54MS, or what?

[Bill the Lurker]

I am the proud owner of an older 54 MS, single shot.
Serial #: 2068xx.

Is this the correct designator for this rifle?
I see models referred to as 4 digits, like 1712, 1827, etc.
I have no idea what series mine might be. Is there a way a newb like me can find out, or do I have a 54MS?

Thanks,
Bill

[fwt1712]

Hi Bill,

by pure coincidence I've just picked up a near twin to your rifle, serial number 2069xx.

My understanding is that Anschutz called them model 54MS. From the year coding "ID" I assume it's a 1983 model.

Later versions were 54.18MS and the repeaters were/are 54.18MSR.

While showing some signs of the years cosmetically I was pleased when the first 3 x 5 shot sighter groups at 50m ran from 0.25" to 0.3". My rifle has a 19.5" straight barrel i.e. no bulge at the muzzle end to form a choke, but it all looks factory so I am guessing it's original. My old gun digests from the early 80s say that the models came in 22.5" and 30" vesrions - the 30" however had a 19.5" barrel with an extension tube, so I am guessing that 19.5" comes from one of those.

I have used (guess why) 1712FWTs for the last few years, but always hankered after a heavy rifle, to see if that bit of extra weight and far lighter trigger pull might give a few extra targets.

We shoot rimfire matches weekly, shooting both standard and hunter, so I'll have a chance to compare scores quite closely and even if I go back to using the FWT exclusively it's still a lovely gun to add to the Anschutz collection.

regards,
Nigel.

[sobrbiker883]

Crap, now I haven't a chance at the STS rimfire version............(guess I'd have to return some targets to Jason to have a chance, but that's whole nother issue).
Welcome to the addiction Bill. A 54MS is a fine gun!!

[Bill the Lurker]

Steve, no worries on the STS. I almost forgot to send in $$ and haven't got the targets from Jason yet. (I hear a clock ticking, and somewhere in the distance, a dog barked.)

I've had a desire for a 54 for years, and had a friend who decided to let this one go.
Haven't shot it yet.
Trying to get the corn out of the field, then maybe some playtime.

Take care,
(and thanks for the heads-up about this site. Tons of good information here.)
Bill

[sobrbiker883]

I've been horrible about getting my targets shot and back to JB, but I keep buying the max targets each quarter-the money goes to a good cause....since I started shooting sillywet my range time for precision rifle stuff has gone way down.......I gotta get me a place in the country one of these days!

Be safe and have fun with the Annie!