Winchester and the Jack O'Connor Hunting Heritage and Education Center have teamed up for a really special tribute rifle that will be unveiled next week at the SHOT show. The rifle will commemorate the Diamond Jubilee (75th anniversary) of the Winchester Model 70 in a fitting tribute to the man who arguably had the largest role in making it popular and the legend it is even today.

This rifle, naturally in .270 Winchester caliber, will be built in two grades and comes as close to matching Jack's famous pet "Number 2" rifle as factory production will allow.

The barrel will be a 22" Featherweight pattern, with steel floorplate (engraved with one of Jack O'Connor's sheep heads) and trigger guard with Jack signature in nickel silver. The grip cap will be steel, with light engraving as well.

The best part of the tribute rifle will be the stock, which is patterned after the Number 2 original (Al and Roger Biesen gave the permissions to use their stock design, and Bradford O'Connor actually shipped the Number 2 rifle to Winchester to make a pattern). Even the checkering pattern will closely resemble the original. Sling swivels will be of the Super Grade style; a black fore end tip will be on both grades.

The big difference in the grades will be the wood quality. The standard grade ("standard" is probably a disservice to a factory rifle of this quality) will feature figured wood with a rubber recoil pad, while the deluxe version will be dressed up with fancier wood and a Neidner-type blued steel buttplate, the same pattern as found on the pre-64 Model 70 standard rifles.

Here's an initial announcement from Winchester:



Here is some of the prototype hardware (the small rendition here doesn't do the sheep engraving justice; a larger picture of it looks great):





Pricing has yet to be made final, but expect retail to be under $1,500 for the standard grade to around $2,000 for the deluxe. The Jack O'Connor center will get a cut for each rifle sold. Winchester says the rifles should hit dealer shelves in late spring 2012.

Kudos to many folks for making this project happen, not the least of which should go to Bradford O'Connor for his personal involvement and commitment as well as Glenn Hatt of Winchester for pushing the project through the corporate end.

Bradford has contacted a number of our modern day scribes about this rifle, including our own JB, and expects lots of interest and press from the SHOT show next week.

So, Jack O'Connor fans, time to start squirrelling away the pennies for one of these rifles; they will be special.

Thanks for the info. So how does one go about reserving one of these rifles?

Thanks for the info GF1.

The project is interesting and the prices are not bad at all for someone wanting one.

Those prices, if they hold are pretty fair. Nice project.

Dammit, I know why it has to be a .270, but why does it have to be a .270? I hate the .270, but I think I need to have this rifle!

For some reason I don't think they'll be able to make enough of them at those prices...

Time to save my pennies and get in line.

That is a beautiful rifle.

Thinking the same thing.

Talk about bad luck on timing. I've just started some re-modeling of a house.

Otherwise I'd get in line today.

I'd love to have one.

I'd prefer a 24 or 26" barrel, but yes I think that will be as big a hit for them, as the John Wayne Commemorative was.

A grand rifle for sure.

An "Elmer Keith Commemorative" in .338 Winchester would make a terrific stablemate for this one.

Hey he did like 30-06 too......dammit.......

I might have missed it, but have they determined how many of each grade will be produced? No doubt they will be limited. This is when it sucks having a wine taste on a beer budget.

I'll take one if I can get the same deal Jack got.

I was in a local gun shop this morning, and was talking about these JOC rifles with one of the owners. The other owners son was listening, and he said "Who's Jack O'Connor?" He is a darn good guy, but I had to unload on him a little. Talk about a generation gap, these younger guys don't even know who JOC is! Blasphemy!!

I bet if they sold the stock alone it would be a bigger moneymaker.I'd buy one,no interest in the whole rifle tho.

My guess is that eventual production numbers will be determined by how many orders they get.

If anybody wants to look and some more photos, and is adept at posting them here in the Campfire, Bradford O'Connor e-mailed me a few yesterday. I could forward them to anybody willing.

