Winchester Model 70 XTR Featherweight .257 Roberts 22″ Bolt Action Rifle

SOLD FOR: $1420

LSB#: 220401KT006

Make: Winchester

Model: 70 XTR Featherweight

Serial Number: G1511188

Year of Manufacture: 1981

Caliber: .257 Roberts

Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER MODEL 70 XTR FEATHERWEIGHT / –MADE IN NEW HAVEN CONN. U.S.A. WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL–” and “.257 ROBERTS. The top of the chamber has an ovalled “WP” proof. The left of the receiver has “WINCHESTER / —TRADE MARK—”. The right of the chamber ring is marked with the serial number, “G1511188” and the bolt is serial-matching, hand-scribed “188”.

Barrel Length: 22”

Sights/Optics: The barrel has no provision for iron sights. The left-rear of the receiver has a pair of drilled, tapped, and filled holes. The top of the receiver is installed with a pair of bases and rings.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut with a schnabel forend, pistol grip with black cap, fluted straight comb, single recoil lug, and an orange rubber buttpad. There are sling studs on the belly of the buttstock and the underside of the forend. There are a few scattered light handling marks. There are a couple of light marks on the comb and a few faint bruises on the bottom of the forend that are so light they are hardly noticeable. The checkering is strong. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The pad has some light staining and has wear towards the heel. Overall, the stock rates in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There are some scattered spots of surface erosion.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered light marks. There is some light thinning on the edge of the muzzle. There are some light rubs on the floorplate. There are a few scattered spots of frost on the bolt handle. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a safety mounted on the rear of the push-feed bolt. Pulled to the rear, the safety is ON, locking both the bolt and the trigger. If pulled back half-way, only the trigger is blocked. 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: The Winchester Model 70 is an iconic American sporting rifle that has been a staple of hunters for more than 80 years; reliable, robust, and accurate, it is one of the benchmarks by which all bolt action rifles are measured. This example is the XTR Featherweight variant, notable for all the ways weight was removed from the rifle. Though it remained the standard length, the forend was extensively trimmed down, with wood being removed as much as possible from the interior, the barrel boss was done away with, the barrel is thinner and shorter, no iron sights… it goes on! The Featherweight is lighter in-hand than one would expect, and chambered in the .257 Roberts, any would-be shooter would do well to begin a collection with this rifle. Good luck and happy bidding!