Sears Model 53

PAHOGHUNTER · April 2, 2006, 10:16 AM

Hi I recently attended a firearms auction and on the table I saw a SEARS MODEL 53 bolt action rifle in 30-06, on the tag it was marked WINCHESTER MOD. 70. The person next to me purcased it for $250.00, and told me it was a pre-64. I agree it is a WINCHESTER but a pre-64?

James K · April 2, 2006, 12:01 PM

The Sears Model 53 was a "store brand" Winchester Model 70 with a "hardwood" stock (not top quality walnut), and less quality in fit and finish. I believe they were all of the "pre-64" type.

In most respects and for most purposes, they are just as good as the Model 70 under its own name, but for evaluation and sale, they are just not a "real" Winchester 70. The price mentioned seems fair.

Jim

MR.MILSURP · February 9, 2012, 09:48 AM

this is an old thread but worth reviving- I have a Sears Model 53

they are not all "pre 64" The one I have is post-64, actually post-1968 because it has the bolt with the anti-bind feature, i.e. extra slot on right side of the bolt head, just below the right side locking lug, that didn't appear until 1968 on the "improved" new model 70.

what most don't realize about the post-1964 model 70 is, it was changed twice. First model was 1964-67. Next model was 1968-up. I'm referring to the push feed model 70, not the newer FN-made controlled feed model 70 that is now made in S. Carolina.

even more important, the post-64 model 70 actually had a few very important improvements over the pre-64 model. The breeching system was by far safer and stronger. The post-64 model 70 had a flat breach, rather than a coned breech that exposed the case head of the cartridge. And the bolt head fully enclosed the case head of the cartridge, like a Remington or Weatherby case head does.

the coned breech of the pre-64 was copied from the old Springfield 1903 and Enfield 1917 rifles, and was just as antiquated. It's also dangerous if a case head lets loose, sending a high volume of gas back in the shooter's face.

The post-68 had a smoother bolt stroke than any model 70 before it, due to the anti-bind feature of the bolt head.

they actually are a very good firearm, and highly UNDER rated. They are superior to the same era Remington model 700 in fit and finish. The only improvement they need, is a second gas vent hole drilled in the left side of the receiver, to vent the left side bolt lug raceway, and to augment the gas hole in the right side, for added safety.

PetahW · February 9, 2012, 11:21 AM

[I saw a SEARS MODEL 53 bolt action rifle in 30-06, on the tag it was marked WINCHESTER MOD. 70. The person next to me purcased it for $250.00, and told me it was a pre-64. I agree it is a WINCHESTER but a pre-64? ]

It was a pre-64 ONLY if it's bolt had a long/external claw extractor, and not the post-64's small one.

AFAIK, the Sears/Winchester contract was signed, to be effective with Winchester's post-64 rifles & shotguns, up until Sears discontimued firearms sales.

.

MR.MILSURP · February 9, 2012, 04:30 PM

I never saw a model 53 with a claw extractor pre-64, so I'm inclined to agree with you.

I do have a model 50 and 51, both of those are built on the same Belgian FN deluxe action with claw extractor

April 2, 2006, 10:16 AM	#1
PAHOGHUNTER Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2004 Location: southern pa Posts: 199	Sears Model 53 Hi I recently attended a firearms auction and on the table I saw a SEARS MODEL 53 bolt action rifle in 30-06, on the tag it was marked WINCHESTER MOD. 70. The person next to me purcased it for $250.00, and told me it was a pre-64. I agree it is a WINCHESTER but a pre-64?

April 2, 2006, 12:01 PM	#2
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	The Sears Model 53 was a "store brand" Winchester Model 70 with a "hardwood" stock (not top quality walnut), and less quality in fit and finish. I believe they were all of the "pre-64" type. In most respects and for most purposes, they are just as good as the Model 70 under its own name, but for evaluation and sale, they are just not a "real" Winchester 70. The price mentioned seems fair. Jim

February 9, 2012, 09:48 AM	#3
MR.MILSURP Member Join Date: February 1, 2010 Posts: 16	this is an old thread but worth reviving- I have a Sears Model 53 they are not all "pre 64" The one I have is post-64, actually post-1968 because it has the bolt with the anti-bind feature, i.e. extra slot on right side of the bolt head, just below the right side locking lug, that didn't appear until 1968 on the "improved" new model 70. what most don't realize about the post-1964 model 70 is, it was changed twice. First model was 1964-67. Next model was 1968-up. I'm referring to the push feed model 70, not the newer FN-made controlled feed model 70 that is now made in S. Carolina. even more important, the post-64 model 70 actually had a few very important improvements over the pre-64 model. The breeching system was by far safer and stronger. The post-64 model 70 had a flat breach, rather than a coned breech that exposed the case head of the cartridge. And the bolt head fully enclosed the case head of the cartridge, like a Remington or Weatherby case head does. the coned breech of the pre-64 was copied from the old Springfield 1903 and Enfield 1917 rifles, and was just as antiquated. It's also dangerous if a case head lets loose, sending a high volume of gas back in the shooter's face. The post-68 had a smoother bolt stroke than any model 70 before it, due to the anti-bind feature of the bolt head. they actually are a very good firearm, and highly UNDER rated. They are superior to the same era Remington model 700 in fit and finish. The only improvement they need, is a second gas vent hole drilled in the left side of the receiver, to vent the left side bolt lug raceway, and to augment the gas hole in the right side, for added safety.

February 9, 2012, 11:21 AM	#4
PetahW Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2008 Posts: 4,678	[I saw a SEARS MODEL 53 bolt action rifle in 30-06, on the tag it was marked WINCHESTER MOD. 70. The person next to me purcased it for $250.00, and told me it was a pre-64. I agree it is a WINCHESTER but a pre-64? ] It was a pre-64 ONLY if it's bolt had a long/external claw extractor, and not the post-64's small one. AFAIK, the Sears/Winchester contract was signed, to be effective with Winchester's post-64 rifles & shotguns, up until Sears discontimued firearms sales. .

February 9, 2012, 04:30 PM	#5
MR.MILSURP Member Join Date: February 1, 2010 Posts: 16	I never saw a model 53 with a claw extractor pre-64, so I'm inclined to agree with you. I do have a model 50 and 51, both of those are built on the same Belgian FN deluxe action with claw extractor