John,

I will send you a PM with my email and be happy to post them.

Thanks,
Andy

Here are the pictures.

Andy,

Thanks very much for the offer, but Savage99 beat you to it in a PM--obviously!

GF1, Thank you for posting this --I think! Oh! the temptation!

I've read JOC since a teenager (a long time ago) and while in college spent a Christmas vacation in the university library reading old issues of Outdoor Life specifically for the articles and columns of JOC -- they had them back to the 1940s or so.

I have dreamed of having a JOC 270 before I was old enough to drive and now you bring this up!

Looks great!

Heeeheeeeheeeee.......!


Wah Wah Wah!

Why doesn't it have the fixed barrel sights I assume Jack's rifle had?

Jayco

Is that a natural figure on the wood, or man made? It looks suspicious.

Wow, that looks nice. Too bad they are only available in 270.

They should do both a 7x57 and a .257; Jack liked those cartridges too.

I need another rifle like I need a new hole in my head - but my my my does that one ever pull at my heartstrings.

I would be sacrilegious for it not to be chambered in 270.

I would guess that if this edition sells well, they might bring out additional versions in, say, .257, 7x57 and .30-06.

As for why they made this one a .270---well, geez, guys, this rifle is a replica of Jack's favorite .270! It isn'a reproduction of one of his .257's, 7x57's or .30-06's.

Cartridge envy really is an ugly thing.....

If his rifle was a Winchester of old,why were there not fixed sights on it?Did not the Pre '64 Winchester Feather weights have fixed sights?

I actually don't no but my Pre Mod 70's do.

Just curious.

Jayco

Yeah, the factory Featherweights had sights, but neither of O'Connor's M70 .270's did, since they were custom rifles and apparently he didn't think they needed 'em.

Could have done without the signature engraving.

Thinking a "JOC" prefix serial number would have been a little more appropriate and low key.

Thank you.....My next question is being a Jack fan in the old days,was his barrel a Winchester or a custom(Non Winchester)?

Jayco

Man if it wasn't for mr Jack O'Connors there most likly would not be a 270 .This great man wrote about this calibre an I for one am glad he did. Its one of my favorit cartridges everone gun this would be the one an calibre to

Very nice rifle and priced reasonable.

Winchester should make all the FW stocks in the Biesen design.
Much, much better than the design they have now.


To bad it's in 270 though.

No firm numbers from Winchester yet, just putting their corporate toe in the water as Mule Deer has suggested above.

Working on a series idea, potentially a .375 next (Jack was a big fan), then a 7x57 (Eleanor's favorite and special to Jack as well). Nothing firm on this yet; much will depend on the sales of the first one (and it would be the flagship if the series idea takes root).

As to the question of Jack's barrels, he generally used the Winchester factory barrels. If they weren't Featherweight contoured, Al Biesen turned them down to that weight. His pair of Biesen M70 .270s were both factory barrels; the first, Al turned down and shortened. The second, bought originally in 1959 as a spare and to conserve the first, was originally a Featherweight. He found the second rifle a touch more accurate, absolutely reliable for holding zero, and it became his favorite. He was fond of Winchester barrels, but he had a number of rifles rebarrelled over his life, and early on he took quite a shine to Sukalle barrels.

Thanks for all the kind words and support for this project. The ultimate benefit here is preserving Jack's legacy through the center.

http://jack-oconnor.org/

I was tempted to buy a Cabelas Super Grade Featherweight last year -- I am glad I didn't. As soon as I figure out how to get one ordered or reserved for myself I'll do it.

I was 11-12 years old when I found a commemorative magazine with only JOC articles put out just after he passed away. I must have read that thing hundreds of times - dreaming of sheep hunts and 270 featherweight model 70s.

Nice gun porn.

Yes, I need to find out what I need to do to order one of these beauties; and get a Leupold 6x36 gloss to go on top of it.

Thanks for the pictures.

