Anschutz 54 Action Q

[600-60x]

are all model 54’s match actions?
also are the barrels press fit

 

[Tim Slater]

are all model 54’s match actions?
also are the barrels press fit

Anschutz have made both target and sporting rifles on the Match 54. Most target rifles are single shot, but not all.

Factory barrels are pressed, and since 1960 are secured with two vertical pins. Barrels fitted by a gunsmith might be pressed, threaded, glued, or even soldered.

 

[Walt Krafft]

There have been lots of little changes over the life of the 54 action. Different triggers, single or dual extractors are a couple.

 

[600-60x]

Anschutz have made both target and sporting rifles on the Match 54. Most target rifles are single shot, but not all.

Factory barrels are pressed, and since 1960 are secured with two vertical pins. Barrels fitted by a gunsmith might be pressed, threaded, glued, or even soldered.

thanks for the reply
so any single shot is a match action ?
is data of manufacture stamped any we’re

 

[cavedweller60]

thanks for the reply
so any single shot is a match action ?
is data of manufacture stamped any we’re

The date is stamped on the left side with the proof marks. A=0, B=1, etc, with K=9.

 

[600-60x]

The date is stamped on the left side with the proof marks. A=0, B=1, etc, with K=9.

thanks

 

[CharlieNC]

Go to rimfire central, there is an anschutz forum sticky with details

 

[Tim Slater]

thanks for the reply
so any single shot is a match action ?
is data of manufacture stamped any we’re

Yes, a single shot will normally be a Match action. Single shot adaptors may be available for the sporters, but not a pinned breech tray like the single shot actions. Single shot match bolts also employ internally spring claws, where 54 sporters have an external spring.

Anschutz do not mark the date of manufacture. But, since 1961, the proof house have marked the year they test the barrel. Since 1977 this has been a two letter code as described above. There are also small changes to the action and stock thar help with dating.

 

[600-60x]

 

[Tim Slater]

That's an early-ish target action. The proof date appears to be 63 - 1963, and other features (serial no, bolt end cap, barrel pins, receiver length, barrel marking) support this.

The barrel is original I'd say; the s/n (roughly sequential) is appropriate for the proof date. It's tapered, and assuming it's a heavy, would have been just over 28in when it left the factory. I'd expect the dovetail for the foresight to be machined atop the muzzle, so not convenient for fitting modern muzzle devices (tuners or bloop tubes).

The bolt will have a single claw; it's not unknown for ejection to be erratic, as cases drag on the breech tray and pop out from the extractor. Anschutz added a second claw/ cartridge holder around 1964 to cure this, something that's not an option for most owners. Replacement extractors/springs, and ejectors (the stud in the breech) are still available if you need (but firing pins are not).

Based on the barrel marking it was sold as a 1413 Supermatch, Anschutz's flagship Olympic Free Rifle. I presume the marbled stock is either BR or Silhouette, although aftermarket synthetic 3P/Prone stocks were made.

The holes on top of the receiver are not original. Back on the day target optics mounted on the barrel, so Anschutz only drilled & tapped there, not the action.

 

[Bluefink4895]

Round M54 (1907 and 1913) - pressed and pinned. Older M54's are same.
Round M54.30 - threaded
Flat bottomed 2013 - clamped in action, screws on underside of action