Make: Winchester
Model: 54 ("NRA Standard Rifle" No. G5427C)
Serial Number: 40514A
Year of Manufacture: 1933 / ATF Classification: C&R
Caliber/Gauge: .22 Hornet
Action Type: Bolt action, controlled round feed, blind magazine
Barrel Length: 24"
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into a base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight has been removed to accept a scope base. The receiver is tapped for an optic. Screwed into the left side of the receiver is a Lyman aperture. The stock was cut to accept the aperture. No optic is included.
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The sanded and refinished furniture is one piece wood with a fluted straight comb, checkered semi-pistol grip, checkered forend, and a checkered metal buttplate. The buttplate shows moderate finish loss and patina. The furniture shows sanding marks, pressure dings, and minor scratches. The LOP measures 13.5" 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 EXCEPT for the floorplate/trigger guard which shows cold blue touch up
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is faint erosion at the muzzle end of the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 94% of its mostly original metal finish. The finish shows minor scratches, small spots of surface oxidation, and cold blue on the floorplate/trigger guard. The screw heads show light tooling 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 Winchester Model 54 was manufactured in 1933 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. Chambering in .22 Hornet is particularly desirable, as the cartridge was introduced only a few years earlier and quickly became one of America's most popular small-caliber centerfire varmint rounds.
Chambered in .22 Hornet with a 24 inch barrel, this controlled-round-feed rifle reflects the innovative sporting rifle designs of the early 1930s. The .22 Hornet earned a reputation for excellent accuracy, mild report, and outstanding performance on varmints and small game. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8.5 out of 10, indicating strong internal condition with good rifling. The action functions correctly.
The sanded and refinished furniture rates in Very Good Plus condition with attractive presentation and solid structure. This rifle retains approximately 94% of its mostly original metal finish. The trigger guard and floorplate have been touched up with cold blue, while the remainder of the rifle presents strong original finish retention. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition and stands as a desirable 1933 Winchester Model 54 chambered in the classic .22 Hornet cartridge. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