Steve

That's very nice indeed..I plan to visit the JOC Center someday.

...and,...not all Pre'64 Fwts had both sights...there was a front sight delete option,...I still kick my azz for selling about 9 years ago a '57 Fwt 270 with the front sight delete option....that's one I wish could have back.

Why in the hell would Winchester put "faux" figure on a $1,500 rifle?

My God, they put wood just about as nice on $1,000 current Supergrades every day.

Thought you guys might like to see the original #2 rifle with son Brad O'Connor holding it.

TT

An "Elmer Keith Commemorative" in .338 Winchester would make a terrific stablemate for this one.[/quote]


The Model 70 Alaskan in 338 with iron sights and a gold bead is exactly what Elmer would have wanted.

Sincerely,
Thomas

That is a fantastic rifle! Nice to see Winchester do it right!

Very nice, o hope the series idea takes off.

My Cabela's catalogue lists a Lightweight SG Model 70 in .257 Roberts. Looks pretty nice and pretty spendy. Avail Feb 2012.

Dang cool picture tsquare, thanks for posting that.

Gunner

Remodeling is an anytime thing. Don't let it get in the way of a rifle purchase. I just took money from our roofing fund to get a Sharps rifle that I couldn't expect to come around again. You won't be sorry for doing this, your wife may not be as understanding, but first things first...



Sorry about hijacking the thread, but when would it be a good time for me to come over and help you get set up so you can post pictures? If I can do it, anyone can!

I saw that and others in their new SHOOTING catalog. About 6 models - sort of a Lipsey's feel to it. At least there is no gaudy engraving and other glitter on them. The Ruger #1 7x57 looks good too.

tsquare, thanks for posting the #2 photo. What kind of scope is on it? Is that a plastic buttplate on it?
It would be good if Winchester made the "standard model" without any engraving or inlay.

Yep, I've got a pretty nice 1A in 7x57, but if I was looking for one I'd check it out.

The Model 70 in 257R caught my eye and attention.

If I were to get one, I'd HAVE to change the floor plate.

I'll jump in, as I've direct experience with it as well. The scope is an earlier Leupold 4x (don't remember the model), but the rifle now wears a current 4x33 (FXII), as the original had an internal break (believe it was a crosshair issue) and Leupold did not have parts to fix it and sent Brad a new scope (Brad used it a couple years ago to shoot an antelope on Jim Zumbo's hunting show). He still has the original as well. The buttplate is steel, by Al Biesen.

Shrap - many times remodeling time isn't important. But in this case, I plan to move @ April and WOULD LIKE to have it done before moving in. YES I could mis-appropriate remod funds but...

Per - posting pics.. I can PM you my current address. Let me know in advance and the wife will fix some ALPO HELPER.

That is a gorgeous rifle! Thanks for posting it.

Probably a stupid question, but how can a man HATE some particular caliber?

I don't know my M70's like some of you guys, but in the picture of B O'C the sling swivel studs look like more common Uncle Mike type detachables than the inletted base of a Supergrade. I thought the pre 64 Supergrade also featured the same inletted style base? Allways thought that was one of the nicer Supergrade touches like the old buttplate with the inlet point on top. What say? Magnum Man

You are correct...not sure they are Uncle Mike's, but they are the ordinary variety as you describe.

And here's another photo of Brad, with his .375. Guess he's fond of that hat (as well as his Milliron stocked Model 70)!

Nice picture,pre 64 M70 375, great wood, old 1 pc Redfield base and rings with a K4 Weaver what is not to like? Thanks for posting these cool pics. Magnum Man

The pictures on page two show the rifle with inletted Super Grade type swivels bases . What were you guys looking at ? I'm going to wait for The Warren Page .243 !

