WINCHESTER Mod.54 30US

WINCHESTER

Rifles

Category : C

Caliber : 30-06 GVT

 

The Model 54 is the first modern bolt-action rifle manufactured by Winchester after the First World War.

It was produced in New Haven from 1925 to 1935; in 1936 it was abandoned in favor of the new mod. 70 and even if the mod.54 remained cataloged until 1940 Winchester delivered only 3000 such rifles during this single period.

Despite the 1929 depression of that saw W.R.A C°. acquired by the Western Cartridge Company, the model 54 met with success and was produced at 49,000 rifles in all calibers and variations.

This 30-06 Gvt. "First Standard Rifle", one of the first manufactured, came out of New Haven works in 1926 with a four digits serial number before being exported to England where it was proofed at Birmingham proof house that same year.

We note among the proof marks the "NOT ENGLISH MADE" mention that was applied by the English proof house at the time of proofing on the firearms that were not of English manufacture.

The model 54 uses a forged steel receiver almost identical to that which will become the model 70 and if the bolt remains very close in conception it is largely inspired by the productions of Mauser Werke and Newton Arms C°. Inc.

The 24 "barrel, with its especially elegant profile, is made of nickel steel with integral front and rear sights bases forged with the blank.

The iron sights were provided the Lyman Gun Sight C°.

The front gold bead mod.26W is pinned on a support of the same type as the one fitted to the Winchester 1895 while the rear sight mod.6W has two folding leaves allowing the use of the 48W diopter affixed to the rear left side of the receiver.

The slim stock, without cheekpiece, is made of American walnut of excellent quality. Its forearm ends with an elegant schnabel and the length of pull is 14" measured on the steel plate. Traditional Winchester eyelets provide sling attachment and we note the discreet presence of two screws on the comb, certainly provided for the possible fixation of an additional support.

All parts of the weapon, with the exception of the sighting elements, are carefully rust blued, the receiver retaining a matte finish.

The state of conservation of this rifle is surprising. It keeps all of its original finishes with almost 100% untouched blue and a wood with only faint handling marks.

The markings are sharp, the proof marks retain their relief and the barrel bore is perfect.

It is extremely rare to find a Winchester mod.54 in Europe in such a good state of conservation.

In addition, this very lively and superbly balanced quality rifle, with its 8lbs net weight, is a pleasure to use, especially on driven game fast shooting.