Research info on the Winchester Model 54

[tech551]

A Gentleman who belongs to the Winchester Arms Collectors Association is writing a book on the Model 54 and he would appreciate the information on as many rifles as possible. He can be contacted by Email: davidbichrest@hotmail.com
I can also supply his telephone number and mailing address if you send me a PM.
The following information work sheet will outline the kind of info he is looking for.

 

[Rod]

There was a good article in the American Rifleman, a few years back, on the Model 54 Winchester. . It went from start to finish with every problem and update that Winchester went through right up to the beginning of the Model 54 successor, the Model 70. .

 

[tech551]

There was a good article in the American Rifleman, a few years back, on the Model 54 Winchester. . It went from start to finish with every problem and update that Winchester went through right up to the beginning of the Model 54 successor, the Model 70. .

Would you by any chance remember the number or the year of the American Rifleman the article was in? I have a big stack of those magazines that I acquired recently but have not yet gone through.
"The Rifleman's Rifle" by Roger Rule and "Winchester Bolt Action Military & Sporting Rifles 1877 to 1937" by Herbert Houze both have a chapter dedicated to the Model 54.

 

[Rod]

If memory is close I would speculate about 10 years back. . If someone wants to know all about the Model 54 it's worth spending the time as it's a very informative arcticle. .

The Model 54 went through quite a few upgrades over it's tenure with Winchester using it as somewhat a test platform for the Model 70. . The article describes how the Model 54 survived the Winchester chapter 11 bankruptcy and the Olin takeover that gave the M54 the resources for needed upgrades. . The Olin family is what brought Winchester back to life as this was not only the Olin Chemical company, makers of fine ammunition, but a family of hunters that appreciated a fine USA built firearm.

Some of the upgrades were: trigger, lock speed, gas escape holes drilled in the receiver, blow back firing pin safety, change from nickel steel to Win. Proof Steel, integral front sight ramp, bolt handle design, change from the poor stock design to the "NRA Stock" with checkered steel buttplate. . There's more in the article, and again, worth the search effort.

 

[tony d]

Your pal needs to get ahold of Tom Sterr should Be listed under ###smith Alberta he has one of the best 54 collections in Canada

 

[Johnny G1]

I have a Model 54 in 7mm built in 1928, iron is perfect but the stock has a few marks, was a farm gun and very few rds through it, didn't have the money in those days to wastes ammo and still don't.