The old scope on #2 was a late 1950's Leupold 4x Mountaineer.

oneold sap we are looking at the sling swivel studs on the original J O'C gun that B O'C was holding in the pic. Magnum Man

This is a really cool project. I am glad the guys at Winchester got on board with this. A few years back, I had Al and Roger build me a copy of Jack's #2 rifle. Here are a few photos. Jacks rifle had a Leupold Mountaineer in 4x in Tilden mounts. I have one of those scopes and a set of the mounts, but I use the modern scope and rings to hunt with, so they are not on the rifle in the photos.

I had Jacks best ram (Pilot Mountain Dall's) engraved on the trap buttplate and his best mule deer on the grip cap.

Might have to get one of those. After I change the barrel and trigger guard....

Sorry...O'Conner is a legend and we've all prospered for that, but it could have been a 7x57 to honor his wife, or maybe a .375 H&H. Something really cool...

Actually, the buttplate and grip cap on the original were not done by Biesen. They were some that Biesen had in the shop when Jack came by to order the rifle. They were made in Europe, Germany as I recall.

Chet

Very cool. I'll be in line for this one as well.

Lou

Chetaf - The pics
..........W O W
..........fantastic
..........terrific
..........supercalifragilisticexpialidosious (sp)

Jerry

Wow!!!Thanks for sharing.

Jerry,

Thanks, I have really enjoyed that rifle. The crazy part it that it is not just pretty, it is fantastically accurate as well. I have tried 3 different factory loads and two of my "standard" handloads in the rifle and it shoots them all into .750" or less. One of my handloads shoots into the .300"-.400" range every time. Not bad for a 60 year old factory barrel that is fully bedded.

Damn thing sort of ruined my fiberglass and free floated theorys.

It goes perfectly with my felt hat and Eddie Bauer Skyliner jacket too.

Chet

Chetaf - Man this PLEASURE is ALL MINE! ! !

I may have to RE-think the financing situation. I just bought a Win 70 FTWT in 6.5X55 and AM re-modeling a house. This project just may be one of those things that is ONCE IN A LIFETIME.

I already have more rifles in 270 than any other cal.. errr cartridge. I would be AS interested IF it were 30-06.

THANKS ( I think? ) for promoting this project.
Jerry

Fantastic rifle! Thanks for sharing the pics with us.

My pleasure. I am an O'Connorphile of the most depraved sort.

Chet

I thought JO'C perferred the .30/06 but got branded with the .270. Pity, it's not chambered for the real thing.

Same here!

Laughing!

I don't care about the 270 Win. It leaves me indifferent.

I enjoyed JOC back then and admire him but the 270 made little sense when you could get 30-06's. To each his own.
While I have "The Hunting Rifle" by JOC I don't refer to it.

I also read Pete Brown, Phil Sharpe, Elmer Keith, Whelen and Warren Page.

Maybe hate is too strong of word. Growing up, it seems I was surrounded by .270 honks, and I was always a Springfield fan.

It doesn't help that .270s seem to find me... I have three with a fourth on the way. That says absolutely nothing about my inability to say no to cheap project rifles.

I swear I bought them as donors!

Laughin'... I guess I had that coming for all the junk I talk about the .270 to you.

Very cool! Might need to start saving. Does anyone know how man are being produced?


ddj

They need open sights and the dog-knot.

Still, they are very nice and a great tribute to the man.

Bruce,

The rifle is a reproduction of O'Connor's #2 .270--which didn't have sights or the dog-knot.

So what you really mean is that you just don't love the old .270 as much as some of the others. I think that sounds a lot better.

I know, and I don't care.

My Mdl 70s all need sights and dog knots.

I once owned NIB Pre-war Mdl 70 in 270 with serial 1270. I even had the original box and hanging tag. I couldn't afford to own the gun, however, and I hate guns that I can't use in the field.

IT had sights and a dog knot!

Maybe next year Winchester will reproduce your rifle!

I need to publish first, and I'm not quite dead yet.

I'm not big on the 270, but that series sure looks great. I'll start saving for one.

