Pre-64 Winchester Model 54 .30 W.C.F. 24″ Bolt Action Rifle 1930 C&R

More Sold Bolt Action Rifles

SOLD FOR: $1,525.00

LSB#: LSB251205MB066

Make: Winchester

Model: 54

Serial Number: 30988A

Year of Manufacture: 1930 / C&R

Caliber: .30 W.C.F.

Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Box Magazine

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-MODEL 54-“, “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-“, and “-NICKEL STEEL-” in front of the rear sight boss, at the rear the barrel is marked “.30 W.C.F.” over an oval “WP” proof. The proof is also marked on the left of the receiver at the front, the left of the receiver is also marked “WINCHESTER / –TRADE MARK–“. The right of the chamber ring is marked with the serial number “30988A”. The right of the barrel is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN, CONN. PATENTS APPLIED FOR”. The bottom of the bolt has inspection marks but NO serial number.

Barrel Length: 24”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade pinned to a slotted base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a flip-up U-notch leaf dovetailed to the barrel with a white diamond sighting mark. The top of the chamber ring is drilled, tapped and filled for mounting an optic (none included). The left-rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight (none included).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one piece checkered walnut with semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, serrated steel buttplate, schnabel forend, and two sling studs front and rear. There is significant loss of finish on the right side of the buttstock. There is a line towards the rear of the stock that appears to have been covered at one time with a buttstock cover. The stock has many scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The checkering is worn at the peaks, but not completely smoothed. There is a small chip out of the left side of the pistol grip. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly worn to the white with some scattered surface corrosion and well defined serrations. Overall, the stock is in about Fair condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion but there is minor fouling at the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 40% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrel finish has turned to a brown patina with spots of oxidation. The floorplate and trigger guard have been worn close to the white. There are scuffs and scratches scattered throughout, with infrequent minor surface oxidation on the receiver. The bolt shows modest operational wear in the body and handling wear on the handle. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Good condition with a strong bore.

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, and to the right enables the rifle to be fired. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Assessment: The Winchester Model 54 was the company’s first successful bolt action sporting rifle and served as the direct predecessor to the famous Model 70. Produced from 1925 to 1936, the Model 54 helped establish Winchester in the bolt action sporting rifle market at a time when most American hunters were still using lever action rifles. Its strong Mauser influenced action, controlled round feed design, and solid construction laid the groundwork for the improvements that would later appear in the Model 70.

This example was manufactured in 1930 and is chambered in .30 W.C.F., more commonly known as .30-30 Winchester. The rifle features a 24 inch barrel, internal box magazine, and classic sporting configuration with a checkered walnut stock, semi pistol grip, schnabel forend, and serrated steel buttplate. The stock shows noticeable field wear including scattered scratches, nicks, and finish loss, along with a small chip at the pistol grip and worn checkering. Overall the wood rates in about Fair condition but remains structurally sound and consistent with a rifle that saw regular hunting use.

The metal retains roughly 40 percent of its original blue finish with thinning along the edges and areas of brown patina developing on the barrel. The floorplate and trigger guard have worn close to the white and there are scattered handling marks throughout the rifle. The bore remains bright with strong rifling and only minor fouling, rating about 9 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly and features a three position safety similar to that later used on early Model 70 rifles. Overall, this is a solid early Winchester bolt action with honest field wear and a strong bore, making it an appealing example for collectors of pre war Winchester sporting rifles. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bid!