Custom Winchester Model 54 Carbine 20" Bbl .35 Whelen Bolt Action Rifle MFD 1927
Our Assessment: Winchester Model 54 rifles were made from 1925-1936. The Model 54 was Winchester's only bolt action centerfire rifle at the time. Production ended when the legendary Model 70 became available in 1937.This example has been customized with a .35 Whelen barrel cut to 20", now in a Carbine configuration. The rifle retains a great bore and strong mechanics. This a neat find for collectors, but still has several hunting seasons left in it.
Make: Winchester
Model: Custom Model 54 Carbine
Serial Number: 11769
Year of Manufacture: 1927
Caliber: .35 Whelen
Action Type: Bolt Action
Barrel Length: The barrel has been cut to 20".
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade pinned to a slotted base fixed to the front of the barrel. There is a dovetail in a boss at the rear of the barrel, currently filled with a blank. The chamber ring (but not the bridge) is drilled, tapped and filled for an optic (none present). The left-rear of the receiver is drilled and tapped with a Lyman 48 WJS receiver sight installed, adjustable for windage and elevation. The sight has matching assembly numbers on the mount and arm.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece smooth walnut with finger-grooved forend, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, checkered steel buttplate and sling swivels front and rear. The stock was not relieved for the receiver sight, but there is some minor wear from the mount. The stock has light handling wear with a few light marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12 7/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear and some minor oxidation. The stock rates in about Very Good-Fine overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original to customization.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its current metal finish. Most of the wear is on the bottom metal. The finish is thinning at most edges. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
CA LEGALITY: C&R: YES, CA PPT: NO.
RIFLE