RIFLE THAT MY DAD GAVE ME

Question
DEAR BOB,

MY DAD GAVE ME A RIFLE A FEW YEARS AGO. AFTER RECIEVING IT I BOUGHT A CASE FOR IT AND STORED IT FOR SAFE KEEPING. THE OTHER DAY I GOT IT OUT TO SEE IF IT NEEDED CLEANING, AS I WAS CLEANING IT I KOOKED AT THE WRITING ON IT. IT SAID, SEARS & ROEBUCK MOD. 42 -103-2840 22 CAL. S.L. & L.R.. I WENT ON-LINE TO SEE IF I COULD FIND OUT SOMETHING ABOUT IT. I HAD NO LUCK! CAN YOU TELL ME THE POOP ON THIS RIFLE?

THANKS,
DAVE JONES

Answer
Hi Dave.

Most Sears rifles are no-frills models that aren't worth much, usually less than $150, and in most cases they were made by other major manufacturers and sold under various brand names by Sears.  The only way to find out for sure about the value or age of your firearm is to obtain a cross-reference list and those aren't readily available.

Here is a link to a site that has some info for free, some you can purchase online, and a complete book:

https://store.bluebookinc.com/Downloads/Category.aspx?product=8&id=888

I wouldn't shoot the rifle unless you are sure it has been properly cleaned and maintained.  When in doubt have a local gunsmith check it out - they will sometimes do this for free and it might give you more info.

Hope this helps.