GF1: I think I will be a player for one of these handsome Rifles.
Not so much for investment purposes but to get some satisfaction and enjoyment out of owning a handsomely built Rifle, made in tribute to one of Americas greatest outdoor writers!
Yeah I had better start saving some dollars right now for this Rifle.
Thank you for sharing this information with us.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

......and a 7x57.......

KDK: I am not sure if you are serious or not about hating the 270 Winchester (your quote: "I hate the .270") but I actually burst out laughing when I read what you posted.
I have heard a few uninformed types say things like "I would rather use another caliber than the 270 because... blah blah blah" - but I have never heard ANYONE say they "hated the 270 Winchester"!
If you are serious then I think your hatred is missplaced and can't rationally be defended.
I have used many Rifles in caliber 270 Winchester over the past 45+ years and I have as yet to find fault with the cartridge or any of those Rifles!
I have brought to bag all manner of game with my various 270's including Bull Elk, Antelope, Blacktailed Deer, Black Bear, Mule Deer, Mt. Goat and Whitetailed Deer.
I will categorically state that for uses within reason the 270 Winchester is a wonderfully performing cartridge! Its accurate, mild of recoil and very lethal on game.
I think you should re-evaluate your stunningly missplaced disdain for this grand cartridge.
By the way the 270 Winchester was developed 89 years ago now, and manufacture of Rifles in this great cartridge have been ongoing for 87 years straight with NO sign of letting up!
That has to impress you if for no other reason than the myriad of cartridges that have been introduced and then subsequently discontinued during this time.
Long live the 270 Winchester!
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

VG, don't get your undies in a twist. I have kind of a long running 'discussion' about the .270 with BobinNH, and it kinda spilled over.



Sometimes my sense of humor doesn't really come through the interweb very well.

Kudos for pizzing off Varmintgay.....


very turdlike

Chuck Norris laughs at the .270

I am not jumping on this bandwagon.

Recently I acquired a real "JOC" .270 FWT for less than the anticipated price of the lower priced commemorative. I have scoped it and shot it without causing the value to go down. It has a flip up rear sight and a hooded front sight right where they are supposed to be, and God-willing, I hope to shoot it quite a bit more.



I do not know why anyone would pay a premium for a commemorative rifle, unless it was in honor of our Veterans and some or all of the profit went to help them out.

Gracias, jefe. Working on my turdlike status.

Agree...but the Weaver is a K3.

Chet, I stand corrected on the source of the buttplate; knew it came from House of Biesen, didn't he got them elsewhere then. Also taken back a bit by the beauty of your rifle, a ringer for those that the center raffles off (the last, number five, will be raffled in June). I'm also glad it's doing what it was supposed to.

Not like I need another rifle ,but damn is that a pretty thing. Might find room in the safe. Will be giving the only 270 I have to a friend, rem 721. Wow just found room.

Properly built wood stocked customs have a tendency to do that!

Chet is the Skyliner an original?

I will be getting in line for one myself. The big decision will be, which one do I want.

For me to have a JOC Commemorative Rifle, means a whole lot.
The Rifle opens up dialogue for a whole lot of younger hunters, that so far, have missed his grand writing (Not my boys)On top of that, the purchase benefits the JOC Center.

As for the guys who are disappointed that the Rifle is not in their favorite caliber, or the rifle needs this or that, then this Rifle is not for you.

This Rifle is for those that want something as close to the Al Biesen #2 as possible, so we can honor and remember one of the most significant men to ever dabble in our sport.

If this rifle sells well, and I believe it will, Winchester will no doubt, release more of Jacks favorites in limited edition.

A few years ago I had the pleasure to shoot the original and it meant a lot. Thank you Brad!

After reading some of the posts in this forum, I felt that i might be at a Horse Show, listening to a bunch of Women picking apart somebodies Horse. Horse Women and Firearm Experts appear to be closely related. For those of you who have ever attended a horse show, you know what I am talking about.

