Sears Model 53 vs. Winchester Model 70

[doctorj77]

I'm picking up a mint looking Sears Model 53 for $275 tomorrow. I know from what I read that this is a Winchester Model 70 made for a store label. While everything I've read from googling, is that this IS a Winchester.

But I keep hearing the M53 is the generic version of the M70, but whats the generic part? Is the stock made of a less quality walnut than the M70? Are the parts not interchangeable? Is the material the parts made out of, not the same?

I'm just confused. I hear both are a great gun, because, they are one-in-the-same ? Right? Just one got a different set of rollmarks from the factory than the other.

So other than one saying Sears vs Winchester on it, what's the quality difference?

[mpd61]

Just buy it. I assume it's a 30-06 or .270? In any event it will NOT be a "pre-64" Model 70, but it should be a solid performer and make you happy.
:)

[doctorj77]

Yeah, forgot to say its a 30-06, and is a short extractor/push feed, so your right, post 64, but I think Sears stopped selling them in 81, or 82. So its made somewhere in between.

In any case, for $275 for a "generic" Winchester, I'm sure I'll be happy with it.

[Scorch]

But I keep hearing the M53 is the generic version of the M70, but whats the generic part?
Generic??? How about "store brand" or "private labeled". That's the proper terminology. Same Model 70. Same parts. Same stock as a comparable Model 70 (actually, IIRC it was a re-branded Model 670 with the blind magazine, but maybe not). Just that on the barrel it says "Sears" instead of "Winchester". Later ones (post 1970-ish) said "Ted Williams". Still the same gun.

[jaguarxk120]

The stock may be made of birch not walnut. The finish may not have the same polish as a M70.

The end result is how the rifle performs and weather you are happy with it.

[doofus47]

I'm very happy with my Model 53. I no longer feel the need to buy a "real" Win M70.

[doctorj77]

Thanks for the update guys. Sounds like their a hidden bargain that most people don't think to look for.

Yeah, of all the post I read on other forums, not once did I ever see anything eluding to them being identical. But more often than not, I read people's opinions on referring to the Sears as a Generic or Cheaper version of the M70.

Since I never owned or handled either, I didn't know what was fact or opinion.
Well I feel better about it now. So IF anything should break, all I would have to do is shop for M70 parts online.

Well I'm definitely looking forward to. I'll try to post up pics tomorrow after I get it.

[doctorj77]

A month late here, but did get the rifle. Took it shooting with iron sights. I did upgrade to a limbsaver pad and put a Barksa 6x24x42 scope on it. Still have to sight it in. But for just under $375 invested. I'm happy. The trigger is ridiculously light too.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m11/doctorj77/Firearms/Sears%20Model%2053/SearsModel53f.jpg
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m11/doctorj77/Firearms/Sears%20Model%2053/SearsModel53g.jpg
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m11/doctorj77/Firearms/Sears%20Model%2053/SearsModel53l.jpg
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m11/doctorj77/Firearms/Sears%20Model%2053/SearsModel53m.jpg

[Buzzard Bait]

Looks like a keeper to me. Does it shoot as good as it looks?
bb

[doctorj77]

Thx, with the iron sights its dead on. The action and trigger feel just as nice as any Remington 700. Plus I like the safety. It has a two stage design, where the 2nd stage allows you to unload the weapon with one in the chamber while still locking out the firing pin. So it wont' accidentally discharge.

[Buzzcook]

My first Model 70 was a Sears Model 53 and I was very happy with it.

iirc the stock was not as fancy as some of the Winchesters I'd seen. The working parts were exactly the same.