Custom Winchester pre-64 70 .257 Roberts, Ike Ellis attribution, AAA English, recontoured barrel, rust blue, superb bore, 95 percent

Custom Winchester pre-64 Model 70 .257 Roberts. Logically attributed to Ike Ellis but unsigned, serial 108459 is based on a Model 70 action made in 1949 which appears to have originally been a .220 Swift (has Swift extractor ring, magazine box and a short follower). That said, the barrel stamp (underside at the lug) is “257 R 49”. The barrel has been reduced to 22 inches and recontoured so no evidence of drilling/tapping remains. Features include a rust blue finish, three-position safety, checkered bolt knob (two panels) and a reprofiled/ checkered bolt release button. Talley mounts (1-inch medium rings) are attached. Trigger pull is crisp. STOCK: Drawn from a heavily-figured AAA-grade English blank, formalities include an ebony forend tip, 24 lines-per-inch borderless wrap checkering highlighted by intricate fleurs, scalloped cheek rest with shadow line, steel grip cap, sling swivel studs and a Pachmayr recoil pad. The action is bedded at the lug. DIMENSIONS: Weight is 8.2 pounds and the length-of-pull is 13.45 inches. CONDITION: The bore is outstanding, strong and bright. Metal finish is approximately 97 percent and wood is approximately 95 percent with a modest distribution of minor field impressions. The price is firm and layaway is available. $4,500 plus shipping.