I don't know much about the Anschutz 54 action, but have the opportunity to get a lefty Anschutz stock, which takes the 54, and would like to determine which 54 actions may be suitable - or are these specifically matched to stock models.
a few questions..
Can any 54 action fit in any stock for a series that uses the 54 action?
Can the 54 action be adapted from RH to true LH by changing components, or does this require machining?
Are all 54 actions mechanically equivalent - are there subseries a/o different generations of 54's?
How much should I expect to pay, in the US, for a used 54 action in good working condition?
thanks
Matching Anschutz 54 actions to stocks?
Moderators: pilkguns, Marcus, m1963, David Levene, Spencer
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Guest
Solomon,
firstly Match 54 actions. The receiver size and bedding bolt size and placement has not changed. However I believe the shape of the tang (the very rearmost spur behind the trigger) did alter a little in the 1970s. The bolt and triggers have changed over the years. The main types are the 14 Series (1954-1970s), 16 series (1970s to 1980), 18(1980-87), 19 (1987 to present). Stock style/barrel option is identified by two digits after the series number.
You cannot take a right handed action and fit a left-handed bolt; the locking lug recesses and handle notch will be on the wrong side. A gunsmith might be able to convert a right handed action, but I suspect it would be easier and cheaper to buy a left-hander. Anschutz introduced a true-left handed action in the 1970s (16 series).
A cheap option would be to alter the stock to fit a right handed action and to find and use a bolt-adaptor.
Most Match 54 actions and stocks can be swapped. However there are some caveats. Older rifles with the wing safety will fit in newer stocks, however the stock will lack a scallop for the saftey. Not a problem for a target rifle, as the saftey is redundant.
The 66cm standard barrel has a tapered barrel nut. I'm not sure what the funtion is, but it is a little wider than a 69cm heavy barrel. If a stock has been bedded for a heavy barrel, the standard barrel nut may foul on the bedding.
I've not tried fitting a newer 18 or 19 action into an older stock.
Good luck
Tim S
Exeter UK
firstly Match 54 actions. The receiver size and bedding bolt size and placement has not changed. However I believe the shape of the tang (the very rearmost spur behind the trigger) did alter a little in the 1970s. The bolt and triggers have changed over the years. The main types are the 14 Series (1954-1970s), 16 series (1970s to 1980), 18(1980-87), 19 (1987 to present). Stock style/barrel option is identified by two digits after the series number.
You cannot take a right handed action and fit a left-handed bolt; the locking lug recesses and handle notch will be on the wrong side. A gunsmith might be able to convert a right handed action, but I suspect it would be easier and cheaper to buy a left-hander. Anschutz introduced a true-left handed action in the 1970s (16 series).
A cheap option would be to alter the stock to fit a right handed action and to find and use a bolt-adaptor.
Most Match 54 actions and stocks can be swapped. However there are some caveats. Older rifles with the wing safety will fit in newer stocks, however the stock will lack a scallop for the saftey. Not a problem for a target rifle, as the saftey is redundant.
The 66cm standard barrel has a tapered barrel nut. I'm not sure what the funtion is, but it is a little wider than a 69cm heavy barrel. If a stock has been bedded for a heavy barrel, the standard barrel nut may foul on the bedding.
I've not tried fitting a newer 18 or 19 action into an older stock.
Good luck
Tim S
Exeter UK