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Gentlemen, I am considering adding this one to the stable but would like some advice/opinions on the condition and originality. I have not seen it in person but seller has sent a list of pictures that show detail. From what I know so far is the barrel has been drilled for the front mounting. I suppose I could look past that since the scope will remain mounted and I don’t plan on selling it soon. The price is favorable and I am well acquainted with the seller so will be comfortable in negotiating should I find there are no other atrocities.
I do have a few more views if necessary and can get others if needed.
Darrin
If you are referring to the scope holes on the barrel they may be factory or maybe not but this was offered as an option. Read page63 in David Bichrest’s book Winchester Model 54 Bolt Action Rifle. The scope is period and looks nice . Trigger guard and floor plate may have been rebound , as this was a spring steel metal the original blue wore very quickly when carried in the field. Wood on butt looks proud . Overall appears to be a good 54. If you acquire shoot it ,it may surprise you. Tom
Darrin Smith said I suppose I could look past that since the scope will remain mounted and I don’t plan on selling it soon.
I wouldn’t “look past” that, I’d be grateful some sensible owner did what the factory neglected to do–make provisions for scope mounting; a Hornet without a scope is no more useful than a .22RF. Cond. appears exceptional, so if a slight deduction is made for the non-original holes (which wouldn’t bother me in the least), it looks good to me.
I wouldn’t pay very much extra for the scope, however, due to the pot-metal mounts, which were Lyman’s “economy models.” Scope (Lyman 438) was sold either with these or the better steel mounts used on the 5As.
If you are referring to the scope holes on the barrel they may be factory or maybe not but this was offered as an option. Tom Sterr said
Needn’t mention that to the seller!
By the way, here’s a better period scope that may sell for less than usual; A5s generally start in the $800 range.
clarence said
If you are referring to the scope holes on the barrel they may be factory or maybe not but this was offered as an option. Tom Sterr said
Needn’t mention that to the seller!
The rifle is on it’s way. I wonder if I would be able to tell if the holes are factory or not by dismounting the scope and looking to see if they were drilled after bluing?
Darrin Smith said
The rifle is on it’s way. I wonder if I would be able to tell if the holes are factory or not by dismounting the scope and looking to see if they were drilled after bluing?
According to Bert, you can. (Non-factory holes could be cold-blued, but I doubt few would take the trouble to do so.) But the main point is, however they got there, they make the gun far more useful than if they were not there.
Congratulations on your purchase the blue is a lie and a burr may be evident above hole if after market. But like Clarence says the addition of a scope is a plus. Basically a nice unaltered 54 ,which is a nice find as most 54 rifles have been altered to meet owners wants or needs. Reading the N.R.A. Magazines from 1925 to 1926 it is amazing to see what was offered after market as to altering the 54 , especially during the 1930’s.
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