What is the going rate for a Model 54 in 22 Hornet? 90%, serial number puts it around 1933. There's one in an upcoming local gun auction that I have my eye on. It looks like an honest gun with no real problems.

I need a 54 in 22 Hornet like I need a hole in the head. But, it's just cool - and how often do you see one?

Thanks,

SR

S.R.,

Over the past decade, I have seen only about three 54's in hornet. I quit going to gunshows during this tenure, so the three were all local gunshops. The three as I recall, were around 850-1050 or so, some had vintage scopes(minor) so were just rifles. Most were at least 85% to me. I do remember one of the three that had a 20x Unertl on it..............yeah, shoulda bought it but was too poor at the time.

The 54 is the predecessor to the pre64 model 70. You will notice some similarities, and yet some upgrades from a rifle point of view when upping to the pre64. With that said, I think the 54 is a fine rifle to have.

The trigger mechanism will be more crude than the pre64 as well as some cosmetics like bottom metal. Some of that is the eye of the beholder of course.

Wish I had bought one of the three...........I have a pre64 70 now, why it was bought over the 54's previously, I cannot tell you why that was, guess the time or money was not there for the buy. These rifles are full sized rifles, which I truly enjoy, but some think a hornet oughta be 4 lbs tops with scope......... :-) I have long dreamed of a 54 or pre64 70 in 22 khorent with a second barrel in 17 khornet......

Probably, if original barrel, will be 16 twist, so the hornet short bullets of the day......

Hope you consider showing it if it comes your way........

Thanks for the feedback. I have a few pre-64 Model 70s in other calibers and never really cared to own a Model 70 in the Hornet (not sure why...maybe I just never ran across one). But I've seen a couple 54 Hornets and for some reason they interest me. Again, maybe it's just because they passed under my nose and I'm a sucker for vintage bolt-action rifles.

Good luck! Everyone needs at least one Model 54! Im clueless to the value, but wishing you luck!

I have one of those old antiques that is for sale. It comes with a lot of junk like brass, bullets, dies and whatnot. Dunno it appeals to the average Joe or not, but if one wants it they need to bring along a couple large and change if they want to take it home.

Well, I got outbid. I can't remember exactly where I stopped - $1200 or so. It was down to just me and one other guy.

I did walk out with a late pre-64 Model 70 in .270. It is in very nice shape and I thought the price was right. They only had a couple pre-64 model 70s in the sale today. They are probably the two most common / least desirable (early 60s standard rifles in .30-06 and .270). Both went for about $800 in 98% condition.

SR

You probably stopped at the right place. Although you don't see many 54 Hornets, the prices are not near what the 70's bring. At $1200, you are getting near the low end of that range.
I bought the only 54 Hornet I have ever seen at a show for $800 a few years ago, don't think the value has appreciated much.

Damn thats a nice 54, in Hornet no less. That may be the nicest example I have ever seen. I've got a couple of modern Hornets and always have had a soft spot for that caliber.