I grew up reading Jack O'Connor and wanted to hunt with the 257 Roberts and 7x57. I "bought" a sporterized Venezuelan 24/30 in 7x57 for $37.50 when I was 12. I still, sort of, have it, but the barrel and stock are in a storage tote box and the action has been the foundation of a 257 Roberts for many years.
When I arrived at my first Army duty station, I went to the Outdoor Sports Store and ordered Ruger 77s in 257 and 7x57 for $200+/- each. I still have the 257, now a 257AI, but the 7x57 was donated to an African church mission over twenty years ago.
