Colt 57 30-06. What is this?

[57schwada]

Still having questions about my late Fathers Collection. Here I have a Colt 57 based on a Mauser action. The person he bought it from saw fit to install a rear peep sight. Don't know why as I can't get my head low enough to get a sight picture! This rifle has nothing outstanding to speak of, however, he thought it collectable due to the Colt name. What say you?

 

[Robert Richardson]

That's probably a factory sight. Google is your friend.

 

[BigMoose]

The Colt "57" Bolt Action Rifle was manufactured for Colt in 1957 by Jefferson Manufacturing Co. also of Hartford, CT. They made about 5,000 chambered in either .243 or 30-06. It came with adjustable sights. And it's basically a Fabrique Nationale Mauser action, barreled by Jefferson and matched with an American Walnut Monte Carlo Stock.

 

[57schwada]

Thanks guys!

Double R.... I seriously doubt that these peep sights are factory stock. they HAVE to be aftermarket. Hell, I really need to jam my face down on the stock to get a sight picture - and when I do, it's most uncomfortable. I really wouldn't want to touch that thing off the way it's set up!

Big Moose... Many thanks for the info. I guess my question is - is it a collectable, or everyday beater?

 

[drillsgt]

Thanks guys!

Double R.... I seriously doubt that these peep sights are factory stock. they HAVE to be aftermarket. Hell, I really need to jam my face down on the stock to get a sight picture - and when I do, it's most uncomfortable. I really wouldn't want to touch that thing off the way it's set up!

Big Moose... Many thanks for the info. I guess my question is - is it a collectable, or everyday beater?

Those peep sights seem to be factory original based on other pictures I found.

 

[57schwada]

WOW.... Well then.... I seriously think this thing has EVER been fired! yeah - they are the WORST sights I've ever seen on a rifle. I don't plan on ever shooting it, so I won't mess with the peeps.

Still - my big question... Is it a collectors? suspect not given the responses so far.
May part with it.
Thanks!

 

[1nderbeard]

WOW.... Well then.... I seriously think this thing has EVER been fired! yeah - they are the WORST sights I've ever seen on a rifle. I don't plan on ever shooting it, so I won't mess with the peeps.

Still - my big question... Is it a collectors? suspect not given the responses so far.
May part with it.
Thanks!

per google, the rifle is not overly collectible. Gunbroker has a rifle with the same name (not sure if it's actually the same model) listed for $700. Another forum (2010) opined that it's value was $300-$400. If it were me I'd try to mount a scope on it and keep it as a deer rifle.

 

[57schwada]

Thanks 1nderbeard - I did see that one, and nah, it actually looks to have a snazzier stock than mine. Mine is drilled and tapped for a scope rail , but I really don't want to mess with all of that. May give it to the kid or sell it when I get to my requisite 50 posts. No rush as this all is kinda fun. I have a No.1 in 460 S&W for deer. I call it my howitzer!

 

[57schwada]

All, I have sold the 30-06 Colt 57 to a younger person who fell in love with it. Hmmm... Typically they are all about the black rifles. I'm hoping he plans on keeping it forever.

 

[Robert Richardson]

If it was my dad's, I would have kept it. Just saying.