Ted Williams M 53 bolt - Winchester?

JackHurst99 · February 22, 2005, 05:05 PM

I have a Ted Williams Model 53 bolt 30-06. I was wondering if this is a Winchester and if so what model does it compare to in Winchester. I was also wondering what time periods they were made in.

Jim Watson · February 22, 2005, 05:54 PM

It is a Winchester Model 70 post '64 design.

The Model 53 Ted Williams is listed in the Gun Digest from 1966 through 1973 although there were fewer choices in the '73 edition (published in '72) and they were probably just selling off stock on hand.

Winchester changed the action again in 1968, and I would assume they sold Sears the current model. I don't remember whether the anti-bind feature was a groove in the bolt locking lug running on a rib in the receiver or a rib on the bolt running in a groove in the receiver, but if it is a post-68 there will be some added machining on one locking lug.

JackHurst99 · February 23, 2005, 02:03 PM

thanks for the reply. i was curious though i looked further and it said JC Higgins on the barrell and an old gunsmith I knew had told me it was a Savage. I am looking to get a JC Higgins barrell and just wanted to make sure it would be compatible. thanks.

Jim Watson · February 23, 2005, 03:05 PM

Now wait just a minute.
J.C. Higgins was an earlier Sears sporting goods trademark and may not be the same basic gun as a Ted Williams. The Gun Digests I have are not 100% reliable on small details, there may have been some Winchester made JCH rifles in the early 60s, right after Winchester changed the design, but there were a bunch on Mauser, Sako, and HVA actions, too. I see nothing like a Savage.
Best get the rifle to somebody knowledgeable, or post a picture.

JackHurst99 · February 26, 2005, 07:34 PM

had it checked further and it is a winchester. thanks.

February 22, 2005, 05:05 PM	#1
JackHurst99 Member Join Date: February 22, 2005 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 21	Ted Williams M 53 bolt - Winchester? I have a Ted Williams Model 53 bolt 30-06. I was wondering if this is a Winchester and if so what model does it compare to in Winchester. I was also wondering what time periods they were made in.

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February 22, 2005, 05:54 PM	#2
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,535	It is a Winchester Model 70 post '64 design. The Model 53 Ted Williams is listed in the Gun Digest from 1966 through 1973 although there were fewer choices in the '73 edition (published in '72) and they were probably just selling off stock on hand. Winchester changed the action again in 1968, and I would assume they sold Sears the current model. I don't remember whether the anti-bind feature was a groove in the bolt locking lug running on a rib in the receiver or a rib on the bolt running in a groove in the receiver, but if it is a post-68 there will be some added machining on one locking lug.

February 23, 2005, 02:03 PM	#3
JackHurst99 Member Join Date: February 22, 2005 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 21	thanks for the reply. i was curious though i looked further and it said JC Higgins on the barrell and an old gunsmith I knew had told me it was a Savage. I am looking to get a JC Higgins barrell and just wanted to make sure it would be compatible. thanks.

February 23, 2005, 03:05 PM	#4
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,535	Now wait just a minute. J.C. Higgins was an earlier Sears sporting goods trademark and may not be the same basic gun as a Ted Williams. The Gun Digests I have are not 100% reliable on small details, there may have been some Winchester made JCH rifles in the early 60s, right after Winchester changed the design, but there were a bunch on Mauser, Sako, and HVA actions, too. I see nothing like a Savage. Best get the rifle to somebody knowledgeable, or post a picture.

February 26, 2005, 07:34 PM	#5
JackHurst99 Member Join Date: February 22, 2005 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 21	had it checked further and it is a winchester. thanks.