Winchester Model 54 .30-30 WCF Nickel Steel Bolt Action Rifle Pre 64 1929 First Year Carbine C&R OK

Make: Winchester
Model: Model 54 Carbine
Serial Number: 20811A
Year of Manufacture: 1929 (first year production of Carbine Models)
Caliber: .30 WCF (.30-30)
Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-MODEL 54- WINCHESTER – NICKEL STEEL- TRADE MARK –“ in front of the rear sight, and “.30 W.C.F.” and *WINCHESTER PROOF MARK* just before the receiver. The bottom of the barrel is marked “A” / *CIRCLED* “VP” / “30WCF” / *BROADHEAD PROOF MARK* / * / “28”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. PATENTS APPLIED FOR”. The left side of the receiver is marked *WINCHESTER PROOF* / “WINCHESTER –TRADE MARK-“. The right side of the receiver is marked “20811A”. The bottom of the receiver is marked “2” / “1” in *TRIANGLE* / “3” / “2”. The bottom of the bolt is marked “1” in *TRIANGLE* and “79”. The bottom of the trigger guard is stamped “19”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 20”
Sights / Optics: The front sight has a brass bead on a fixed post, and the rear sight is a notched fixed sight, with one flip up rear sight for extended elevation. The forward portion of the receiver is drilled and tapped, with two screws inserted into the holes, which can be removed to accommodate a sight base. The left side of the receiver is also drilled, tapped, and filled with two small screws, for the addition of a rear aperture, or similar sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The walnut stock is finished in a medium brown, with channels cut into the forend for ergonomics. The LOP measures 13 ¼” from the front of the trigger to the back of the metal butt pad. There are compression marks, scratches, and small dings scattered on the surface of the stock. There are scratch marks of note on the right side of the stock at the grip. The finish fades a tad in hue, and then darkens near the butt stock pad. The butt plate is metal, with horizontal serrations. The butt plate has developed surface erosion, pitting, and a brown patina. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Nickel-Steel, with a Parkerized receiver, and blued magazine plate/trigger guard.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows wear on the Parkerized receiver, in the form of small scratches on the outside, and wear marks from the bolt on the inside. The nickel-steel barrel retains almost all of its finish and does not have erosion on its surface. The blued floor plate and trigger guard has light scratches and very light pin prick surface erosion. The bolt is finish is blued, and retains about 70% of its original finish. The bolt’s surface has lost some finish from use, but does not have any corrosion present. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about “Fine” condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This was Winchester’s first successful civilian bolt action rifle made in large numbers. The Mauser-style bolt offers a bent bolt for the mounting of optics, and makes for a smooth charge. The rifle is chambered in the most popular deer cartridge ever made. This is a short, light weight, and reliable rifle made with a nickel-steel barrel. In the eleven years that this model was produced, only 50,000 were sold, thanks to the Great Depression. Despite being made in 1929, the firearm has plenty of finish remaining on all components, and will make for a great hunting rifle.