Wow! Sign me up! I may have to sell or trade a bit, but that is one beautiful rifle.

Pornography at its finest.

I'm still suspicious of that wood. It looks nothing like the original, or copies that have been made over the years.

The figure looks like man put it on.

Like others have said, it would be great if Winchester offered this stock to replace the current featherweight stock.

I remember when the gun companies didn't put recoil pads on a rifle unless it was a magnum. My first 270 did not have a recoil pad, and it gave me all the recoil I wanted.

Mauser Hunter,

The rifle will be at the SHOT Show this week in Las Vegas. You could go down and examine it in person if you doubt the wood is real.

I had wanted something similar for years and stumbled upon this 1939 vintage M70 270 near my place in north Idaho so I am now set.

Very nice.

I would if I was in the market for one. It just doesn't look right John, but it's just my opinion. I can accept being wrong.

Could not see the frt end of it GF1 and that makes more sense,thanks for setting it straight. I still have 4 or 5 K4's but only 1 K3 and it is on my 1 st run M77R in 7x57. Thanks for the pics and insight into these fine M70's. Magnum Man

Can't wait until tomorrow so I can lay my hands on the new Jack O'Connor Signature rifle at the SHOT Show. Hopefully as soon as orders are taken and delivered we will have one on display in Jack's old home town Lewiston, Idaho at the Jack O'Connor Museum. It will look nice beside many of Jack's other rifles that are on display!

Does anyone know the specifications on the stock on the JOC rifle (e.g. LOP, drop at comb, drop at heel, etc.)?

I got my rifle about the same time the Biesens made the first commemorative rifle for the JOC center, so, they are very similar I am sure.

Chet

Bob,

Yes, it is a vintage 1950's era Skyliner. I found it on eBay a couple of years ago.

Now I just need a set of Bausch & Lomb 9x35 Zephyrs and I will be set.

Chet

Chet

I have a set of Bausch & Lomb 9X35 Zephyrs with leather case that look just like the ones JOC used -- where do you think I got the idea to buy them?

I have had several PM's asking about my "O'Connor Inspired" set of Biesen rifles. I decided it might be helpful if I just posted the photos of my other rifle here for interested parties to see.

I decided a while back that since Jack had both Biesen M70's and Mausers, well, why shouldn't I? (We rifle loony O'Connor fans are good at justifying such things). So, I went to Al and Roger and asked them to build me what I consider the ultimate expression of the Mauser based mountain rifle.

I started with a near new G33/40 that Roger found. He said it was still packed in cosmoline when he got it. He blueprinted and refined the action, installed a flag safety and a Lilja featherweight octagonal barrel. They also installed a new trigger and a four paneled checkered bolt knob that was made by Tom Burgess, as I recall.

They then stocked it with a hard but light piece of real French walnut that had been laying around the back of their shop longer than either Al or Roger could remember. If you have ever been to their shop, the preceeding sentence will make perfect sense. I had them install a skeleton buttplate and grip cap to save weight.

I did not like the two-position flag safety that came on the rifle originally, so my good friend D'Arcy Echols was kind enough to install the three position safety that is currently on the rifle, saving me the hassle of shipping it back to Spokane. He also made some additional refinements to the action while he had it. If you ever hand a rifle over to D'Arcy, expect to get it back in better condition than it was in when you gave it to him, or than you may have even asked for. He is a perfectionist of the first order.

The rifle weighs 7.75 pounds loaded and scoped with a fixed six power Leupold. Not bad for a wood stocked rifle with a 24 inch barrel.

It has been a great rifle, but with the Biesens, Tom Burgess and D'Arcy Echols contributing, it has had a lot of help.

Chet













[img]http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb400/Chetaf/Mauser008.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb400/Chetaf/Mauser009.jpg[/img]

You took the words out of my mouth! I don't like the 270, but I guess I'll buy this one.

I'm probably not a potential buyer anyway but that cheesy signature on the trigger guard needs to go.

