Pre-64 Winchester 70 Super Grade 257 Roberts 24″ Bolt Action Rifle 1938 C&R

SOLD FOR: $3,025.59

LSB#: LSB251016KS131

Make: Winchester

Model: 70 Super Grade

Serial Number: 20835

Year of Manufacture: Aug. 4, 1938 – Sept. 7, 1938 (“The Rifleman’s Rifle, by Roger C. Rule &

Caliber: .257 Roberts

Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “- WINCHESTER / PROOF STEEL – / MODEL 70 – WINCHESTER / – TRADE MARK – / .257 ROBERTS”, along with a circled “WP” proof mark. The right side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / – NEW HAVEN, CONN. – PATENTED -“. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / – TRADE MARK -“. The right side of the receiver is marked with the serial number “20835”. The floorplate is marked “- SUPER GRADE -“. The serial number on the bolt matches the serial number on the receiver. 

Barrel Length: 24″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade, dovetailed to a textured ramp, screwed to the barrel. The rear sight has been removed and the dovetail has been filled. The top of the receiver is mounted with a Weaver Stith 4x scope, with a fine crosshair/dot reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows only minor handling wear, with a few minor hairline scratches throughout the scope’s finish. The bluing on the scope is deep and dark throughout. Overall, the scope rates in Fine condition. The scope is marked “STITH 4X / MFD. BY W.R. WEAVER CO. / PATD – PATS. PENDING / MADE IN USA”. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece, checkered walnut stock, with a capped semi-pistol grip, straight comb with cheekpiece, an ebony tipped forend, checkered steel buttplate, and sling rings front and rear. There is a leather sling attached to the stock. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock has been professionally refinished at some point in its life, as there is evidence of sanding around the cheekpiece, and the stock has been inletted on the right side, by the receiver for the rear scope mount. The checkering on both the wrist, and on the forend is well defined. The stock’s refinish is intact throughout, and the wood grain is attractive. The stock does show some light wear, with a few light scattered scratches and dings throughout. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Very Good condition. 

Type of Finish: Blued 

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some minor fouling present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10. 

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with minor thinning of the finish at the muzzle, and a few light scratches scattered throughout the barrel and other metal surfaces. There is some light operational wear on the bolt, and other friction surfaces of the action. Otherwise, the bluing is deep and dark throughout. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are tooled, but all of them retain strong and serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good to Fine condition. 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. The trigger has a crisp and clean break, especially for being the original trigger. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the sling and the scope as mentioned above.  

Our Assessment: This pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 Super Grade chambered in .257 Roberts represents one of the most desirable early configurations of “The Rifleman’s Rifle,” produced during the model’s formative years before wartime disruptions altered Winchester production. Manufactured in the late summer of 1938, this rifle dates to the golden era of New Haven craftsmanship, when Super Grade rifles were built in comparatively small numbers and finished to a higher standard than their standard-grade counterparts. The .257 Roberts chambering further elevates this example, as it was one of the most refined and forward-thinking sporting cartridges of the period, prized for its mild recoil, flat trajectory, and excellent field performance.

This rifle presents as a well-preserved and carefully maintained example. The barrel retains a bright bore with sharp rifling that rates 10/10, and the rifle overall retains approximately 96 percent of its original blued finish. Light thinning at the muzzle and scattered minor handling marks are present, consistent with respectful use rather than neglect. The bolt is serial-numbered to the receiver, an important collector detail, and shows only light operational wear. Markings remain clear and legible throughout, and the Super Grade floorplate is correctly marked. The Weaver Stith 4x scope is period-correct, with clear glass and only minor cosmetic wear, complementing the rifle without detracting from its historical character.

The walnut Super Grade stock has been professionally refinished at some point, with evidence of careful sanding and inletting to accommodate the scope mount. Despite this, the checkering remains well defined, the refinish is attractive and intact, and the stock fits the action tightly with no structural concerns. The rifle functions correctly, including the safety and original trigger, which exhibits a crisp, clean break that speaks to Winchester’s early quality standards. Overall, this is a highly desirable pre-64 Super Grade that balances collector appeal, historical significance, and mechanical integrity, made even more compelling by its early production date and scarce chambering. Please see our high quality photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.