Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Gunsmithing Model 54 Winchester bolt release issue.

My custom 54 has a black Timney trigger assembly along with a custom barrel and stock and the bolt can not be released by depressing the trigger. Can the sear be further modified to remedy this problem? Any help would be appreciated. CB

I would think your bolt would just come straight out without the original trigger. All I have had ,when I installed a Tinmey, actually had NO bolt stop. I used a long screw thru one of the reciever sight tapped holes to work as an effective stop. To do it absolutely properly the hole should be drilled oversize and a screw with a shoulder installed. Very small job. You can also improve the looks of the trigger guard by inletting and installing a Mdl 70 guard and then cut the 54 guard off the floorplate right behind the screwhole. file a small step in front of Mdl 70 guard and reassemble using middle screw thru flooplate and front hole of Mdl 70 guard. The Williams triggerguards work nicely.

The "sear as a bolt stop" system is one of the things most objectionable about the Model 54. I have a Model 54 project rifle I've been working with for about three years now( an hour at atime every three months or so) and this is one feature to be addressed. I already filled in the notch in the bolt so I'm committed now! My intention is to use either a Ruger 77 stop or a Mauser 98. I like the spring loaded Ruger but the 98 looks nicer. I've also already replaced the bolt handle and drilled the front guard screw hole in the same position as a Model 70 and installed Model 70 bottom metal. Another one of my personal projects, I hope to have it done before I check out! By the way, the caliber has changed about six times and it doesn't even have a barrel yet! GD

I meant to say, with the Timney trigger, I think the bolt is removed by letting the sear down or dry firing the rifle then holding the trigger forward to hold the sear down while removing the bolt. GD

I'll try that. Might need to call Timney. I'm just a novice on M70/54's. So, I am not sure which parts are M54 and which are M70. Sorry not to provide more info. I just sold the gun on GB and would like to help the buyer out if I can. Thanks all.

I seem to remember that a small metal block came with M54 commercial triggers
in the 1960's.

The block fit into the left side raceway and was held by two (longer) screws installed through the peep sight holes.

Not a real user friendly system, but an improvement over the original system.

Thanks. Definitely odd. I should have looked into it before I sold it. It's difficult now without it in front of me to do much about it.