A local shop has a Ted Williams lever action 30/30, I know these were made by Winchester for Sears, anyone have a cross reference for dating the Ted Williams rifles? This one has a serial number of V128649, looks to be a top eject. It is in excellent shape, would make a nice truck/hunting gun, would be really great if it shot cast lead good...

I really don't "Need" another 30/30, I have a nice Pre-64 Model 94, and an 80's vintage Ranger filling the rough duty role right now. But, if I could get it for $200 or so and found it shot cast lead good, I'd be pleased...

I can't believe that you haven't received an answer. I also can't believe that you didn't just buy it at $200. I would have.

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The general concensus seems to be that there are no records available for the Sears serial numbers assigned to Winchester made firearms. The Sears ser#'s are of a separate series apart from those assigned to the Winchester brand name firearms.
Either Sears never released the records,,or Winchester agreed not to release them.
The Cody Museum does not have them AFAIK.

It's most likely a 70's/80's mfg '94 and well worth $200 for a shooter if in nice condition IMHO.
About the only thing different in the 'house brand guns' apart from the markings on it was the use of a hard wood in the stocks instead of walnut,,usually birch, then stained to look like walnut. Sometimes the sights are a bit different,,perhaps the butt plate, etc. Nothing major really.
Sometimes they used walnut on these too.

It is in excellent shape, maybe even unfired, definetely not cairried in the woods. It has the same type sights as my 1949 vintage Model 94, with five or more elevation steps. My 80's vintage Ranger has only three elevator steps on the rear sight....

Thanks for the info on the serial number data.....

And you are all correct, I must be crazy not to just go ahead and get it for the money. If it shoots cast lead good, it will be a real value.

My tax bill has been what is slowing me down, I think I'll put a deposit on it and do a 30 day layaway.

I don't recall when Sears started using Ted Williams as a name brand for their sporting goods but it seems to me perhaps in the late 60's,,but that's just a guess. They used JC Higgins,,Ranger,,and probably other house brand names on their guns.

If the 2 cartridge guides on the '94 are attached to the receiver with screws from the inside,,it's pre '64 mfg if I recall correctly.
Your 1949mfg should be like that.
But again I'm not sure Ted goes back to pre '64 with Sears..