Sears Model 53

[ThePenguinKnight]

Walking through a place yesterday, I noticed a particular rifle on the rack; nothing terribly noteworthy about it, but it caught my eye. When I looked closer, I found that it literally had my name on it: my last name is Sears, and it is a Sears model 53 in .30-06 with some kind of hardwood stock and an unmarked 4x scope. I was short on time, and was not able to inspect the bore or give it more than a cursory inspection, but I had them hold it for me to come back and look tomorrow.

A quick search around the internet yields that this rifle is a Winchester m70 rebrand. The sticker price is about $400, and I think I can talk them down a bit. Obviously a lot rides on the condition of the bore, but if its all in good shape and a closer inspection turns out favorably, I'm curious how much this rifle might be worth, and if it would be a better (or at least equivalent) option than a new $300-400 rifle.

Anyone have experience with these rifles? I've heard good things about Win m70s, of course, but have no personal experience. The wood stock is very appealing, as my only rifle wears an inexpensive synthetic stock that flexed quite a bit; does a wood stock make a huge difference in accuracy or handling?

Thanks all, and happy Resurrection day

 

[ThePenguinKnight]

Also, if anyone has any general information about these rifles, or about dating the rifle, I'd be appreciatove. Thanks.

 

[Slamfire]

The Sears Model 53 is a push feed M70 Winchester.

The push feed rifles date from 1965 up. I don't know when Sears stopped stocking this model, probably in the 70's.

The push feed M70 is a fine rifle, Sears versions probably had plainer wood and maybe some small things less polished, but functionally it will be a M70.

I saw a web auction where one went for $276.00.

I am unaware of any collector interest in Sears Brands.

Actions should not be bowed or flex under firing. A cheap flexible stock made of wood or plastic will not give the best results on paper as the action vibrations will be inconsistent and varying. An action needs to be bedded in a stiff stock.

Whether that stiff stock is wood or plastic is a personal preference.