I was in a gun shop wasting time and saw a mint Sears Model 53 (Winchester Model 70) in .30-06 with a Bushnell Trophy scope for $229.00. It took me about two minutes to put it on layaway. No, I do not need it, but I like Model 70s and the price was attractive. I hate it when that happens. All the best...
Gil

If I was in the building mood....that's a great action to build one your-way.
I just found this;
Winchester serial numbers and Sears serial numbers are not the same and will not cross reference. Sears Had them serialized for their line and has never provided a number/date chart... About all I have been able to tell people is whether or not it is a pre-64 or a post 64 Winchester
Look at the Bolt...If it has a Long Extractor that is visible on the right side of the bolt when closed (Like a Springfield or Mauser) it is pre-64.
If the bolt has a small extractor on one of the 2 lugs at the bolt face and the bolt is just round from the lugs back to the cocking knob , it is a Post-64.

That was from another forum
Suz

Gil,
I have the same rifle in .270 Winchester. It is a post-'64 push feed and very accurate. Take care...
Joe

I have never seen a pre-64 model 53 I think they were selling F.N.'s as J.C. Higgins model 50's right about then I have rebarreled 2 of these and they are fine "98 clones. The 53's were in the "Ted Williams" era.

The Sears Model 53 is a post-'64 Winchester Model 70 push feed. I have managed to get several Model 50s in .270 and .30-06. All are great rifles. All the best...
Gil

Joe Boleo wrote:

Gil, I have the same rifle in .270 Winchester. It is a post-'64 push feed and very accurate. Take care... Joe

always thought you were a man with great taste
that just confirms it

The Model 50 was an F.N., Model 51 made by Husqvarna, the Model 52 made by Sako and the Model 54 made by Browning. It looks like they skipped the 53 then came back to it post 64. I don't know if anybody cares anymore but there you go worth every penny you paid.