A swap for an aftermarket unit makes that too easy.

misguided individuals, both of you!

I had refrained from asking this ? but 'Bobbing Hitler' just made me go ahead.

Seriously, have either of you used a 270 much or at all? ?

They are accurate, moderate recoil, and KILL STUFF. Why do you not like or hate them??

Chet,

Your rifles are amazing! Thanks for sharing.

If you're ever looking to sell one of these let me know!

Eric

.270 haters are usually "effete gentlemen of questionable tastes and desires", to include leopardskin clothing, hatbands and other things in rainbow patterns.........



So say I.

I like the rifle, but Im afraid the street price might be a bit too rich for my blood. At almost $2000 MSRP, the street price will likely be in the $1600-1700 range. That would be all of my gun buying for the year! However, if I did buy one I would definately use it and hunt with it. A rifle like that doesnt need to be a safe queen. I could also do without the signature on the trigger guard. I also like the fact that they are offering the featherweight in .257 Roberts.

They are?

Chet: I think I still have mine....can't wear it anymore becasue the sleeves are starting to fall apart..Plus it's too small anymore...LOL!.Wore it all over......think I still have my Northwind as well.Gotta check this out!

Still have and use my Eddie Bauer Large and Long rectangular bag....that thing has to be over 35 years old now.

Here ya go guys. I should have included a link earlier. Its a SHOT show special.

http://www.winchesterguns.com/products/catalog/itemdetail.asp?id=535109211

JasonH linked to the standard Featherweight (that I didn't realize they were offering). Cabela's latest shooting catalog also shows a "Lightweight" (or some such name), think a lightweight supergrade if you will.

Temptations, temptations.

The new model 70 super grade 75th anniversary edition has the same MSRP as the oconnor rifle, $1999 and buds gun shop has them for $1680. So I would imagine that will be about what you can expect to pay for the oconnor rifle.

I've always liked the standard sporterweight, as opposed to the featherweight, Model 70s so I'll stick with my Pre-64 sporters. I also prefer a 24-inch barrel for the .270 Winchester cartridge.

Jason/ Cheesy, thanks!

Well, I have plenty of 270's and almost all are pre 64's....I would rather have that FW in 257 Roberts!

When we say Shot Show Special are they not being offered as a standard run item?

Looks like they're standard issue now. I checked out their website and they list the .257 Roberts right in there with the .270, .30-06, .243, etc

If you look closely at the left hand side of the column you will see a tiny "shot show" logo beside the .257 Roberts caliber. In years past I have had no trouble getting shot show special from either Browning or Winchester. They have been readily available.

Mudstud, was that the son of the owner at Scenic Sports in Williston? A friend thought it may be.

No, that was in Minot.

Cheesy: Thanks! Yippee! A FW in 257 Roberts! I did live long enough!

Calm down there Bob. You might have a heart attack and not get to order one.

Jerry

I am going to go out on a limb here and guess that Bob is a 257 BOB fan?

Tim: Yes I am...the Roberts was my first CF rifle.I used it a great deal back in New England for varmint hunting in VT, NH, and Maine.I basically got started with that and a Savage Anschutz in 222Rem.

I also killed my biggest pronghorn with a Roberts.

Too bad? Too good!

Jerry

That stock is about as modern as it gets. What a nice way to commemorate a great writer and fine rifle.

Covered that earlier. You guys need to get a sense of humor.

Like that! Laughin'!

I might just have to buy one if they offer it in 30-06......To paraphrase an older gentleman I know: "Yippee!!!!!!!!"..

BSA - according to 'Cheesy'; the 06 is on the list among others.

Jerry

I hope Cheesy is right.....I thought about this rifle off and on all day long, thinking if I had to buy a damn 270 this would be the one I'd buy...... . But if they are making it in 30-06 now all bets are off...PHEW, cheesy may have saved me from doing something stupid....

