Winchester 54 Pre-Model 70 24″ .22 Hornet Bolt Action Rifle, MFD 1933 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2775
LSB#: 230403TB014
Make: Winchester
Model: 54
Serial Number: 40584A
Year of Manufacture: 1933
Caliber: .22 Hornet
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Box Magazine
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight dovetail has been filled with a blank. Mounted to the left side of the receiver is a factory installed Lyman peep sight. There are two drilled and tapped holes in the chamber ring and one in the top-rear of the barrel for the installed Belding & Mull 3x scope with post reticle. There is scattered light wear in the scope body and the glass is fairly clear, but could use a good cleaning. The bridge is not drilled. There are two knurled finger screws on the left side of the scope mount that when removed allow the scope to be slid off a track, similar to a Griffin & Howe, to clear the sight picture for the Lyman long tang peep sight.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut with fluted straight comb, checkered steel buttplate, and sling swivels front and rear. The stock has been relieved on the left for the installed receiver sight. There are some scattered light nicks and scratches. There are a couple of spots of stubborn residue on the right of the comb. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the plate. The plate has wear around the edges and well defined checkering. Overall, the stock is in Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original. There is some touch-up on the floorplate.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout with some edge-thinning and a few scattered minor marks. There is some etching on the floorplate which has been touched-up. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The rifle has a three-position safety similar to the M1903: all the way to the left locks the bolt and disables the trigger; straight up disables the trigger but the bolt is free to move; to the right enables the rifle to be fired. The scope is mounted high enough to provide clearance for the safety. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This rifle comes with the installed Lyman peep sight and Belding & Mull scope as described.
Our Assessment: Winchester’s Model 54 rifle was made from 1925-1936, with a carbine offered in 1927 and an improved version offered in 1930 which had a chrome-moly barrel instead of the earlier nickel-steel. The rifle was Winchester’s only bolt action centerfire rifle at the time, and ceased production when the legendary Model 70 became available in 1937.
This example was made in 1933 and is a quite desirable model chambered for .22 Hornet. In addition to the rifle’s high condition and serial-matching bolt, it is equipped with a Lyman receiver sight and a vintage Belding & Mull 3x scope. This rifle checks a lot of boxes for the Winchester collector, but should also prove to be a good shooter with its excellent bore and strong mechanics. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
