Winchester model 54 ?
I've been looking at a Winchester model 54, serial #437XX A, which is from ( I think )+/- 1934-35. This rifle has features found on a rifle from no later than 1931 by most information I've found, such as: schnabel fore end on stock, nickel steel barrel with the early style front sight, folding dual leaf rear, with a Lyman 48 receiver sight, linseed oil finish. I'm thinking it's put together from parts, but is a nice looking rifle, probably a case of buyer beware. Did Winchester do a clean up of parts around this time prior to the Model 70"s appearance or do I forget about this rifle? Price is $750. Something just doesn't seem right!
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Winchester did continue to sell the M54 after the introduction of the M70, but I don't know if they mixed and matched parts or not. 0 -
I am not a Winchester 54 expert, however, I do have 4 of them. Two of them have higher serial numbers than the one you are looking at and have the later style stock, etc. I have an early one in .270, made around 1926, that has the later style stock, also. I have a .30 WCF that is set up as you describe. All four of my 54's have been modified and have scopes mounted so are shooters, not collectors. It sounds to me like, if the rifle is a .30/06, $750 is a bit high. Now if it's a 7x57 0 -
I do not believe that serial number 43700 is as late as 1934-35. When production wrapped up, the serial numbers for the Model 54 were in the low 50,000 range. 0 -
Thanks for your replies all. The rifle is a 30/06 which is one reason I am concerned with the price and whether or not I can validate if this is an assembly of various parts over the last 80 years or a real factory parts clean up model 54. My sources for the production dates are from George Madis's, "Dates of Manufacture" and Roger Rules book the "Rifleman's Rifle". If these dates are correct, the Model 70 was well on the radar by then. I've read that it was a somewhat common practice with some models to use up the previous inventory first, basic good economic ideas especially during a depression. I was just wondering if anyone had read any documentation to verify if this had happened with this model, as indicated from polishing room records or some other source. If the price were lower by a couple of hundred I might take the chance. My gut right now is telling me to pass. 0 -
Just from my personal experience, I would be much more inclined to give credence to Bert's info than any other. As he states, this rifle is approx. 7000 before the last SN series. As such, it is not likely to be a "parts clean-up" build. 0
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