Make: Winchester
Model: 54 ("NRA Standard Rifle" No. G5434C)
Serial Number: 49219A (serial matching bolt)
Year of Manufacture: 1936 / ATF Classification: C&R
Caliber/Gauge: .220 Swift
Action Type: Bolt action, controlled round feed, blind magazine
Barrel Length: 26"
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a hooded beaded blade dovetailed into a stippled base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable elevation u-notch dovetailed into the barrel. The top and left side of the receiver are tapped and filled for mounting an aperture or optic. Neither are included.
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is one piece wood with a fluted straight comb, checkered semi-pistol grip, checkered forend, sling swivels at the front and rear, and a checkered metal buttplate. The buttplate shows extensive finish loss and light to moderate handling wear. The furniture shows minor pressure dings, drag lines, and scratches. The LOP measures 13.75" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are no chips or cracks. The furniture rates in Very Good Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion scattered throughout the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its original metal finish. The finish shows edge wear, scratches, dings, and some small oxidation spots. The floorplate trigger guard as well as the buttplate have lost most of their finish. There is a light rub mark and some residue in the receiver serrations where an aperture sight used to be mounted. The screw heads range from unmarred to lightly tooled and retain turnable slots. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This final year production Winchester Model 54 "NRA Standard," catalog number 5434C, was manufactured in 1936 and qualifies as a Curio and Relic rifle. Produced by Winchester, the Model 54 was Winchester's first successful modern bolt-action sporting rifle and the direct predecessor to the legendary Model 70. As a final year production rifle, this example represents the culmination of the Model 54 before Winchester transitioned to the Model 70.
Chambered in .220 Swift with a 26 inch barrel, this rifle is configured for one of the fastest commercial cartridges of its era. Introduced by Winchester in 1935, the .220 Swift revolutionized varmint hunting with unprecedented velocity and a remarkably flat trajectory, quickly establishing itself as a benchmark for long-range performance. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8 out of 10, indicating solid internal condition with good rifling. The action functions correctly.
The furniture rates in Very Good Plus condition with light handling wear and attractive presentation. This rifle retains approximately 80% of its original metal finish, showing honest wear while maintaining strong collector appeal. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition and stands as a scarce final year Winchester Model 54 NRA Standard in the groundbreaking .220 Swift chambering. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
