FN Mauser 257 Roberts

[Atticus]

My safe was in need of something in the quarter bore department and, due to my affinity for classic cartridges, started looking for a 257 Roberts. I found a good deal on this FN commercial Mauser, complete with RCBS dies, Lyman 57 peep, Leupold rings/bases, some brass and 5 boxes of ammo for a price I couldn’t pass up. As there is no thumb cut on the action and the safety is on the bolt, I believe the rifle was built between ‘48 and ‘52. The stock has no serial number and looks different from any of the other FNs I’ve seen, so possibly a replacement? There is a small space between the bolt stop and the stock which makes me think aftermarket too. After a very thorough cleaning, I mounted a Leupold VX2 3-9 and ran it out to the range on a very cold day for a function test and it shoots well. Better shakedown to come when temps get into the 40s…

I’m no expert on these so any thoughts or info on this rifle is appreciated. I’m considering loading with 100 grain TTSX but am open to suggestions!

Love the double set trigger—functions perfectly.

It appeared that no one had been inside the action in a very long time. Just dust though and it cleaned up nice

The rifle is in very nice shape and I’m pleased with the addition. While waiting for it to warm up outside, I’ll remove the varnish/shellac, which is flaking off and filled the checkering then clean up and cold blue the steel butt plate.

 

[Roosterlund]

Very nice find!! Beautiful rifle, love the set triggers!

 

[MS 9x56]

Definitely an aftermarket stock.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

I see two triggers but only one barrel.

 

[K E Johnson]

I see two triggers but only one barrel.

It has a set trigger. Pull the rear trigger and the front becomes a very light or “hair” trigger.

 

[Hedge774]

Man. That's gorgeous.

 

[cash_tx]

Great looking rifle, and I hope it serves you well. First one I've seen with the double set trigger, that's neat. I have a similar one - FN 1953 in 257 Roberts with an aftermarket stock, Timney trigger, and Leupold 4-12 glossy scope. It shoots Hornady 117gr +P SSTs sub-moa, but I'm only using those because that's what the rifle came with. Were I starting from scratch, I would handload the same Barnes 100gr TTSXs that you are considering.

 

[Doug Hamilton]

My safe was in need of something in the quarter bore department and, due to my affinity for classic cartridges, started looking for a 257 Roberts. I found a good deal on this FN commercial Mauser, complete with RCBS dies, Lyman 57 peep, Leupold rings/bases, some brass and 5 boxes of ammo for a price I couldn’t pass up. As there is no thumb cut on the action and the safety is on the bolt, I believe the rifle was built between ‘48 and ‘52. The stock has no serial number and looks different from any of the other FNs I’ve seen, so possibly a replacement? There is a small space between the bolt stop and the stock which makes me think aftermarket too. After a very thorough cleaning, I mounted a Leupold VX2 3-9 and ran it out to the range on a very cold day for a function test and it shoots well. Better shakedown to come when temps get into the 40s…

I’m no expert on these so any thoughts or info on this rifle is appreciated. I’m considering loading with 100 grain TTSX but am open to suggestions!

Love the double set trigger—functions perfectly.

It appeared that no one had been inside the action in a very long time. Just dust though and it cleaned up nice

The rifle is in very nice shape and I’m pleased with the addition. While waiting for it to warm up outside, I’ll remove the varnish/shellac, which is flaking off and filled the checkering then clean up and cold blue the steel butt plate.

Very nice. I like it!

 

[F. Vaccaro]

That is a beautiful rifle, thanks for sharing.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

My safe was in need of something in the quarter bore department and, due to my affinity for classic cartridges, started looking for a 257 Roberts. I found a good deal on this FN commercial Mauser, complete with RCBS dies, Lyman 57 peep, Leupold rings/bases, some brass and 5 boxes of ammo for a price I couldn’t pass up. As there is no thumb cut on the action and the safety is on the bolt, I believe the rifle was built between ‘48 and ‘52. The stock has no serial number and looks different from any of the other FNs I’ve seen, so possibly a replacement? There is a small space between the bolt stop and the stock which makes me think aftermarket too. After a very thorough cleaning, I mounted a Leupold VX2 3-9 and ran it out to the range on a very cold day for a function test and it shoots well. Better shakedown to come when temps get into the 40s…

I’m no expert on these so any thoughts or info on this rifle is appreciated. I’m considering loading with 100 grain TTSX but am open to suggestions!


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Love the double set trigger—functions perfectly.

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It appeared that no one had been inside the action in a very long time. Just dust though and it cleaned up nice

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The rifle is in very nice shape and I’m pleased with the addition. While waiting for it to warm up outside, I’ll remove the varnish/shellac, which is flaking off and filled the checkering then clean up and cold blue the steel butt plate.

@Atticus
Load the 100gn TTSX to 3,200-3,300fps and go have fun
The Roberts is a habdloaders dream and can be loaded to run not that far behind the 25-06.
The 117gn SST is another good bullet in the 25s and in the Roberts you can get 2,900fos safely.
I have killed a lot of game with that bullet in my 25 at over 3,300fps. Great on game oerfot and a lot cheaper than the Barnes. Don't get me wrong the Barnes are great but our game in at doesn't really need a premium bullet.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Great looking rifle, and I hope it serves you well. First one I've seen with the double set trigger, that's neat. I have a similar one - FN 1953 in 257 Roberts with an aftermarket stock, Timney trigger, and Leupold 4-12 glossy scope. It shoots Hornady 117gr +P SSTs sub-moa, but I'm only using those because that's what the rifle came with. Were I starting from scratch, I would handload the same Barnes 100gr TTSXs that you are considering.

@cash_tx
There's nought wrong with the 117gn SST.
I have taken a truck load of critters from rabbit to deer with them.
I have never recovered one as they are usually pass thru with massive damage in the way they and big holes in the way out. I send them out the barrel at over 3,300fps and whatever they hit doesn't go far or drops in the spot.
Don't underestimate how good they are.
Bob

 

[Atticus]

Thanks for the comments everyone. The ammo it came with is Hornady superformance, 117 SST. It shot a 1MOA group when I gave it a quick shakedown—I’m sure I’ll do better when it’s not 25 degrees and windy. I was disappointed with the 2750fps+- (25 shot average) I was getting—the box lists 2940 from a 24” barrel. No problem though, I really wanted the brass. I’ll start reloading when I finish up the remaining few boxes—looking forward to working up the loads

The 257 Bob is a terrific addition to the classics lineup in my safe!

404 Jeff, 300 H&H, 9.3x62, 30-06, 257 Roberts