Is there an off the shelf replacement trigger guard for the Model 54? I love the guns but always cringe a little when I contemplate the stamped trigger guards.
Have never seen or heard of an aftermarket/replacement guard bow for the M54 (that doesn't mean they don't exist though). There were only 50,000 produced so one has to question what the demand would be 80 years after M54 production ended....
Gotcha. I was just wondering if anything of that nature was available in the past, and as such could be something to keep my eyes peeled for. Perhaps an early M70 bottom metal?
Is your M54 in original condition? If so don't touch it and change anything! There are so few M54's left in original shape modifying one in any way is cause for you to loose your Winchester Man Card.
I read out of the 50,000 plus 54 made only about 15,000 are in the original configuration and I can say I'm one of the lucky ones to have an all original one.
I have always been a fan of the 54 with the same objection. That damned stamped steel bottom metal. Looks like something Remington would do. I have seen several model 54 with model 70 bottom metal done by talented men. I would even take original shaped bottom metal if it was milled.
I really don't have any intention of modifying a M54. It's just that recently I looked at a couple at shows and at a local auction that had been Bubba'ed and that got me thinking about how one could replace the stamped trigger guard. My M54 .30-30 could be a candidate for modification as some benighted soul left behind 4 d/t'ed side mount screw holes on the left side of the receiver. Collector value is gone, but still in all, far be it for me to Bubba it further.
I put a Timney in mine... Not drop in tho..
I have a Model 54 250-3000 in excellent condition but unfortunately it has been altered,
1)by the installation of Griffin and Howe side mounts and a Lyman Alaskan scope.
2)addition of a Lyman receiver sight
3)barrel has blocks installed for a long target scope
Model 54s aren't very common in Ontario.
BillR
I wouldn't kick one out of bed for wearing those alterations, especially in that chambering! As long as the scope blocks utilize the receiver ring factory holes and the rear sight dovetail as God and Mr. Unertl intended it that is. The G&H setup detracts from its collectability, but makes up for it in shooting worthiness, IMO, so that's a wash. They were d/t'ed for receiver sights from the factory, and unless the wood was hogged out to accept it, no big deal. All in all, I would scramble for my wallet if such a beast presented itself!
mine has top blocks for long scope. otherwise, its original 1936. shot little.
the bolt still has coz on it and has org sling. it a 22 hornet.
wonder what that thing is worth today?
Front scope block use the dovetail notch or was the barrel drilled?
barrel drilled and has a lyman 2x scope on it.
Depending upon originality, condition and how bad someone needs to have it, M54 Hornet prices range from $700.00 to $2000.00. A couple holes in the barrel would not appeal to collectors, so I'd say the lower end of the range as a shooter. The Lyman is worth a few $'s....
story behind it was a wife bought the husband the 54 hornet last year serial and a 1st year serial 30-06 m70 together as a gift. a year later he died and they stayed in her closet until i bought them in 1990. so odds are neither were shot much. and by the sharpness of the checking, and coz on the bolt, id say never.
i shot it last in 1995 to test some 40gr and 45gr loads. it likes the 40gr best.
oh...btw, i just looked at it. its a 4x long tube scope on marbles mounts with the springy thingy.
just me but i dont see the hate of a stamped guards. it doesnt effect accuracy at all.
I put a Timney in mine... Not drop in tho..
Trigger guard ...........