My father-in-law gave his grandsons a model 54 Winchester chambered in 30-30. It had a peep sight on the back end (above bolt), but I removed it due to accuracy. Further down the barrel is an empty dove-tail slot that appears may have held a rear sight. Does anyone know where I can get a sight for this dove-tail slot? One other ? The serial number is: 31827A Can anyone tell me when this rifle was made? Thanks a bunch!
Model 54 Winchester ??
- Thread starter skidder
- Start date
Wildalaska
Moderator
Agreed. But look for an original rear sight, although I betcha the rear peep is period.
Pics
WildicanlooktheyearuptomorrowAlaska ™©2002-2011
Good news! Your Model 54 was made in 1930. Back then, the 30-30 was still high-powered, it hadn't gotten so anemic as it is now. 
The Model 54 was the direct predecessor and the foundation of the Model 70. It actually uses the same action forging, but the bolt stop and trigger for the Model 70 are improved, and the magazine is a bit different. Great rifle!
Now the bad news. Parts are going to be hard to find. Some generic parts can be made to fit, of course. The rear peep may actually be better for accuracy, or you can get a Williams or Lyman replacement rear peep sight if the one you took off is damaged.
Enjoy it!
The Model 54 was the direct predecessor and the foundation of the Model 70. It actually uses the same action forging, but the bolt stop and trigger for the Model 70 are improved, and the magazine is a bit different. Great rifle!Now the bad news. Parts are going to be hard to find. Some generic parts can be made to fit, of course. The rear peep may actually be better for accuracy, or you can get a Williams or Lyman replacement rear peep sight if the one you took off is damaged.
Enjoy it!
Wildalaska
Moderator
I always liked 54s. Underappreciated. I'd like a 30-06 carbine again, although they suck to shoot.
You can get rear sights on Fleabay I have seen them.
WildbutgowiththepeepAlaska ™©2002-2011
You can get rear sights on Fleabay I have seen them.
WildbutgowiththepeepAlaska ™©2002-2011
The hole on the peep sight seems to be to big or too close to the eye, causing the front site to look real small. You can move the gun a few degrees and still see the front sight. Basically the field of vision is too large. The sight is a Williams, maybe get a smaller insert for the top? I'm not sure? any Ideas? Thanks
Shoot it first
Just put the front sight bead where you want the bullet to go . The trick to a peep sight is to ignore the rear sight , your eye will center the bead automatically . With a little practice you will be amazed at how accurate they can be . If it is a period sight it doesn't detract from the value of the rifle . Model 54 30-30s must be quite rare as I've never seen one . I have seen Model 70s in 30-30 though , and they are a hot item with collectors , so I imagine your 54 is worth some bucks !
Just put the front sight bead where you want the bullet to go . The trick to a peep sight is to ignore the rear sight , your eye will center the bead automatically . With a little practice you will be amazed at how accurate they can be . If it is a period sight it doesn't detract from the value of the rifle . Model 54 30-30s must be quite rare as I've never seen one . I have seen Model 70s in 30-30 though , and they are a hot item with collectors , so I imagine your 54 is worth some bucks !
30-30remchester
New member
The original rear sight was a 2 piece affair. The first leaf was stand and non moveable, then the second leaf was folding and was higher than the first site. When I worked on an identical rifle and caliber, the first standing leaf was sighted in at 100 yards and the folding leaf when raised was dead on a 200 yards. These sight are very hard to find and pricey. However any dovetail rear sight will work. I agree with others that the peep sight if far more accurate than a barrel mounted sight. Lastly the 54 in 30-30 is a novel gun. A few things had to be overcome when using a rimmed case and a flatnosed bullets. This gun actually had 2 feed ramps instead of one. Great classics gun in a classic caliber.
Your right I have no experience with peep sights, I appreciate the help and information. I will put the peep sights back on and go practice. I already have all the ammunition loaded for my Marlin 336. I should be a able to load some spire points being its a bolt action. My oldest boy has been dying to shoot it and he just completed hunters safety. I know what we'll be doing this weekend.
Thanks again for all the advice it helped alot.
Thanks again for all the advice it helped alot.
Spire points should shoot fine in your 54. The only reason the 30-30 is loaded w/RN or FP is the tubular magazines. In fact, I think it is Hornady that supply a new poly pointed bullet that is supposed to be OK in the tubular magazines.
As has been stated, once you get used to the peep, you will find it more accurate than open sights, but if you want to get the open sight I would check with:
Garry Fellers
3249 Marie Lane.
Ft. Worth, TX 76123-2055
Phone: 817-346-9633
Fax: 817-346-0690
He specializes in sights and scopes of all kinds.
Regards,
hps
As has been stated, once you get used to the peep, you will find it more accurate than open sights, but if you want to get the open sight I would check with:
Garry Fellers
3249 Marie Lane.
Ft. Worth, TX 76123-2055
Phone: 817-346-9633
Fax: 817-346-0690
He specializes in sights and scopes of all kinds.
Regards,
hps
30-30remchester
New member
Great looking gun SKIDDER please dont do anything stupid like refinish, reblue or drill and tap. You have a nice original 54 in a rare caliber. If needed I can photo the actual rear sight that came on the gun. I have access to an exact copy of your gun.
30-30remchester
New member
It will take till Wednesday to get the photos to you skidder as the owner of the gun is out of town till then.