Anschütz 54 -I think I got REALLY lucky

[Attrum]

I picked up an Anshchütz 54 from an older friend (original owner) two years ago, and it's been sitting since. I'm going to start messing with it here directly. The reason for my post is that I'm wondering exactly what I have. It has an X suffix on the serial number and I saw somewhere that this may make it a more rare or desirable 54. Did I get lucky, and what does the X signify?

Thanks for the help,

Andy

 

[stgw77]

X behind the serial number means you have eXperimental model. There were a lot of experimental models trough years, it also means transmission from 14xxx to 16xxx rifles. Your bolt shuld have cutted slot with goal to short lock time, so firing pin could hit round faster. Some people thing X means selected, more accurate barrel but that is not the case. Of course your rifle is not so common as regular Annie, so maybe worth more in collector circles. I think your serial number is around 170xxxX.

 

[tazzman]

Here is a link to a forum dedicated to Annies. It probably holds the information on your serial # ending with an X. (See post #9).
http://www.rimfireshooting.com/index.php?/topic/9816-just-acquired-my-match-54/?hl=%2Bin+%2Bserial+%2Bnumber#entry76709

Hope it helps.

Cheers,

Phil Fortin aka tazzman

 

[Attrum]

Thanks fellas. The serial number starts 154***X.

 

[patriot]

The 16xx series rifles shot very well and many are still on the line. They have a mystic. If it is all original it will make a good conversation piece. The value will fall between the older model 54's and the 18xx's; no significant premium.

Mark

https://jga.anschuetz-sport.com/index.php5?menu=353&sprache=1&frageID=%AC%18%F0%C4%CBc%A6%13&FAQID=%2503%2514%25F4%2519%25B2%25E0r%25CD

 

[Attrum]

Thanks Mark. I think I found my answers.

I did add a tuner to it and the stock looked like a well used boat oar so I refinished it with automotive clear. The unpolished aluminum was also a sore spot for me so it was powder coated as well. I knew I was never going to sell it and decided to make it look more appealing to the eye. I'm very pleased with the finished product. I'll put some pics of it on this post later today.

 

[Mikey_P]

Your bolt shuld have cutted slot with goal to short lock time, so firing pin could hit round faster.

I also have an Anschutz 1611 "X" prone rifle. As others have said, the 1600 series X-model was a transitional model from the 1400 series to the 1800 series. They were manufactured around 1979 - 1980. I've included a pic of the unique bolt design with the open slot along the bottom that stgw77 mentions. Beware - the firing pin is unique to the 1600 series and spare pins are virtually unobtainable now. So, limit your dry firing - just sayin'!

Generally speaking the "X" models are great shooters. I know of at least three others that are currently being used on the firing line. John Sylvester recently won the NRA 3200 Prone Regional in Fairfax using his 1600 "X" that he put into an Eliseo AN1 stock - http://www.fxrgc.org/index.cfm?Section=9&pagenum=229&titles=0.

Keep 'em in the ten ring!

Mike

 

[patriot]

What is it about the 1611 and 1811 stock. I glassed one for a friend, bought it from him when he went metal, traded it back to him as a favor, then lost track of it when he passed. They look and shoot great. Sure wish I still had it. Looking forward to the pictures.

Mark

 

[Attrum]

Here are some pictures of the rifle I had questions about. Please note that I did rework the stock and it now has around 4 to 5 coats of automotive clear. I added a Time Precision tuner. All the aluminum has been black powder coated and I have 3" aluminum plate secured to the rail to shoot from one of my rests. I haven't had it out in quite some time, but I did shoot it at 200 yards and it was impressive with Federal Ultra Match. Believe it or not it also liked the cheap Federal Auto Match at that distance.

 

[patriot]

Outstanding. That looks like one of the older Leupold BR scopes? The quality of their AO thread, glass, and finish were excellent.

Mark

 

[Mikey_P]

Very nice - thanks for sharing the pics, Attrum. The tuner will give you added flexibility as far as what ammo the rifle likes and what it doesn't like. I use Eley Edge with my model 1600 for 200yd competitions. You'll have to experiment to see what works for you (part of the "fun" of shooting smallbore rifles, I suppose ...).

Mike

 

[Attrum]

Thanks for the compliments fellas. You are so right about FUN! I'm looking forward to working with it.

 

[ferrarif1fan]

I actually have one of the Anschutz 1600 series rifles for sale over on the benchrest.com classifieds if someone is looking for one. These actions also have the great 5071 two-stage 2 ounce triggers. This action/trigger combo is a great starting point for a .22 benchrest rifle build.

http://benchrest.com/class/index.php?a=2&b=9390

 

[aloreman]

ive got a 1613 supermatch that i shoot 3 p with. x model. great rifle

 

[dickn52]

Some companies, and NOT all used the 'x' to signify that it was a duplicate serial number.

 

[patriot]

https://jga.anschuetz-sport.com/index.php5?menu=353&sprache=1&frageID=%AC%18%F0%C4%CBc%A6%13&FAQID=%03%14%F4%19%B2%E0r%CD

The X signifies a 1600 series model.

Mark