German Savage/Anschutz Model 54 Sporter .22LR 24″ Bolt Action Rifle, 1978
SOLD FOR: $1,375.00
LSB#: LSB251014RR008
Make: Anschutz; W. Germany. Imported by Savage Arms
Model: 54 Sporter
Serial Number: 1158448A
Year of Manufacture: 1978 (HI Date Code)
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Bolt Action, fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “Savage Anschutz Model 54 Sporter”. The left side of the barrel is marked “Caliber .22 long rifle / Made in West Germany”, along with an Eagle over N nitro proof, the “HI” date code, and an antler import mark. The left side of the receiver is marked an Eagle over N nitro proof, “1158448A Savage Anschutz”.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded beaded post sight, screwed to a serrated ramp, screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable flip-up U-notch sight, with a white triangle aiming reference, dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is mounted with a Tasco 6×40 scope, with a duplex reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows light handling and storage wear, along with some adhesive residue on the objective, more than likely from tape. Overall, the scope rates in Good to Very Good condition. The scope is mounted on a two-piece Leupold-style base, and sits in 1″ rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece, skip-line checkered walnut stock, with a rosewood capped semi-pistol grip with a white diamond inlaid in the bottom and a right hand palm swell, along with a monte carlo comb with rollover cheekpiece, serrated plastic buttplate, schnabel tipped forend, and sling studs front and rear. The LOP measures 13 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock shows light wear, with scratches, dings, and compressions throughout. There is one small patch of missing finish on the left side of the stock, in between the receiver and the magazine. Otherwise, the stock’s finish is largely intact, and the wood grain is vivid. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Good to Very Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 5rd factory magazine in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with one small spot of missing finish on the top of the barrel, just in front of the rear sight. There are some light superficial imperfections throughout the rest of the barrel and the receiver. There are a few minor dings on the trigger guard. Otherwise, the bluing is deep and dark throughout. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are tooled, and a couple have some corrosion, but the slots are still serviceable. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. The trigger has a very light, crisp, and clean break, with minimal take-up or over-travel. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the scope and the magazine as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Savage-Anschutz Model 54 Sporter represents one of the finest commercial rimfire rifles available during the 1970s, combining German Anschutz precision with Savage’s import and distribution network. Built on Anschutz’s legendary Model 54 action, long known for its dominance in Olympic smallbore competition, these sporter variants delivered world-class accuracy in a classic hunting configuration. Fit, finish, and trigger quality were hallmarks of the line, and many shooters still regard these rifles as among the best .22LR sporting rifles ever produced.
By the time this rifle was introduced in 1954, the .22 Long Rifle cartridge had long been the standard for training, small-game hunting, and precision target shooting, and Anschutz’s match-grade barrels made the most of its potential. This 24-inch barrel shows a bright, sharp bore with no erosion, indicating continued precision capability. The rifle also carries the elegant West German styling of the period: skip-line checkering, a rosewood-capped pistol grip with white diamond inlay, rollover cheekpiece, and schnabel forend, all features that made the Model 54 Sporter both a functional tool and a refined sporting rifle.
This example shows honest wear with scattered dings and handling marks, but the stock remains tight and structurally sound. The metal retains roughly 97 percent of its original deep blue finish, with only light superficial wear consistent with age. Mechanically, the action is smooth, the safety functions properly, and the trigger retains the exceptionally light, crisp break that Anschutz is famous for.
The mounted Tasco 6×40 scope, though showing some cosmetic wear and old adhesive residue, provides a practical fixed-power optic that matches the rifle’s intended use. Combined with the excellent bore and smooth Anschutz action, this setup remains fully capable for small-game hunting or precision rimfire shooting.
For collectors of German sporting rifles, Anschutz enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a top-tier .22LR sporter from the golden age of rimfire craftsmanship, this Model 54 Sporter offers outstanding performance, elegant styling, and enduring mechanical excellence. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – J.D.
