Ted Williams 30-30

[76shuvlinoff]

Is a Ted Williams 30-30 a lesser rifle than a Winchester?

I read about Winnie's and Marlins, never much about the Ted Williams signature series. I acquired on some time ago just because I could. Shoots well and keeps company with my Marlins ( however I don't have a 336 yet). I was just wondering if it's the same as a Win 94 or if I'm missing something more than the name.

Thanks!

 

[jimmyraythomason]

Does it look like this? <http://www.cabelas.com/gun-inventory---east-hartford---fine-rifle---1390660-tedwil3030m100-eh.shtml>

 

[NCsmitty]

It is simply a Winchester '94 made to Sears specifications, for sale through the Sears chain stores back in the day.
I would guess that the Ted Williams series will only appreciate in value as time goes on.

I believe that some parts for that model are still available at Numrich Arms.



NCsmitty

 

[Slamfire]

I really doubt any store branded rifle will ever be worth more than the same model branded with the Manufacturer’s name.

People are just so brand conscious, as an example just look at the fashion industry. Same product made at the same factory but the one with the designer name stitched on it commands a 5X to 10X price increase.

Look at Garands and Carbines with the name Winchester on them. These WWII rifles show some of the roughest machining of those model made. And yet people will pay a premium more for the name Winchester on their Garand/Carbine.

This name recognition so extremely valuable that Brands will spend big dollars protecting their names and trademarks.

Your Ted Williams is a fine rifle. Sears did not merchandise junk back then, so go out and shoot the thing and enjoy it.

 

[natman]

Sears sold a lot of different rifles. Sometimes they sold rifles that were exactly the same as the original manufacturer's offering. I have a Voere 22 semi that even has the Voere markings still on it, just an extra Ted Williams stamp on the barrel to show that it came from Sears. (I wonder if I should have the barrel cryogenically frozen?). It's worth about $400 - I bought it for $99 marked as "Sears 22".

Some of the rifles are the same as the factory offerings with minor changes such as plainer wood or simpler sights. Some were combinations that no one else offered, such as the JC Higgins Model 50, which uses an FN Mauser action and a Hi Standard barrel, and is an excellent rifle.

Your TW 100 is probably a Winchester 1894 with a different stamp on the barrel.

P.S. pictures would help.

 

[peabody]

i have a old sears 16ga single barrel, shotgun...[its a winchester] great gun.

 

[76shuvlinoff]

Hope this comes out, used my cell phone and don't really have a good picture taking spot plus it's overcast and a bit rainy today.
I believe this Ted Williams 30-30 is from the late 70s early 80s, I bought it almost a year ago from a friend just because I love levers and didn't have a 30-30 in the herd. The potential value is not much of an issue I was mainly wondering if these were inferior to the pure Winchester labeled rifles of the time.
I find it operationally rougher than my Marlins and I have to focus to squeeze the lever to release the trigger stop, not something I have to do on the other levers I have.
Not visible in the pic there is a side plate on it for an offset scope. That arrangement is of no use to me being a hard core lefty. I want to find the right screws and ditch the mounting plate as well. The only rust pits on the gun are under that plate. The wood is in great shape I installed a pachmeyer (sp?) pad as I have a motorcycle shoulder and even the recoil of a 30-30 gets real irritating quickly.

 

[Slamfire]

used my cell phone and don't really have a good picture taking spot plus it's overcast and a bit rainy today.

The picture came out surprisingly well.

My best gun pictures are taken in overcast conditions. You don't get sunlight glare or reflection off metal and the shadows are virtually non existent.

Winchester could not afford to set a line up for "crappy" store brand rifles and "good" Winchester brand. There will be differences in wood and metal finish, but those are cosmetic.

As for your rifle being rough, add oil and work the lever a hundred thousand times.

 

[76shuvlinoff]

Thanks for the input Slamfire and all.

I don't hunt and being a lefty seems to take the whole scope thing out of the picture as far as bragable shots go. This is one of those guns that'll get shot mostly for fun then eventually given to someone that'll use it how it was intended. I dig levers, this one seems pretty accurate and it belonged to an old friend of mine so that's enough reason to keep it for me.