Winchester Model 70 XTR Featherweight .257 22″ Roberts Bolt Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,525.00
LSB#: LSB251031NO010
Make: Winchester
Model: 70
Serial Number: G1451075
Year of Manufacture: 1980
Caliber: .257 ROBERTS
Action Type: Internal Magazine-Fed Bolt-Action Rifle
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U. S. OF AMERICA / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-”, “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-”, and “MODEL-70 – .257 Roberts-”. The left side of the barrel at the receiver and the left side of the receiver at the barrel are marked with a circled “WP” proof. The left side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-”. The right side of the receiver’s chamber ring is marked “G1451075”. The bolt is also marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade fixed to a serrated ramp with a sight hood. There is a folding adjustable rear sight. The receiver has 4 drilled, tapped, and filled holes.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut with a Winchester plastic capped semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb with cheek piece, 2 sling ring brackets and red Winchester recoil buttpad. The LOP measures 13.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are a couple really small dings on the wrist and the forend. Overall, the stock is in Excellent condition. The checkering is crisp and the peaks are mostly sharp with light wear on the peaks primarily on the grip.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion. There is light fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The bluing is clean and strong. There is only minor handling wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a safety mounted on the rear of the control-feed bolt. Pushed forwards, the safety is OFF. If pulled back all the way, it locks both the bolt and the trigger. If pulled back half-way, it blocks only the trigger. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This Winchester Model 70 XTR Featherweight dates to 1980 production and represents the later New Haven–era continuation of one of America’s most respected sporting bolt-action rifles. While post-1964 Model 70s differ mechanically from the original pre-war and pre-64 variants, the XTR Featherweight line was intended to preserve the handling qualities and field balance that made the Model 70 famous. With its slim 22 inch barrel, light contour, and refined walnut stock, the Featherweight configuration remains especially appealing to hunters who value portability without sacrificing accuracy.
Chambered in .257 Roberts, this rifle is paired with one of the most inherently efficient and well-balanced sporting cartridges of the 20th century. Long appreciated for its mild recoil, flat trajectory, and excellent performance on deer-sized game, the .257 Roberts fits the Featherweight concept exceptionally well. The bright bore with sharp rifling and no erosion is a standout feature, indicating minimal use and strong remaining barrel life. Factory iron sights remain intact, and the receiver has been properly drilled and tapped, preserving the option for optic mounting without detracting from the rifle’s classic lines.
Overall, this example presents in excellent condition, retaining approximately 99 percent of its original blued finish with only negligible handling wear visible. The walnut stock is exceptionally well preserved, with crisp checkering and only a few very small dings noted, and the bolt remains correctly numbered to the rifle. Mechanically sound with a properly functioning three-position safety, this Model 70 XTR Featherweight stands as a highly attractive late-production example of Winchester’s flagship bolt-action rifle from Winchester Repeating Arms, combining an elegant chambering with excellent condition and classic field-ready design. Please see our high resolution photos and good luck on your bid! MF
