Old Anschutz 54

[johara1]

Are the old Anschultz 54 prone guns as good as the new ones for accuracy?..... Jim

 

[lawrence97]

I have an old wing safety 54 and a newer one. I think they shoot the same when you find the right ammo.

 

[johara1]

So to restock it and use it for BR50, it would be competitive?

 

[Tim s]

So to restock it and use it for BR50, it would be competitive?

While, generally, they are actually better, you have to realize there is one major caveat.
Anything older can either be well maintained by a true pro or abused by a ham fisted guy the easily gan ruin a good barrel.
I'd consider finding somebody with a borescope to check out the barrel before investing $ in a questionable platform.

 

[johara1]

That is my plan and I do have a bore scope...... Jim

 

[SBS]

Although they can be as good as new ones, as Tim s states, very few factory rifles are competitive in serious rimfire benchrest matches when shooting against custom barrels and particularly custom actions with custom barrels. If you are shooting against Win. 52's, 40X's and similar factory rifles, you'll probably be competitive.

 

[johara1]

got ya, kind of what figured, a new threaded barrel and good stock and bedding and 48 power March and the right ammo it may help it.... Jim

 

[jbell]

I personally would not put $ of a rebarrel into a pre 18xx series Anschutz 54. Either keep it as is for nostalgia and the fact that they are nice rifles, or sell it to fund a build off a better action. I say better to mean faster lock time, better trigger options, more stock options. But this is just my .02

 

[Tim s]

I personally would not put $ of a rebarrel into a pre 18xx series Anschutz 54. Either keep it as is for nostalgia and the fact that they are nice rifles, or sell it to fund a build off a better action. I say better to mean faster lock time, better trigger options, more stock options. But this is just my .02

Faster lock time has zero improvement to accuracy, is a plus if you shoot position in regard to shot timing.
The older ones are much better which is why they are still the basis of benchrest rifles that are very competitive.

 

[patriot]

Faster lock time has zero improvement to accuracy, is a plus if you shoot position in regard to shot timing.

If the faster lock time is due to a lighter firing pin, it would reduce the vibrations sent down the barrel which just might improve accuracy. Perhaps that explains the evolution of the 54 action and barrel mount.

Mark

 

[Tim s]

If the faster lock time is due to a lighter firing pin, it would reduce the vibrations sent down the barrel which just might improve accuracy. Perhaps that explains the evolution of the 54 action and barrel mount.

Mark

Yeah, I am aware of how it works and , if anything, increases vibrations. If you ask any gunsmith that based benchrest guns on 54's they wanted older, large bolt handle guns made in the 60's and early 70's.
I've shot most of them, still own a 54 based IR50 sporter.......with the large bolt handle.

 

[Tim s]

Although they can be as good as new ones, as Tim s states, very few factory rifles are competitive in serious rimfire benchrest matches when shooting against custom barrels and particularly custom actions with custom barrels. If you are shooting against Win. 52's, 40X's and similar factory rifles, you'll probably be competitive.

Not only is that spot on but, frankly, the OP would be better off, IMHO, finding a good low milage custom, purpose built gun.......they're out there and available for not much more $ .

 

[patriot]

Yeah, I am aware of how it works and , if anything, increases vibrations. If you ask any gunsmith that based benchrest guns on 54's they wanted older, large bolt handle guns made in the 60's and early 70's.
I've shot most of them, still own a 54 based IR50 sporter.......with the large bolt handle.

You are certain the titanium firing pin in my 40X didn't reduce lock time and barrel vibration? Or the reduced mass of the 54.30 short firing pin and the barrel mount didn't reduce barrel vibration?

 

[Tim s]

Now we're talking about 40X's ?
You can believe what you wish. If you wish to discuss the topic with the builder of world record holding as well as national championship winnng 22 benchrest rifles, including 54 based platforms, I'd be happy to refer you to one, or perhaps do a search, the topic has been widely discussed with a pretty uniform degree of opinion.
Nobody.....repeat nobody, in the benchrest world, advocates for faster locktime....well actually only one, and the only time in recent years those actions have done anything of note is with modification to the pin to give it more mass.......which slows it down.
None of this, I might add, particularly aimed at vibrations/resonance in the barrel or anywhere else for that matter, but aimed at consistant ignition.
Even with the old ones which are right on the edge of acceptable, you can change a spring, particularly to an aftermarket version, and completely compromise your accuracy.

 

[patriot]

Now we're talking about 40X's ?
Even with the old ones which are right on the edge of acceptable, you can change a spring, particularly to an aftermarket version, and completely compromise your accuracy.

You are saying the weight of an aftermarket spring can completely compromise accuracy or some other quality? If weight, heavier, lighter or both?

Gene Davis recommended and installed the titanium firing pin. His reputation with the 40X speaks for itself.

 

[Tim s]

You are saying the weight of an aftermarket spring can completely compromise accuracy or some other quality? If weight, heavier, lighter or both?

Gene Davis recommended and installed the titanium firing pin. His reputation with the 40X speaks for itself.

Good Christ, this was about 54's before you started with the 40X's.
First off, I know Gene.
Secondly I'd point out two things. 1. Most of his builds maintain factory ignition. 2. I'd doubt one of his guns has won a major match in 10 years.
Possibly, you want to consider re reading my post that you've mistated and misunderstood.
Faster locktime, in and of itself does nothing and usually hurts because it usually compromises ignition because, often, not enough mass.
Simple , concept, not invented by me.

 

[patriot]

Good Christ, this was about 54's before you started with the 40X's.
Faster lock time has zero improvement to accuracy

If the firing pin weight is constant and the replacement spring is stronger then the faster lock time would increase the strike force (F=M*A) and eliminate any poor ignition.

 

[Tim s]

You can lead a horse to water, but a few still die of thirst.

 

[patriot]

And some folks state conjecture as fact when there is no scientific validation.

 

[Tim s]

And some folks state conjecture as fact when there is no scientific validation.

You mean me and all those benchrest gunsmiths that build winning rifles.
Giddyup.