It's no secret that the pre-64 Model 70 is one of the most popular actions for custom and semi-custom rifles. How about the model 54? WHat are the pros and/or cons of using the model 54 for a semi-custom rifle?
Posts: 530 | Location: Kulpmont, PA | Registered: 31 December 2000
All of the above is true, and I just love the old dogs...I always thought the 54 was as smooth as glass and just a real workhorse, void of unnecessary stuff..
The Winchester M70 was a few upgraded features. 1) Bolt stop 2) Trigger 3) Safety 4) Bolt handle 5) Magazine. Reference: Bolt Action Rifles by Frank DeHaas.
I may have a 2 piece Stith mount coming in a couple of weeks that fits a pre-64 M70 or M54. The front mount goes in the barrel dovetail and the rear mounts on the left side of the receiver at the peep sight holes. It takes a Weaver K3 scope and on the 54 it requires modifying (bending) the bolt handle. If your interested, it let you know when it comes in.
RJS
Posts: 210 | Location: North Texas | Registered: 03 August 2001
I have a chance at an old 54 in 30-06. SOmeone told me that you have to be careful with the old 54's and not load them up to current standard as the steel was not as good. Is this true? Do I need to reduce them from my normal loads or just not load them hot? What is your experience? "D"
Posts: 1701 | Location: Western NC | Registered: 28 June 2000
D-hunter; This is the way I see it. I most reasently read this in a book, however anybody may correct me in this matter. The steel is not the issue in the 54. It is the way the gass is diverted directly back instead of to the side or down in the chance of a ruptured case. Also they don't have a stop for the firing pin in the case of a real pressure problem. The latter part of the 54 history they starrted to cure these problems. Mine was built in 1930 and none of the correction are made to it. I think they only did it in the latter couple of years. If you have a gass vent in the side if the reciever yours is a late model, 32 or 33. I shoot mine quite a bit as it is a real pleasure and very accurate. It has accounted for 1 5X5 bull elk, and a good size mule deer, and several coyoties. The load is a medium load of IMR- 4064 and a 165 gr. Nosler part. only goes at 2680 fps but as of now ther have been no complaints from the game shot with this load. I have the magazine that the info is in if you want I will copy it and fax it to you. The biggest problem so far is finding mounts for it. I am still working on a good set. Well hope this helps.....MD
Posts: 1899 | Location: Alaska | Registered: 03 May 2001
You can load a Mod 54 to the same pressures as any bolt action rifle...the 54's and the 70's don't direct gas well, but the idea is to not load them to that point...stay at about 50 to 55,000 PSI...
