This is a 1948 transition rifle chambered in .257 Roberts. The rifle is a restoration and the finishes are not original. We do not typically sell restored rifles, but just 2% of pre-64 model 70 rifles were chambered .257 Roberts, making this chambering scarce and desirable - even as a restored rifle.
Overall, this is a very good looking rifle, but is clearly a restoration and does have some imperfections which are described below.
The stock is a nice straight grain American walnut with a near-perfect restoration which closely approximates the factory finish. It has very little evidence of handling with no noteworthy blemishes. There are no cracks gouges, chips, oil stains or other problems in the stock. The original checkering is intact with no issues. The factory steel buttplate is intact with minimal bluing wear. The stock is not bedded.
The rifle has been reblued and the restored finishes are 100%. There are some minor condition issues in the metal which are listed below. The bore of the 24" barrel is in good condition. The bolt is configuration is correct, including the Type-II-2 safety and is serial number matched to the receiver.
Noted issues and less-than perfect aspects of the restoration:
- There are a few areas of metal pitting which were not completely polished out during the restoration. These can be seen in the closeup photos of the barrel stamp, floor plate, on the receiver above the serial number, and on the bolt handle.
- The bolt knob appears to have been replaced and has a visible seam where it connects to the shaft.
- The bolt shaft has been polished and was re-marked with the serial number during restoration. The factory applied serial number is still faintly visible and does match the receiver.
The rifle came out of an Arkansas estate.
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.
