#22
CTS Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2011 Location: NE Georgia Posts: 1,070	It's probably worth a mint compared to the regular USRAC featherweights. I have been after a Win M70 in .257 for a while but, no one who owns one seems willing to part with it. Don't really know why I need it, I have the "standard" M70 in .243 but "wants" aren't always logical.

February 22, 2012, 10:20 PM	#23
reoader22 Member Join Date: February 16, 2012 Posts: 28	you want one hey well i have one!! do u live in bc if u do it could be yours

February 22, 2012, 10:24 PM	#24
reoader22 Member Join Date: February 16, 2012 Posts: 28	quote Yeah, the same way you posted those other pictures. __________________ Dennis Dezendorf well i just got those pics off google and not my personal pics off my computer there isnt an http:// for my pics

February 22, 2012, 10:27 PM	#25
CTS Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2011 Location: NE Georgia Posts: 1,070	Heck just box it up and send it to me. Customs won't mind.