Win61 said

Bert,
I sold the 61 at the Cody show but have acquired a replacement. One of these days (health and weather cooperating) I will take it to the range for an accuracy test.
Win 61
  

I see that you have joined in the "Hornets Nest"  Currently, I have (4), two standard Hornets, and two K-Hornets.  You might consider adding a Model 54 Hornet to your "nest".

This was my recent range result with my Model 54 Hornet (the flier was the first cold barrel shot).  13.5 grains of Hodgdon Lil'Gun, 40-grain Hornady V-Max bullet @ 100-yds

Bert

As always, I respect your opinion and appreciate your willingness to share your vast knowledge of the model 70s. I agree with your opinion that the 22H would sell for a little more than the 257R.

Recently I started collecting 22H caliber rifles. I have now aquired 6 22H caliber rifles. Two post war Super Grade model 70s. Two standard models, one prewar and one 1954. One Winchester model 43 and a Kimber of Oregon model 82. I am in the negotiating phase with a Kimber of Oregon Super America (we will see). I am looking for a prewar model 70 Super Grade with NO extra holes. There is a nice one on Guns International asking $15,000. That is a little above my pay grade. I will keep looking.

Bert,

I sold the 61 at the Cody show but have acquired a replacement. One of these days (health and weather cooperating) I will take it to the range for an accuracy test.

Win 61

Relative value of 22 Hornet versus 257 Roberts in a Carbine??? It's hard to compare market value of guns that don't turn up regularly for sale.  Both are popular cartridges with collectors.  There really are no reliable data on whether one is more rare than the other.  I total, Winchester made a few more M70s in Hornet than Roberts, but neither chambering is truly "rare".

My sense (meaning unfounded opinion) is that the Carbine in 22 HORNET would probably fetch maybe 15-20% more at auction compared to an equivalent 257 ROBERTS, and about double what a clean 30 GOV'T'06 Carbine would.

Best,

Lou

Win61 said
Lou,
How would you rate the value of a prewar 22H carbine against a 257R carbine. I noticed the Rule book showed more 22H rifles (all style) from 1936-1950 than 257R. I have a transition (S/N 72758) 257R carbine. Oh, I almost forget, mine also has an extra hole in the transition bridge. What this would be used for is anybody's guess, BUBBA at work. By the way I would trade my 257R for a like 22H to add to my HORNETS NEST. Stay tuned.
Bert,
You walked by my Winchester model 61 Mag at the Cody show. guaranteed minute of Squirrel. It also was overpriced.
Win61
  

I had already committed to enriching Ben before arriving at the Cody show, so I wasn't really looking at any other Model 61 22 WMRs rifles at the Cody show.

Bert,
You walked by my Winchester model 61 Mag at the Cody show. guaranteed minute of Squirrel. It also was overpriced.

Win61

I don't want to sound like a Grumpy Old PIA (even though I am one ), but I'm afraid that it would take multiple detailed photos, particularly everything to do with the barrel (ramp, crown, roll marks, proofs, under barrel stamps) to answer your question.  It would also help for you to consider (you do not need to name names here) WHO is "offering" the gun...  An "Old Friend" or a "Dealer"...

M70 Carbines, in and of themselves, are not particularly "rare".  They made almost 8,000 of them.  But they are "popular" amongst collectors and original ones command high prices.  There is really NO (as in ZERO) accurate information about relative rarity of style/chambering of M70 Carbines (WADR to Roger Rule), but 22 HORNET would be among the less common ones.  Hence, there is A LOT of fakery when it comes to Carbines in 22 HORNET, 250-3000 SAV, 7 M/M, 35 REM, etc.   The buyer MUST beware, especially when dealing with "dealers"...  Even honest dealers may not know what's "fake" and what's "real"...

Anyway...  A clean legit pre-64 M70 22 Hornet would be a pricey gun.  Easily reach $7.5K or more in a well-attended auction.  A single bridge hole for a Redfield JR mount is a significant "hit" but I'm still thinking it's a $5K gun.  In a perverse way, the hole adds weight to the "authenticity" argument, since most fakers would repair that hole.  Yes, I know, it's dirty...  But buying/selling/collecting "rare" M70s is a dirty business.  Too many people out there who will do anything for a buck...

So it all comes down to pics...

Good Luck!!!  Just my (cynical) take...

Lou

P.S.  This one MIGHT (???) be a legit 22 HORNET Carbine.  If anyone sees any issues PLEASE let me know...

I love pre 64 winchester model 70s!

Anthony #5411 said

............ after meeting you, it's no wonder he took a liking to you.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Tony
  

Thanks Tony!  It was great meeting and talking with you in Ohio Too............

george@georgeamlott.com said

Anthony #5411 said                                                                                                                                                                                                   For me a little bit of wood glue into the split, with a strap to help tighten it wouldn't hurt. IMO!
Thanks for sharing!
Tony 
  

That's sort of what Lou said.........except he suggested a different type of glue (after he told me to maybe just leave it alone).  The small check actually is more visible in the close-up pictures than to the naked eye.  It is directly in line with the butt plate screw hole, so I believe that it just occurred naturally as there is no evidence that the rifle has been dropped or played with in any way. I'll probably just leave it alone for now.  It'll be securely tucked away in my safe.....not out in the field. Maybe Lou will chime back in on the subject.........
  

George,

I can agree with you, and also like Lou's suggestion. I can understand how these pictures, can make something like that , look worse than it really is!

Like I was saying before, that little check wouldn't stop me from pursuing this rifle as it's very nice, and you're lucky to have the opportunity to meet an older gentleman as you have, and after meeting you, it's no wonder he took a liking to you.

Tony

Anthony #5411 said                                                                                                                                                                                                   For me a little bit of wood glue into the split, with a strap to help tighten it wouldn't hurt. IMO!
Thanks for sharing!
Tony 
  

That's sort of what Lou said.........except he suggested a different type of glue (after he told me to maybe just leave it alone).  The small check actually is more visible in the close-up pictures than to the naked eye.  It is directly in line with the butt plate screw hole, so I believe that it just occurred naturally as there is no evidence that the rifle has been dropped or played with in any way. I'll probably just leave it alone for now.  It'll be securely tucked away in my safe.....not out in the field. Maybe Lou will chime back in on the subject.........

George,

I really like you're example! The little bit of glare on a few pics, isn't that bad and a very selection of pictures, as this time of year with the Sun glare can be a challenge. IMO!

Not knocking the rifle at all, just curious from others as I suspect the small and very little split in the wood, at the heal of the butt stock, that doesn't bother me in the least and wouldn't deter me from pursuing this fine example, was possibly caused by the screw hole, as a weak spot in the wood, as the Fine Walnut Wood on this rifle, can tend to move a little in different weather conditions, as on others. For me a little bit of wood glue into the split, with a strap to help tighten it wouldn't hurt. IMO!

Thanks for sharing!

Tony