Make: Winchester
Model: 54 "First Standard Rifle"
Serial Number: 11041(serial matching bolt)
Year of Manufacture: 1927 / ATF Classification: C&R
Caliber/Gauge: .270 Winchester
Action Type: Bolt action, controlled round feed, blind magazine
Barrel Length: 24"
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned into a base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a a folding adjustable u-notch dovetailed into the barrel. The left side of the receiver is tapped to receive an aperture sight, though none is present. The top of the receiver is tapped for scope bases. One of the taps has a screw seated very deep in the threads. No optic is present with this setup.
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an "NRA Standard Rifle" stock replacement. The furniture is one piece wood with a fluted straight comb, checkered semi-pistol grip, checkered forend, and a Pachmayr White Line buttpad. The buttpad has little handling wear. The furniture shows pressure dings, scuffs, and scratches. The LOP measures 13.5" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The left side of the stock is filled with a clear resin where an aperture sight used to be. There are no chips or cracks. The furniture rates in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Nonoriginal, several sections have cold blue applied
Bore Condition: The bore is grey and the rifling is mostly sharp with light fouling. There is light erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its nonoriginal metal finish. The finish shows thinning, light edge wear, scratches, and cold blue residue. The screw heads show little to no tooling and retain turnable slots. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in Good to 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 Winchester Model 54 was manufactured in 1927 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 laid the groundwork for the later Model 70. Early Model 54 rifles are particularly significant as they represent Winchester's transition into the modern bolt-action sporting rifle market during the interwar period.
Chambered in .270 WCF (.270 Winchester) with a 24 inch barrel, this rifle is chambered for one of the most influential hunting cartridges ever developed. Introduced only a few years before this rifle was manufactured, the .270 Winchester quickly gained a reputation for flat trajectory and excellent hunting performance. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7 out of 10, showing moderate wear consistent with age and use. The action functions correctly.
This rifle retains approximately 80% of its nonoriginal metal finish, presenting a respectable appearance while showing spots of cold blue. The furniture rates in Very Good condition with typical handling marks and solid structure. Overall, this rifle rates in Good to Very Good condition and stands as a desirable early Winchester Model 54 chambered in the classic .270 Winchester cartridge. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
