Winchester 54 Pre-Model 70 24″ .22 Hornet Bolt Action Rifle, MFD 1933 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2525
LSB#: 230705EM001
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 is a rail on the top front of the receiver and the barrel shank on which an optic could be mounted. (No optic is included.)
Stock Configuration and Condition: This stock, unfortunately, suffered a complete break in the wrist during shipping. The stock was 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 LOP measured 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 Poor to Fair condition due to the break in the wrist, but would be in Very Good Plus condition if unbroken. The stock would need to be repaired of replaced prior to firing the rifle.
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. 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.
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. 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. As mentioned, this stock suffered a complete break in the wrist during shipping. It is possible that a skilled stock maker could repair the stock or use this stock’s dimensions to create a replacement stock. This is too beautiful a rifle to be put out to pasture! Drop a bid and give this rifle a second lease on life. Please see our pictures and Good Luck with your bid!
As Always,
Keep Your Powder Dry and Bid High!
-Andrew G.
