Gents:
I don't know where this belongs so if it needs to be moved, just let me know where it ends up.

I am looking for an older .30-06 and like the looks of the Winchester models 54 and 70.

Can you fellas, with your vast knowledge, tell me the difference between the two and also if the 54 should be avoided.

I want and original rifle, shooter grade, just for fun and a small amount of hunting. I have two early Weatherby rifles in .270 WCF and 300 Wby that I will sell (both with 3-digit serial numbers) as would prefer an '06.

Thanks for your help.
Cal

Cal,

For me the major difference is the M54 has the front screw into the recoil lug instead of the bedding platform and for me that is a big negative. The M70 is the top bedding configuration. The Post 63 M70 is a longer action than Pre 64 and M54.

If my memory is correct the 54's have sheet steel bottom metal vs, the 70's milled trigger guard and hinged floor plate.

The triggers are also significantly different. On the 54 the trigger is the bolt stop while the 70 has a separate bolt stop.

On the 54 the bolt and safety are not scope friendly but by the time the 70 was introduced scopes were more popular and the 70's bolt and safety worked much better with a scope. As the years went on the 70's safety was updated to be even more scope friendly.

The model 54 has sheet metal triggerguard and floorplate - non-hinged.

The M54 is a good gun but not a model 70. The 54 as made is not very scope friendly and has a two stage trigger.

Parts to upgrade a M54 to be more scope friendly are very scarce. Changing the trigger to something else is also a chore and as with the other parts, triggers are very hard to find.

Then if you take into account the very early M54's they are even harder to upgrade the trigger.

If you buy a 54 you better like it as it is because it will be very hard to get it close to a model 70. But, if you found one that already had a Buehler or other low scope safety installed with the bolt handle bent lower and possibly a Timney or other aftermarket trigger installed that would be a nice gun. Most require a screw in a peep sight hole to be the bolt stop when changing the triggers from 2-stage factory.

It is much easier to convert a military mauser than to convert an M54.

Buy a beater M70 and be happy!

Cal: I've got both. M54 is .30 WCF (30-30) and M70 in .270. Let me know if I can be of help if you want to look them over. I'm sure they're in the safe somewhere.

Thanks for the information, gentlemen. As usual AR's finest come through. Perhaps for my intended use, an older model 70 is the ticket.

Cal

"Older model 70"...........FWIW, the rear receiver bridge on 54s and prewar 70s was not D&T'd. Have a very nice prewar SG '06 that was aftermarket D&T'd for scope. Functional, but lost most collector value.

What they said -- the M70 already has things you might want to try to change on the 54, and changing might be difficult. If you are using a scope, the "Monte Carlo" style pre-64 stock is easier for me than the 54 or earlier M70 stocks with a lot more drop.

Cal, I may have a M54 for you

I have both, I actually like my 54 30-06 as well as my MOd. 70 pre 64 30-06. The 54 is lean and mean with that schnable stock, and just feels good and shoots great, I did add a mod. 70 safety...cost wise they are pretty close these days..The 54 does have a sheet metal bottom metal, but that bothers me not, its action is slicker, the 70 has a better trigger pull but again it bothers me not..Its just a hunting rifle and a good one..points like a boss shotgun.

My cousin has a 54 carbine, and I love it, but he won't part with it...

I know you well enough to know your nostalgic self will like a 54.

BTW many of the mod. 70s have that forend screw as does the mod 54,and its great for adding or releasing pressure on the barrel and making them shoot better..not to mention assisting in avoiding barrel movement.My favorite model 54 has the schnable forend and the slimmer stock, shoots an inch or under for 3 shots and overlapping those 3 shots over a day of group shooting it apparantly shoots under an inch for 5 shots. Im sure you will like both I do..