1960's Sears Model 45 lever action in .35

andygold

I have had the above since the 1960's. I don't know whether it's technically NIB as It's been out of the box 3 or 4 times over the past 40+ years just to look at. I'm not positive, but I think it was made by Marlin. It's never been fired or even loaded. it's 100% perfect. The box has a few dings and dents, but they don't break all the way through to the inside. I don't remember there ever being any owner or user's manual, but I'd have to check again to see if there is one in there.

Any idea as to what it might be worth? I'm looking to sell it along with some other pieces to clear some room in my vault, for some other toys.

He Dog

Unfortunately there is little or no collector interest for any of the department store branded firearms, including Sears firearms. In most cases the department store firearms are essentially "budget" models of the firearms sold under the brand name. It will attract somewhat less that a 100% Rifle of the same model than a Marlin branded rifle, because it will be purchased as a shooter. To give you a clue we would need to know which Marlin model. My wag would be it will be worth $250 or less.

101AIRBORNE

Marlin 336 C

Bert H.

quote:Originally posted by He Dog
Unfortunately there is little or no collector interest for any of the department store branded firearms, including Sears firearms. In most cases the department store firearms are essentially "budget" models of the firearms sold under the brand name. It will attract somewhat less that a 100% Rifle of the same model than a Marlin branded rifle, because it will be purchased as a shooter. To give you a clue we would need to know which Marlin model. My wag would be it will be worth $250 or less.


Ditto (though it pains me to have to agree with you[;)])

andygold

Are you saying that if I could find a NIB Marlin 336 C from the 1960's (if any unfired ones even exist), The Marlin would only be worth about $250? And, that this would then be worth somewhat less?

Can one purchase the same model or similar model from Marlin today, and if so wouldn't it cost considerably more than $250? Please don't think I am trying to argue with you, I'm not, I'm just trying to understand.

Even though I will probably never shoot this rifle, I kind of feel that to part with it for such a small amount of money, it's almost worth it to keep it.

What would a typical 40 year old model 45 (with typical wear) be worth....I'm guessing it might have no value at all then.

Either way, thank you for the prompt answer to my question. I have probably a dozen other rifles/shotguns/handguns I'm also going to try to dispose of, and your guidance is greatly appreciated.

Bert H.

quote:Originally posted by andygold
Are you saying that if I could find a NIB Marlin 336 C from the 1960's (if any unfired ones even exist), The Marlin would only be worth about $250? And, that this would then be worth somewhat less?

Can one purchase the same model or similar model from Marlin today, and if so wouldn't it cost considerably more than $250? Please don't think I am trying to argue with you, I'm not, I'm just trying to understand.

Even though I will probably never shoot this rifle, I kind of feel that to part with it for such a small amount of money, it's almost worth it to keep it.

What would a typical 40 year old model 45 (with typical wear) be worth....I'm guessing it might have no value at all then.

Either way, thank you for the prompt answer to my question. I have probably a dozen other rifles/shotguns/handguns I'm also going to try to dispose of, and your guidance is greatly appreciated.


No, we are not telling you that a NIB Marlin is worth $250... we are telling you, is that your "store brand" Model 45 is worth roughly $250 (most likely closer to $300 being that it is chambered for the .35 Remington cartridge). A typical (used & worn) Model 45 would be a tough sell for anything more than about $150.

What you must keep in mind, is that your Model 45 has essentially no collector interest.

rsnyder55

Basically, if someone were to buy this rifle it would be as a shooter. The fact it is NIB would not make it worth anymore than a shooter as there would be no reason to preserve it in this condition.

He Dog

The secondary or used market is really broken into two segments. Collectors drive the market for desirable firearms in high condition (a lot of factors impact "desirable" including historical importance in firearms development history, quality of workmanship in a particular model or era, scarcity and so on. Condition as you are aware is an important part. The other segment of the market is the "used" gun market. Despite its fine condition, yours falls into that segment of the market simply because it is not a firearm of interest to collectors. Its NIB condition might bring a very small premium from someone that desired a "new" old gun, but you have to find just the right guy. If it were a Savage 99 NIB and in .35 Remington you could expect the bidding to start at $1000 or more. My very first .22 was also a Sears rifle (made by High Standard). Today it is worth about what it sold for in 1960.

p0838

What is the value of a Sears Roebuck Model 45 30-30 Caliber lever action rifle when were they made and who was the manufacturer?
First answer by CountryGunsmith. Last edit by CountryGunsmith. Contributor trust: 174 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 3 [recommend question]



Answer

Made by Marlin and is a version of the Model 336. Probably 1950's-1960's. In excellent shape, can bring $200-$225.

johnnyboy1948

I also have one of these fine Sears Model 45 rifles in .35 Remington. Shoots 1.5" at 100 yards with a 3-9X scope and Winchester gray box ammo. Mine is a bit gray now, and has a fine walnut stock on it. I don't see that this gun is any less quality than any other similar Marlin rifle that I have seen. Everyone who sees the gun makes a compliment about it. My other Sears guns marked as "JC Higgins" or "Ted Williams" are decent firearms. Keep the gun and shoot it, or give it as a gift to a young hunter who appreciates guns.
John

He Dog

Johnny, no one suggested for a minute that they are not fine enough firearms. There were many manufacturers of many models over the years, and naturally some are better than others, but there were Winchester model 70's and many others. My own .22 was built by High Standard and still shoots better than I do almost 50 years later. The issue is not the merit of the firearms, but the value and that is driven solely by demand. There is very little to no demand by collectors, so they always sell as "used." Like yours, mine will not be sold, but will be given.