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Need Info, Colt M57, Bolt Action, is it an FN?

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02 July 2007, 00:45
Recoil Rob
Need Info, Colt M57, Bolt Action, is it an FN?
One for sale at a local shop, doesn't have much wear, does have a Pachmyer White line though. Are these FN actions? I found an old Colt ad that says FN w/ Sako triggers, the action is just marked "MADE IN BELGIUM".

Apparently only 5000 made, this one may be a deluxe, stock is a Monte Carlo with ebony tip, not well done at all, but it is D&T'd for scope and receiver sight. The barrel is a micro groove (12 groove) type in 30.06, no rear narrel sight but a ramp front.

Nothing special except the action.. what's a good price? I imagine the same as a Higgins FN?


02 July 2007, 01:08
tin can
half-hearted try:

quote:
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. The book says there was a deluxe version with higher grade wood. Current value for Very Good Condition is listed at $450... about 20% more if it's the deluxe.

Not much collector interest, since Colt didn't actually make it. They had it private labeled for them to sell. So I wouldn't expect it to be a good investment.


http://www.shootingusa.com/GUN_QUESTIONS/gun_questions.html#17

from the ad: "twelve groove ratchet rifled barrel".

02 July 2007, 03:07
Recoil Rob
Anyone know if these are C or H ring actions?
02 July 2007, 04:02
fla3006
H-ring FN Deluxe (C-rings discontinued after 1947). $400-$500 area. Some collectors value the Colt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing stamp on the barrel but it is basically a parts gun, very similar to Higgins M50.


NRA Life Member, Band of Bubbas Charter Member, PGCA, DRSS.
Shoot & hunt with vintage classics.
02 July 2007, 04:31
Recoil Rob
That Colt stamp is pretty ugly, big block letters, ugh!

Know anything about the 12 groove rifling? Any advantage or 1950's hype?

I'm going to see what I can get it for, keep the action and part out the rest.


Thanks, Rob
02 July 2007, 04:52
fla3006
Marlin also used FN Deluxe actions to make a few bolt rifles in 1957 (the model 455). They used their own stainless microgroove barrels. Could be Marlin barrels on the "Colt".

I had 2 Colt FN Mausers. I did not part them out because they are fairly scarce and do command a slight collector premium over other house-brand FNs.


NRA Life Member, Band of Bubbas Charter Member, PGCA, DRSS.
Shoot & hunt with vintage classics.
02 July 2007, 21:32
Plateau Hunter
Fla3006-I know it is picking at details but I have a FI marked FN action dated 1948 that is a C-ring. It has the wing safety, no stripper clip guides and is on a Johnson Automatics rifle in .300 Savage. It is a really a nice rifle but needs the old deteriorating gummy recoil pad replaced.

I was thinking the H-ring versions started around 1950 or so. Plateau Hunter