I walked into my LGS yesterday and the owner had taken in a 1950, Model 70 in .257 Roberts. It looks very good, but, I suspect it has had the stock refinished. The wood is still proud of the buttplate.

There is moderate, honest wear on the edges of the floorplate, the bolt knob and the muzzle.

All the parts are there and look original.

What do you guys think the value might be?

Thanks. Don

I have owned several .257 Roberts M/70's over the years, from my experience I can tell you that rifles in the condition you describe (nice "shooter grade") are not easy to find. For the most part Roberts you'll find are either high condition or pretty well used. For a rifle nearing seventy years old like the one you describe that's pretty much just normal wear. The stock finish on pre'64 M/70's is not known for durability, many have had finish added if not refinished. If you're looking for one to shoot and hunt with I would not be concerned with the stock finish as long as I has not been oversanded or the checkering sanded or filled with finish. I would be a buyer if the price weren't more than $1,500.00.

If you can get that gun for $1500 I'd be REAL surprised. I have three of them and I bought one from a friend that is 100% original and gave $2K for it, one bought from a member here was $2500+/- a few bucks. I'd say it's probably closer to the $2200-2500 range.

Thanks guys. Anyone else?

donsm70

Well, that was kinda my thoughts, too. I think $1500 is reasonable.

IMO, the stock finish was the only flaw with the pre-64 Model 70. I had one that the finish flaked off on the butt portion of the stock and another that a sudden snow storm took all the varnish completely off the stock leaving totally bare wood with all the pores showing. I think it's all at what point in a man's life when you have to decide if you want to pay all that money or just use a nice .30-06 or .243 and kill game just as dead as with a .257 Roberts and it's a heck of a lot cheaper.

An honest price on that gun should be around $1,800.00 Don. I'm talking actual "fair market value". If they are wanting more than $2,200.00 it's probably not worth it. Good luck buddy..

Thanks again.

donsm70

I bet I am not the only one curious to know what the shop wants for the rifle!

I will see him again today.

This rifle is headed for Gunbroker under the user name of Buddy1978.

donsm70

I thought you was buttcrack deep in a trout stream.

Easy $2000 and up around my neck of the woods.

Holy Crap DonsM70, my apologies Sir, I'm getting my high end M-70 collectors mixed up, it's BobinNH that's gone fishing.

I gotta stay off the 'fire in the middle of work! ;]

No worries gunner.

However, I did just get back from a week of flyfishing in Utah.

Regards. donsm70

Geez, you retired guys have all the fun. Gunner and I have to work for a living...

Thanks Don, hope you had a nice trip.

Hell Yeah BSA, someday, everyday will be Saturday, but not yet!

Hurry up guys! I can't do this alone.

I am in my 12th year and never looked back.

just sayin'

donsm70

Dang, sounds nice, good for you Don, bet you earned everyday.

Even after my retirement I'll be busy piddling around on something or another till they pat my face with a spade.

Cool Don. Congrats buddy. I had to run a crew of guys today. I guess I'm still not done pulling all my hair out.. Give me another 20 years and I'll be where you are... I hope!!!!

Bet you never got that hot slag down your shirt but ONCE.

I was a quick learner too, button up and cover up.

Back to the topic at hand, nice little rifle, wonder what the twist is and if it will stabilize a 100 gr bullet?

Gunbroker Buddy1978 584892188

Should stabilize that bullet wt. just fine.

10-4 BSA, would be a fine light big game gun.

I am not smart enough to post the link, but this is now on Gunbroker with a starting bid of $999.00.

It is under Buddy1978 (NOT ME). I am not going to bid.

Have at it.

donsm70

I don't need it either Don, sweet little shooter nonetheless.

Probably more like a heavy "light" big game gun. Why the hell didn't they make a 257 fwt>???????????!!!!!!!!!

LMAO, now you're talking.

I've always wondered that, too. But, at least the 1980's XTR FWTs and the 2012 Shot Show Special FWTs are pretty nice 257s.

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/584892188

Looks pretty nice!

Hard to tell but looks like it's taken some damage on the left-side checkering

The seller has the rifle priced to sell, the wood has definately been refinished. Just the kind of rifle you want for a huneter/shooter, the wood could be refinished to look more original if you choose and and the bruise in the checkering could be repaired at that time. It will be interesting to see what the selling price is.

LInk here

If that was mine I would strip the wood, refinish with oil and maybe get it recheckered.

On the other hand a Pre-64 257 in original configuration is not that much more expensive. IMHO, if you are going to spend $1500 for a refinished gunyou perhaps go all the way and get a shooter that looks original

Often wondered why Winchester never offered the .257 Roberts in the pre'64 Featherweight. I recently acquired a pre'64 FWT whose previous owner had installed a Douglass barrel in the original FWT profile, it wure is a sweet rifle.

Because of the 243 Winchester.

Most likely because the 243 Win. was introduced in the Fwt. configuration in 1955....

Would much rather have a .257 Roberts, tho at the time the Roberts' popularity had faded and the .243 was the darling cartridge of the day. Each has their merits and at the end of the day it's a personal choice.

That just sucks:) Just back from camp for opening weekend of Grouse season. Tomorrow it's to the range to try out loads for the new SG 300 H&H.

Agreed, looks like it's up to $1131, I will not stand for oil soaked pithy wood and flat checkering, they will both be re-done as my M-70's aren't for sale, and are for my hunting enjoyment, my survivors can argue they values with the collector buyers, I certainly wont give a chit!

Ya, my bangers gonna go off at 0400 hrs, gotta get up and get it!

0410 hrs for me.... Then a 90 mile commute...

That's why you draw the big bucks, and I ain't talking about pictures of deer either $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

I wish....

We'll get it done Compadre!

Holy crap you guys!

BSA. Do you do that commute every day?

Yep. Gotta feed the family somehow..

MOOOOH, gonna check cows then head out.

90 miles! I hope you have something that gets great mileage. Is that round trip or one way? Dam that a long way to work but I used to put about 50K on a car every year for work.