Winchester 54 Pre-Model 70 24″ .22 Hornet Bolt Action Rifle, MFD 1936 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,561.00
LSB# LSB251016KS125
Make: Winchester
Model: 54
Serial Number: 47195A
Year of Manufacture: 1936
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 ramped base that’s slotted for a hood (included). The left side of the receiver is mounted with a Lyman adjustable aperture sight. The top of the receiver has been drilled and tapped for a scope base on the front ring. There is a Unertl #11727 scope mounted on the rifle. We cannot guarantee the functionality of optics.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a one piece checkered walnut, capped semi pistol grip, inlays in the right side of the buttstock and bottom of the forend, monte carlo cheekpiece that was added, and checkered steel buttplate. There are scattered scratches, dings and handling marks throughout. There is oil darkening near the receiver. There are no cracks or chips. Overall this stock rates in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is minor erosion and light pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its finish. This rifle has been engraved after it left the factory, evidenced by the missing proof mark on the barrel. There are light handling marks, scratches and operational wear on the gun. The bolt knob has had some finish loss from use. There are light corrosion spots scattered about the bolt. The bottom of the trigger guard and floor plate have lost much of the finish. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition for a refinish.
Mechanics: The action functions incorrectly. The striker does not set and therefore the safety cannot be engaged. 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: Scope as mentioned above and leather sling.
Our Assessment: This Winchester Model 54 dates to 1936 and represents Winchester’s important transitional bolt action design that directly preceded the legendary Model 70. Introduced in the mid-1920s, the Model 54 incorporated controlled round feed principles and robust construction that would later be refined in its successor. Chambered in .22 Hornet and fitted with a 24 inch barrel, this rifle reflects the growing interwar interest in high-velocity small-caliber cartridges for varmint and small game use, paired with precision-oriented sporting rifles.
The .22 Hornet was among the earliest commercially successful small-bore centerfire cartridges, prized for its mild recoil, efficiency, and accuracy at modest ranges. In this example, the bore remains bright with sharp rifling, showing only minor erosion and light pitting, and it rates 8 out of 10. The rifle is equipped with a Lyman adjustable aperture sight and a period Unertl scope mounted to the receiver, reflecting period shooting practices that favored both iron sight precision and early optical enhancement. The added scope and receiver sight complement the rifle’s intended role as a precision small-game or varmint arm.
Overall condition is very good for a refinished example, retaining approximately 90 percent of its current finish. The rifle has been engraved after leaving the factory, as evidenced by the absence of a barrel proof mark, and the stock shows tasteful customization including added cheekpiece and inlays, all while remaining structurally sound with only light handling wear. The bolt and bottom metal show finish wear consistent with use, and markings remain clear. Of note, the action currently exhibits a functional issue in which the striker does not set, preventing engagement of the safety. Despite this, the rifle presents as a visually striking and historically significant Winchester Model 54 that illustrates the evolutionary path toward the Model 70 and the growing emphasis on precision shooting in the prewar period. Please see our high resolution photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!!! MF
