Sears model 53, Winchester Model 70

I am wondering about the Sears Model 53 which is evidently a house branded Winchester Model 70. How does this gun rank in its abilities? Is it a strong gun that i can really work loads with or is it a weakling that I need to baby? Thanks!

Yes, the ones I've seen were hard to distinguish from the M70. Some difference in finish or polish maybe but a very solid rifle.

Probably cast alloy (pretty) floor plate, possible lower grade wood, different roll stamp on barrel. Other than that POST 64 push feed. Like the Winnies, some are tack drivers out of the box, some are ok, some are pooches. Females, cars, dishwashers, next question please. Gtek

I've got one I've been working with. I cut the comb down and added a Lyman receiver site. Just last week I free floated the barrel. It was shooting all over. I think the floated barrel will fix it. A fun rifle good quality no big dollar value so I feel free to work on it. Standard load is 13 Unique and a Lyman 311644.

A Sears Model 53 was my ex father in laws first hunting rifle. As he told me he saved up grass cutting money to buy it. Unfortunately he really wasn't one to take care of things. Aside from its rust issues it functioned flawlessly when I shot it. A very solid rifle indeed. I have a couple of Ward (Savage/Stevens) rifles, though haven't yet aquired a Sears branded one.

The model 53 is just as strong as a model 70, basically identical except for some cosmetic differences. I picked one up at a gunshow a little while back.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n...8/DSC00956.jpg

Mine is the "Ted Williams"

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n...8/DSC00943.jpg

It has the post '68 anti-bind feature.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n...8/DSC00954.jpg

The safety and bolt shroud are a little different.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n...8/DSC00949.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n...8/DSC00950.jpg

At some point in time, I think someone switched the original floorplate for a std m70. Other Ted Williams rifles I have seen have an octagonal design.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n...8/DSC00951.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n...8/DSC00952.jpg

I have plans to re-stock it in the future. Mine is a real good shooter.

She's a beaut! Recently i ran across an auction for some Sears headstamped brass. I recall it saying something about it being in a Ted Williams box.

The action on that looks alot like my enfield.

The Model 53 is one of my favorite rifles. Picked up one many years ago, replaced the broken stock with a nice walnut Model 70 stock and glass bedded the action. My wife has taken a number of deer with it and can shoot 3/4" groups at 100 yds. I wouldn't have any reservations about the quality of the rifle if it is in reasonably good condition .

Yours is in far better condition than the SearsCester I had, and mine had a blind magazine in the wood stock.
Yours also seems to be a higher dollar version than I had.

I found some Model 70 bottom metal and synthetic stock and it was a great performer. Do not think I ever seent a real boolit down the barrel of that gun.