Winchester Model 54 .30 W.C.F. 20″ Bolt Action Rifle MFD 1929 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,500.00

LSB#: LSB260427HL008

Make: Winchester

Model: 54

Serial Number: 22212A

Year of Manufacture: 1929 / C&R

Caliber: .30 W.C.F. / .30-30 Winchester. 

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 ovalled “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 “22212A”. The right of the barrel is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN, CONN. PATENTS APPLIED FOR”.

Barrel Length: 20”

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. The left side of the receiver is fitted with an adjustable peep sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one piece checkered walnut with semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, and serrated steel buttplate. There are scratches and compression marks throughout. There is furniture finish loss throughout. The LOP measures 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stock is in about Good – Very Good 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 out of 10. 

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 35% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows handling and storage wear. There are scratches and thinning throughout. Most of the blue finish has worn into the white. There is surface rust forming on the buttplate and barrel. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Good 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, 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 Winchester’s first successful commercial bolt-action centerfire rifle and served as the predecessor to the famous Model 70. This example is especially interesting because it is chambered in .30 W.C.F. / .30-30 Winchester and configured with a 20” barrel, placing it in the less commonly encountered Model 54 carbine category. Winchester Model 54 rifles in .30 W.C.F. were cataloged for only a short period around 1928–1930, and the “A” suffix on the serial number is consistent with a 1929-era production change noted by Winchester collectors. This rifle retains its Nickel Steel barrel marking, factory-style iron sights, adjustable receiver peep sight, internal box magazine, and one-piece checkered walnut stock.

This Model 54 is in Good condition overall, retaining about 35% of its original blued finish with handling and storage wear, scratches, thinning, areas worn in the white, surface rust forming on the buttplate and barrel, and patina throughout. The checkered walnut stock rates in about Good-Very Good condition, showing scratches, compression marks, and finish loss throughout. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, no erosion, and minor fouling at the muzzle, rating 9 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly, and the rifle retains the Model 54-style three-position safety. This rifle should appeal to Winchester collectors, Model 54 enthusiasts, and buyers looking for a scarce .30 W.C.F. bolt-action carbine with honest age, a strong bore, and classic prewar Winchester character. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -N.P