I took the 1949 Model 70 .257 Roberts to the range today

This is the gun with a period correct Weaver K2.5

I was all over the paper at 25 yards. So I decided to take the scope off and try the iron sights. It turned out that the Weaver rings and the Weaver bases were both very loose. I had forgotten that I had most recently mounted the Weaver k2.5 very loose only for the purpose of some photos. I did not put the Weaver back on and went to the irons.


The first set of 8 rounds at 100 yards with Nosler polymer tips are below. I was aiming at the bottom of the bottom target. I am quite high and a bit off to the left. But the iron sights, even though with my 61 year old eyes I could barely see the rear leaf, gave me a group of about 5 inches. Three of the bullets made one hole.


Then I went to Winchester ammo. 5 shots at 100 yards with the irons, again aiming at the bottom of the bottom target. Again quite high and to the left. About a 4 inch group:


My plan to is find a scope, mount it well and see what the gun can do.

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I really like the 257 Roberts. Very nice rifle. It will do much better than that. I found the Hornady Superperformance 117gr SST's to work very well in factory ammo. I use that bullet in my handloads as well. I am going to try Hybrid 100 soon. They say easy extra 200fps without increased pressures. Well see. May the 257 live for a long long time.

Nice gun and caliber. Yeah a new scope is in order. Much better glass these days in most models. if I was to start again I would look for a .243 or .257 for my choice. Enough for any deer I ever bagged.

I tried dozens of combinations in my .257 and the best grouping load by far is with the Sierre 117 grain Pro Hunter, flat based bullet. The Roberts is an outstanding deer cartridge!

That is one gorgeous Model 70 in a truly classic chambering. Slap a new optic set up on that bad boy and get back out there.

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Some Might Say.

Weaver was a Great scope back in its day.............
however with this many years under its belt, the glass or vision
might not be the best and be rated at 90% clear, or less.

A walk to a sporting goods store and a hands on of the new sights
might be in order if you can come up with the money to maybe
improve your shooting accuracy.

Great looking rifle and a super caliber for light to medium heavy work.
Enjoy.

I have a 1.5-5 on my Mauser action. Works for anything up close to as far as I want to shoot at big game. My father had a 2.5 Bushnell Banner on his 17 Enfield but when I inherited it I put a Leopold 1.5-5 on it also. Dropped elk with it from 60 yds to 250 yds. They work and make the gun look sleek and slim IMO. Antelope with the 257 at or near 225yds and close as 45 yds. BANG DRT.

My suggestion is stop smoking weed and study history. You'll be back on track in no time!

Couldn't resist, really sorry!

But seriously, that is a beautiful rifle, what a treasure!

I always had a soft spot for the Winchester M70! I never owned one and probably never will since I do not hunt Big Game, but I always enjoy shooting and drooling over ones my friends own.

If I ever did buy one it would be a vintage model chambered in 30-06.

a Lyman Alaskan in some period mounts (buehler, stith, etc) would be pretty sexual on that fine rifle.....

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Kris
OGCA, NRA LM

I see no need for a 257 as i have multiple 30-06s, 308s, 270s , a 7mag and a 243 but if i find a left hand 257 Roberts for a good price it is going home with me. I also wish there were more chamberings in left hand M70s.

Beautiful rifle. While I would put a more modern scope on it or maybe for nostalgia properly reinstall that Weaver don't overlook a peep sight if you want iron sights and your eyes aren't 20 anymore. I am 57 and don't do well with a standard rear sight either.

Again a beautiful rifle in a useful clambering. Hope you enjoy it a lot.