Winchester Model 54 – .220 Swift – 1934 Manufacture – R. Nelson Custom Barrel – Weaver K10 Scope

Offered here is a beautiful example of a 1934-manufactured Winchester Model 54 bolt-action sporting rifle, chambered in .220 Swift and featuring a custom R. Nelson-marked barrel, original Winchester walnut stock, and a vintage Weaver K10 fixed 10-power scope.

The Winchester Model 54 was introduced in 1925 and served as the direct predecessor to the legendary Winchester Model 70. Produced until 1936, these early Winchester bolt-action sporting rifles have become increasingly appreciated for their historical significance, classic styling, and quality American craftsmanship.

This particular rifle features a custom replacement barrel marked R. Nelson, rather than an original Winchester factory barrel. The .220 Swift cartridge was introduced in 1935, one year after this rifle’s manufacture, confirming that the rifle was subsequently rebarreled and rechambered. The custom barrel adds an interesting dimension to this prewar Winchester, reflecting the popularity of customizing quality sporting actions for high-velocity cartridges.

The rifle is fitted with a vintage Weaver K10 scope, offering fixed 10-power magnification. The scope complements the rifle’s traditional sporting appearance and is mounted using a period-style scope mounting arrangement.

Condition

This Winchester Model 54 is in good used condition, with attractive remaining bluing on both the receiver and custom barrel.

The metal surfaces retain a nice overall appearance, with scattered light scratches, handling marks, and minor finish wear consistent with age and use.

The original Winchester walnut stock remains in good condition, displaying attractive wood grain and traditional checkering on the pistol grip and forearm. There are a few small scuffs, scratches, and handling marks throughout the wood, but no cracks were observed.

The bore is in very good condition, with a clean overall appearance.

Features & Specifications

• Manufacturer: Winchester Repeating Arms Company
• Model: 54
• Manufacture Year: 1934
• Caliber: .220 Swift
• Action: Bolt-action
• Barrel: Custom replacement barrel marked R. Nelson
• Receiver: Winchester Model 54
• Stock: Original Winchester walnut sporting stock
• Checkering: Checkered pistol grip and forearm
• Scope: Vintage Weaver K10, fixed 10x magnification
• Scope Mounts: Vintage-style scope mounting system
• Metal Finish: Attractive remaining bluing on receiver and barrel
• Bore Condition: Very good
• Stock Condition: Good, with scattered minor scratches and scuffs; no cracks observed
• Overall Condition: Good used condition

A Classic Prewar Winchester Sporting Rifle

The Winchester Model 54 represents an important chapter in American sporting rifle history. As Winchester’s first successful commercial centerfire bolt-action sporting rifle, it helped establish the foundation for the immensely popular Model 70 that followed in 1936.

The .220 Swift, introduced by Winchester in 1935, quickly earned a reputation as one of the fastest commercially available rifle cartridges of its era. It became particularly popular among varmint hunters and long-range shooting enthusiasts.

This rifle combines the craftsmanship of a prewar Winchester Model 54 with an interesting R. Nelson custom barrel and vintage Weaver K10 scope. Its original walnut stock, attractive remaining metal finish, and very good bore make it a noteworthy example of a customized classic American sporting rifle.

Please note: This rifle has been rebarreled and is not in its original factory caliber configuration. The barrel is marked R. Nelson. No claims are made regarding the identity of the gunsmith or the date of the barrel installation.

Please examine all photographs carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.

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