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Some months ago, I learned here of a new Model 54 book. With some enthusiasm and privilege, speaking briefly with its author David Bichrest, also handling direct marketing. Such the “Winchester Model 54 Bolt Action Rifle 1925 – 1936”. Offering here a brief review with a necessary disclaimer. Not a critical content review from expertise perspective. Rather as a student of the Model 54, with good claim to acquaintance with the general vacuum of information concerning the model. Considering its importance in Winchester history and important place during the course of a couple of Century defining decades, amazing to me the little attention. Definitely, shadow of the Model 70 contributing. Moreover the 70 to really begin to offset some aura of the Winchester levers. But the 54 in my estimation more than just the ‘little rifle that could’. A quality publication this book, pulling both together much fragmented material and combining with many facts unknown to me after considerable efforts at research.
The book, from visual perspective of cover, bindings and general presentation similar to the “Rifleman’s Rifle”, bible! From the quality of the physical book even in paper, to organization, to essential content; very well accomplished. Both logical progressive presentation as well as set in mode for quick reference as the type of work it is.
Many, many illustrations and apparent factory record data, I’d neither seen or heard previously referenced.
This book to me an essential reference for most all of us seriously interested in the Model 54 and likely to materially increase the interest of those having access to its content!
One hundred seventy eight fact filled pages, copious illustrations; under a hundred dollars shipped and well worth having for at least every fan and student of this Model!
Necessary disclaimer. No personal or financial interest in this publication and acquaintance with the author only the phone call to order, bit expanded in his kindly then answering some Model 54 questions. I do thank him sincerely for providing to collectors and others interested, a super body of knowledge addressing competently a substantial published ‘void’.
My definite take
John
Hi Iskra-
David’s book is a real asset, I agree!!! I ended up with four copies. One for my Brother who has some of these guns, one I bought for a friend who likewise has some M54s, and two I got for myself. Of those two, one (thanks David, Wayne, and Ted!!!) was one of the first fifty-four signed copies. The other is for my daily use as needed…
If you’re interested in this model, or it’s successor the M70, you owe yourself a copy of David’s book…
Just my opinion, of course… 
Lou
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
Hi Louis!
And thank for the “expert’s expert” endorsement! The book is of course a very credible study of a very narrow subject area and likely to garner primarily comparably narrow audience. A heck of a lot of work! It’s a gem to me and I’d really like to see David do well with it. Also spreading the word, wonderful to see the Model 54 moved beyond largely ‘also ran’, to its own place in the Sun. Equal in context to most all the pre ’64 models! No worries ever of it eclipsing its progeny Model 70; but dang! Hopefully David’s work will nudge it out of that tall shadow!
I had a nice phone conversation with David concerning a forthcoming order and about the 54. My copy is kindly autographed too!
Thanks again & Best!
John
IMO, a long overdue book and I’m thankful to David who put in the hard work to write it.
This is a great book to have! I find this book to be, not only the best, but the only thorough examination of Winchester’s first high power bolt action rifle. I would recommend getting this book while it is still available. We all know what happens to the price of these reference books when they are no longer available.
If you have or plan to acquire a Winchester Model 54 this book is a ‘must have’. As time goes on it is going to be more difficult to find a Model 54, especially a nice one, and this book will help the collector distinguish what is correct and what faults a Model 54 might have. “The “icing on the cake”, for the collector, so to speak. Technical information, production figures and special features are all covered.
The time and effort spent to prepare and publish this book by David Bichrest will be a great benefit to all who collect these fine rifles.
Roger Baler
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