Beautiful gun!

Hey watch that you guys! Ingwe and me will kick your azzes!

Jerry

there would be NOTHING wrong with a Fwt. in a Bob....

Except my wife will probably make me buy one for her when she finds out....

Your wife likes cool rifles. What a problem.

Yep...shes been slumming a Rem 722 in a Roberts for quite some time now....

Hmm, I'm a huge Model 70 fan, I don't have a .270 and I'm always looking for a cool blue/wood rifle. Looks like I'll have to get one of these. But how do I convince the wife?

I would like the 2nd grade to have a plain steel floor plate too.

I would get one for sure if they did a mirror image in left hand.

Dream on

Sorry guys, we got off topic in here. The JOC commerative is just in .270.

The .257 Roberts is being offered in a 'lightweight super grade', but also as a standard featherweight. That is where my comment about it being in there with the .30-06, etc was.

Can someone point me in the direction of the "lightweight supergrade"? I dont see it on the Winchester site.

I think everybody that saw it, was in the latest Cabela's Shooters catalog, a couple pages in. I think Cabela's exclusive possibly.

Remember, its easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission

SORRY guys if I MISSED something or misunderstood. I sincerely thot we were talking about the commemorative model.

HOPEFULLY the other 'calibers' will be included later. (rifles in other chamberings) 'calibers' is shorter.

Jerry

That was my motto until my wife figured out a solution to the problem...Now if I take out money for a new rifle, I have to take out the same amount and give it to her. Now I actually have to think twice about what I'm doing and if I really "need" it....

Your wife is a wise woman. My wife, now deceased, was like that as well. Now that I am single, I can blow money as I please. No one to answer to but myself. Except my children, "You spent HOW much on a .22?!!" But I surely do miss her a LOT!

My friends wife tried that once. He told her they could do better than that. He said they should split all of the monthly bills down the middle, she would pay half out of her income and he would pay half out of his. They would then each keep the money they had left to spend as they chose. She quickly realized she doesn't make enough to pay half of the bills, let alone have any left over.

He has never heard a word about buying rifles or hunts since.

Chet

Here are some photos from the SHOT Show:

Bradford (right) w/ Dave Petzal; Brad's holding the tribute Model 70, custom grade:



Craig Boddington holding the original "#2" Jack O'Connor rifle, with Bradford and the new custom grade tribute rifle (in background is the specially embroidered Boyt case available through the JO'C center for gun buyers):



Asked how the rifle felt, "Great," Brad said, "I'd be hard pressed to ask for better."

Orders for the rifles (wholesale/industry) are apparently exceeding Winchester's expectations, especially for the custom grade.

It appears that there is only one visible stock crossbolt end, on the bolt side of the rifle? Seems odd that they would just drill from one side, particularly on this rifle.

Also that one picture of an 'original' JOC rifle there seems to be no crossbolt and on another a crossbolt. Another thing is that in the new pictures there is a hard pad on one rifle and a soft pad on another!

The more I think about this JOC Commemorative rifle the less I want one. I have had pre 64 Featherweights since they came out.

Also I don't want trigger guards looking out at me with lettering on them. At least it does not say Cabelas on it!

The soft-pad goes on the cheaper version, the steel plate goes on the higher priced version.

Oh sumbeesh. I was getting all excited too.... If I ever had to buy a 270 it would be one of these though since I could never touch a real Biesen stocked one..

Yes,

Your right. I just spotted that over on the W. site.

I honor JOC and other gun notables however I really don't want someones initials or name on my rifle. Also I am tired of that large Fleur-de-lis on the stocks.

Some of Tony's and others custom rifles are fabulous however. That's what I want. More fine customs but at used rifle prices.

Just spoke with my dealer who ordered two Deluxes at the SHOT show....one has my name on it....can't wait....

It's been a long time since I've had the F d l checkering. It's now on my 70 FTWT. I still like it.

Different strokes...