This is a very rare 1947 carbine (20" barrel) chambered in .257 Roberts. The rifle is a restoration and the finishes are not original. Winchester only made 7,197 carbine rifles and the vast majority were chambered in .30-06 and .270. This .257 Roberts carbine is a scarce chambering in what is already a very small number of rifles produced - exact numbers are not available, but it is estimated as few as 148 carbines chambered in .257 Roberts were produced. The rarity of carbines is compounded by the fact a large number of these compact rifles were delivered to prisons, police forces, and military units worldwide and never ended up in private ownership.
This is a great looking rifle in all original finishes, including a factory rust blued barrel and Type-II-1 transition action. The barrel date is 1941 which is consistent with almost all known .257 Roberts carbines and technically classifies this rifle as a "clean-up" gun. After the war Winchester was clearing out unused barrel inventory from their factory and produced many odd chambered rifles with early barrel dates, then offered them to dealers at incentive prices to get them sold. These "clean up" events are responsible for some of the most collectible model 70s ever made.
The bluing on the rifle grades at 90% with some wear from normal handling and a few light blemishes on the barrel and bottom metal. The bore of the 20" carbine barrel shows evidence of light use, but no pitting, erosion or other problems.
The stock is a nice straight grain American walnut with original finish and light handling marks from use. There are no noteworthy blemishes, cracks, gouges, chips, oil stains or other problems. The original checkering is intact with no issues. The factory steel buttplate is intact with some bluing wear but no damage, rust or pitting.
The bolt is serial number matched to the rifle and all action parts are correct for the year and .257 Roberts chambering. It is our opinion this rifle is 100% original with no modifications or non-original parts.
NOTE: This rifle must be shipped to an FFL or C&R holder who can complete the transfer. If needed, we are happy to assist you in locating an FFL holder near you who can receive and transfer the rifle to you.
