Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Super Grade .257 Roberts Bolt Rifle, 1948 C&R
SOLD FOR: $4,151
LSB#: 230531JC001
Make: Winchester
Model: 70 Super Grade, Product Number G7056C
Serial Number: 84588
Year of Manufacture: 1948
Caliber: .257 Roberts
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “U”-notch elevator sight dovetailed to a boss at the rear of the barrel, the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for mounting an optic (none present). There are two drilled, tapped and filled holes at the left-rear of the receiver for a receiver sight (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece hand checkered walnut with an ebony nosecap, capped pistol grip, straight comb with cheekpiece, sling plates front and rear, and a checkered steel buttplate. The stock has some light wear on each side below the front of the receiver. There is some discoloration centered on the belly and extending up on each side into the bottom of the cheekpiece on the left. The rear sling plate some some light wear and minor oxidation. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some scattered nicks, scuffs and surface oxidation with well defined checkering. Overall, the stock is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original, the bolt is serial-matching.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore, mostly toward the muzzle-end. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Many military and C&R-eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout. There are a few spots of minor oxidation on the receiver and trigger guard. There are a few minor nicks and scratches, most notable on the bottom metal. The action shows light operational wear, the bolt knob has some handling wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a safety mounted on the top-rear of the bolt. Pushed forwards, the safety is OFF. If pulled back all the way, the safety is ON and locks both the trigger and the bolt. 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 & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This is a vintage pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 Super Grade rifle chambered in .257 Roberts made in 1948. The Super Grade was supplied with an upgraded stock, having an ebony nosecap, capped pistol grip, checkering which wraps around the top of the wrist and the bottom of the forend, as well as inlaid sling plates for Super Grade sling swivels. 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.
This rifle is in Fine condition showing light wear with some discoloration int he stock. It should still make for a great hunting rifle. That said, the Pre-64 Winchesters have high collector interest, and this example would be a great choice to add to your Winchester collection, especially in a scarce chambering. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
