Winchester model 54

jacky

jacky

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I have inherited a 1927 Winchester Model 54 in 30-06. My grandpa was a hunting guide and got it as a tip in 1930 from a a guy from New York named Becker. Becker hunted with it for three seasons, my grandpa being his guide.My grandpa hunted with it as did my dad. It is all original except for two things. One it looks like someone, probably my grandpa, added some solder to the front sight, small and easily removed but it is there. As well in the sixties ( we think) he added a Williams peep sight to it.

I am going to spend some time cleaning it. The bore looks excellent, no pitting but the stock is beaten up and the bluing is worn.

I know down in the states these things are really collectable but what about up here ? Anyone know of a value ? I searched the net and the range is from about $500 for one that has been bubba'd to one with an original Winchester scope at $2000. Everyone I have seen the stock is as beat up as mine or worse. I have a picture of my grandpa with it but you can't tell it is the gun as a grizzly bear is in front of it.

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I talked to my Dad as it is a family heir loom but he said to sell it as it wasn't the rifle my grandpa thought as his baby. That rifle ( another model 54) I will get in time. I sell it or might not but if anyone has any info about these I would appreciate it.

I may even have another picture of him holding it around a campfire.
 
Don't sell it...too much family history. You likely won't get a ton of money for it and in the end you'll end up kicking yourself in the pants.
 
Model 54

I'd keep it in the family just knowing your Grandpa used it a little. Model 54's are poor cousin's to the mighty model 70 and dont fetch as much IMHO anyway.
That being said, the 54 is a classic rifle in it's own right.
Geoff
 
Congrads on the rifle! i juat got a model 94 that was passed down to me that was my Grandpas. no serial# anymore but has a saddle ring. i was told to pass it down to my kids or else. lol
 
BigUglyMan said:
Don't sell it...too much family history. You likely won't get a ton of money for it and in the end you'll end up kicking yourself in the pants.
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10-4 ..... I wouldn't sell it or change a thing on it given it's history in your family. The only thing I might do to it is have it bedded, trigger tuned, crown checked and the bbl cleaned of copper.

If you want/need another new/modern rifle, just go buy another with a good scope. You'll be happier in the long run.


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Agreed, keep it in the family. A M-54 isn't all that valuable anyway, more like a M-17 Enfield than like a prewar M-70 Winchester, but the personal history associated with it is priceless. If you knew a little about this man Becker, that would add to the history as well.
 
I just bought a 5,000 s/n 30-06 with a mint bore for $400 and a similar 270 with no bolt for $175

The value on undrilled M-54 rifles will jump soon. Model 70s have almost doubled in the last 5-10 years.
 
I know the family history thing tell me not to sell it, but the real family heir loom Model 54 is still with my dad. Now that gun we have ton's of pictures of grandpa with game and such. It was his go to rifle for most of his life.

10-4 ..... I wouldn't sell it or change a thing on it given it's history in your family. The only thing I might do to it is have it bedded, trigger tuned, crown checked and the bbl cleaned of copper.
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Would any of this depreciate it ?

I am still undecided whether to sell it or not. I have pictures of Becker with it, but no one can remember his first name or I would try and find his family.
 
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