The Accurate Reloading Forums
Model 54 9MM
12 April 2014, 12:54
Venture SouthModel 54 9MM
Hi Guys
I came across a Win M54 with 9mm stamped on the barrel.
Can anyone confirm if this is 9x57 Mauser or 9,3 x 62?
The magazine box looks too long for the 9x57.
Any info will be much appreciated.
Kind regards
Ian
Specialist Outfitters and Big Game Hounds
An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last. - Winston Churchill
12 April 2014, 15:46
xausaAs far as I know, Winchester never made a Model 54 in 9.3X62. Model 54 and pre-64 Model 70 magazines and actions are all the same size, with the exception of the .22 Hornet, which had a unique magazine box. Some were blocked off at the rear for the shorter calibers, such as .250 Savage and .220 Swift.
Many Winchester collectors would die for an authentic 9X57 Model 54 or 70.
12 April 2014, 16:30
Samuel_HoggsonIt will be 9X57 if the chambering is original. SN should correspond to 1929 mfg, or later. Rare among '54s. Even more rare among '70s. Sam
14 April 2014, 09:39
Venture SouthThanks guys
I am waiting on the woner to decide what he wants for it.
Sounds like a great rifle to have
I will update when have her back home
Ian
Specialist Outfitters and Big Game Hounds
An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last. - Winston Churchill
14 April 2014, 20:45
AtkinsonWin produced a small number of 9x57s in both the Win. mod. 54 and the Win. mod. 70, both are sought after calibers by collectors. Your gun in decent condition is very valuble in the USA.. Be careful that the barrel and action are a match as a lot of switching went on in the early years, if its a 100% original you have probably made the big time!

.
Ray Atkinson
Atkinson Hunting Adventures
10 Ward Lane,
Filer, Idaho, 83328
208-731-4120
rayatkinsonhunting@gmail.com
Yes, that among the rarest calibers in 54s and 70s. Many $ks. Many. If all original.
14 April 2014, 23:25
Venture SouthThanks for the info.
The rifle is in reasonable condition but has a bit of neglect creaping in. Found it in a gunshop safe full of guns left by uncaring families etc.
Been there since 2009 so lets hope there is no serious damage.
Either way, the old girl has tickled my fancy. I think she may have to take an old Eland Bull on her first outing with me.
Specialist Outfitters and Big Game Hounds
An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last. - Winston Churchill
15 April 2014, 00:49
Alberta CanuckAnd even if you think the barrel may be a replacement, if the price is anywhere under $3K it is probably a real bargain....that is, as long as the barrel is an original Winchester, properly marked. There are lots of experts (in their own minds) who will make negative comments about guns because they can "prove" a gun is a "fake", when in fact it is completely original. What that tells you is that they and the guys who wrote their favorite books never saw that variation before.
I had a pre-'64 M70 FW in .358 Winchester which every dealer or prospective purchaser who ever looked at it swore was a fake. But, I bought it almost new in Canada, and it was one of 200 put together by Winchester in 1959 for retail sale ONLY in Canada. I know one of the famous Winchester books mentions that and mine was definitely one of those (SN 464647), but all the other famous books seem to believe ALL pre-'64 .358 FWs were made in 1955. So a lot depends on the reference material and who the commentators believe. Sometimes folks can just be "too knowledgeable" for their own good as collectors.
BTW, if you are ever looking at #464647, the last time I saw it it had suddenly become a .243 Winchester. The klutz I finally sold it to took it to his shop in Globe, AZ and swapped the barrel with an original 1955 .243FW he had in his possession. Smart move, NOT! He made two originals into two fakes!
My country gal's just a moonshiner's daughter, but I love her still.