Sears Model 43. Pics and dating help.

H

Herluf

New member
Just acquired this little plinker from my stepfather. He says it was the first gun he bought for himself back in the 60's. It's a Sears Model 43-103, 19811



He "Sold" it to me with his Ruger 10/22 (http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=562374). $100 for both including a case to hold them.
DSC03602_zpsvicsdchj.jpg


It's got some wear including a few dings, but no rust. The overall very nice condition is not surprising since he uses his guns but also takes care of them. It has an added peep site that does complicate cleaning, but nothing too drastic.


Like alot of similar guns, this one has no serial number that I can see. If anyone help me out with the date I'd really appreciate it. All I think I know so far is that it's a rebadged Marlin 81 and versions of that were made form the 30's through the 60's.


Functionally, this will probably be a replacement for my Springfield 84-c, which I'll keep since it was grandpa's, but which has alot of misfires and soft-strikes. I've not had a chance to take it to the range recently, but I've fired the 43 before and have been assured that it will shoot reliably.
 
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Thanks folks,
That's what I figured. Any thoughts on dating based on features? I guess it's pre-68 as it has no serial, but that still leaves about a 30 year window.
 
According to the chart at Numrich,,,

According to the chart at Numrich,,,
It's a Marlin Model 81.

You got those both for $100.00?

Dang!

I have no use for the Ruger,,,
But I salivate over the older Bolt rifles.

Color me envious.

Aarond

.
 
Thanks,
These old Bolt rifles certainly are charming. I've been thinking that maybe I should buy a new firing pin for my Savage/Springfield 84c and see if it's fixable.

Yep, both and a case for $100! However, being that it was from my stepdad, it was really more like a gift'ish exchange.

I'm hoping someone will be able to give me some kind of an age range based on the features. Does anyone know when plastics became more used in low-end gun parts? The swept back trigger guard on mine is plastic and having seen pictures of the early 30's-40's marlin's with bent metal guards that sweep forward makes me think that it's probably post-war, but that's just a guess.
 
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Functionally, this will probably be a replacement for my Springfield 84-c, which I'll keep since it was grandpa's, but which has alot of misfires and soft-strikes. I've not had a chance to take it to the range recently, but I've fired the 43 before and have been assured that it will shoot reliably.
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Why don't you fix your springfield. It's most likely the spring or firing pin. Springs are $6.45.

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufac...-33479/Rifles-40502/84C-39846.htm?results=All
 
Is installing a new pin and spring a reasonably simple task? The price for a pin and spring is certainly not much of a barrier. However, I'm a bit nervous about opening up the bolt.

As they are both family guns, I would like to get both of them in reliable working condition. Except for the soft-hits, in other respects (action of the bolt, extraction, etc) the Springfield seems to be entirely functional.
 
Is installing a new pin and spring a reasonably simple task? The price for a pin and spring is certainly not much of a barrier. However, I'm a bit nervous about opening up the bolt.
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Installing a new firing pin and spring is not difficult as these things go, but it does require certain tools and expertise.

I'd suggest a good cleaning and lubrication first.
 
That makes two .22's in need of a new firing pin. Is there a place on the forum where one can solicit the services of a local gunsmith?
 
Enquired among some Marlin aficionados and it turns out that this one dates to May of 1964. Apparently mid 60's Marlins -even Sears branded guns- before 68 have barrel codes for year and month.

Looks like this little beauty just turned 51!

EDIT: Corrected age. Natman is better at math than I am.
:D
 
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Enquired among some Marlin aficionados and it turns out that this one dates to May of 1964. Apparently mid 60's Marlins -even Sears branded guns- before 68 have barrel codes for year and month.

Looks like this little beauty just turned 40!
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She must have lied about her age, because 1964 was 51 years ago. ;)
 
The Ruger is worth twice as much as you paid for both rifles, and perhaps even a bit more, as they sell for as much or more used as theydo for new. At least in my region, they just don't lose any value at all without being run over by a truck.
The Marlin should be an utter tack-driver with that peep sight. It's a keeper, for sure.
 
Thanks for the catch Natman, we can't let her get away with that!

Pathfinder,
That sounds like the prices around here too, though I feel like I don't see too many used 10/22's at my FLGS. I'd have paid more for just the 10/22, but I'd rather have his refin'ed rifle than a new example anyway. I have a feeling that $100 (his offer, no negotiation) was his way of making me a gift without saying so. I even tried to give him another $20 for the case, but he refused.

They're both keepers for sure.
 
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