Winchester Model 54
Winchester Repeating Arms · Rifle · Discontinued · 1925
Also known as: Model 54, Win 54
Overview
The Winchester Model 54 is an American bolt-action rifle produced by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company from 1925 to 1936. Built around a Mauser 98-type action with a controlled-round feed and a five-round internal box magazine, it was Winchester's first commercially successful bolt-action sporting rifle and the gun for which the new .270 Winchester cartridge was introduced. Offered in numerous chamberings including the .30-06 Springfield, it directly influenced the later and more famous Winchester Model 70.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3515 g (124.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1118 mm (44.02") |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Fixed Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 880 m/s (2887 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 4515 J (3330 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .30-06 Springfield · primary — also known as 30-06, .30-06 Sprg, 7.62x63mm
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Internal Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Wing Safety, Mauser Style Safety
- Features: Mauser 98 Type Action, Internal Box Magazine, Two Stage Trigger, Speed Lock
Variants
- Winchester Model 54 Carbine - Carbine
- Winchester Model 54 Super Grade - Deluxe
- Winchester Model 54 National Match - Target
Service history
Operators
- Civilian sport shooters and hunters · adopted 1925
Production
Estimated total produced: 50,000 · Production years: 1925-1936
Approximately 50,000 units across all configurations before being replaced by the Model 70
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Frank Burton
Discontinued: 1936
Notes
About 50,000 were produced across standard rifle, carbine, super grade, target and National Match configurations. A 'Speed Lock' improvement in 1933 reduced lock time. The Model 54 was superseded by the Winchester Model 70 in 1936.
Background
The Model 54 introduced the .270 Winchester cartridge, which became one of the most popular hunting rounds in North America. Its Mauser-derived action and accuracy made it the foundation for the Winchester Model 70, often called 'The Rifleman's Rifle.'