Winchester Model 54 Anybody?

[sharp shooter]

Just got back from my favorite gunshop in the world. Got talking about my Model 70 and how I don't want to take that pretty little thing in the bush and I then said, maybe I'll get a less expensive gun for the bush. He then handed me a Model 54 in .30-06. Its the same gun I check out everytime I'm there.

Has anybody shot one before and how accurate and reliable are they. I am really considering one. Might just mount a scope o her or keep the origional peeps. The gun is in beautiful shape and like all other guns that I've had a twinkle in my eye for - I NEED ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Any pics fellers?

 

[MD]

Seen this?

http://www.ogca.com/long_live_the_model_54_wincheste.htm



"Produced prior to popularity of telescope sights, the Model 54 Winchester was not factory drilled in the rear receiver bridge. The bolt lift was too high and the safety would also interfere if low scope mounting was attempted. Scope mounts providing high mounting were available from Herters and Stith utilizing the factory drilled and tapped holes on the front receiver ring and left side rear of receiver. The primary purpose of the left rear holes being the mounting of a receiver peep sight. Another method of mounting a scope on a Model 54 was to utilize the dovetail notch for a target scope block after removing the rear sight. A second target scope block was then installed on the front receiver ring."

 

[sharp shooter]

Ya, I think Ive seen similar mounting systems. One of the two 54's that the smith has, has a herters side mount on it. I just think they are cool old guns and they have nice actions.

 

[dan belisle]

Not that different from 70's, and they can be drilled and tapped (and have the bolt handle modified) for a scope easily enough. Good rifles. - dan

 

[vega]

A classic old rifle that I would leave in it's original condition were it mine. The 54 and the .270 were born together and caused quite a ruckus at the time. Great old gun. I had one in .270 and one in '06 and they both shot very well.

 

[H4831]

Yes, by all means if it is completely entact, leave it that way, there are not that many arund anymore.
The Model 70 was quite an improvement, but the old 54 is still a classic.

 

[Mike Webb]

It's funny that there weren't very many 54's built compared to model 70's and even fewer survived relatively unblemished but the 70 commands a much higher price from Winchester guys. I would leave the 54 as is, you mentioned peeps, it is stocked for iron sights anyway.

 

[Boomer]

The M-54 stock has the drop that is requires for shooting with iron sights, and the trigger guard and floor plate are poor compared to that of the M-70. My M-54 .270 is a slick feeding rifle though.