Winchester 52 “Perfection in Design”

[Win52C]

Let’s see your Winchester 52’s folks. My latest is below.

I couldn't resist sharing this one with the group. As some of you know I’m a long time Winchester 52 nut. They have always been a bit pricey but you used to be able to find them, somewhat reasonably priced, back before our years started with 2xxx but alas those days are long gone. So I shoot the ones I have and chuckle at the prices I see on them these days for guns that look like cut down Swiss cheese! Well a couple weeks ago I strolled through the Madison Gun Show and spied this on a rack. 1935 vintage, speed lock, original magazine, standard weight (which is still heavier than most) 28” barrel, the original correct Lyman sights with good original bluing and zero additional holes drilled in the metal and only 1 extra in the stock where the barrel band had been moved forward to accommodate the bell of a telescopic sight, as they used to be called, I would assume. Never shortened or messed with, original buttplate still there. Unbelievable. Even more unbelievable is that it was priced appropriately. He wouldn’t budge on the price but it was reasonable anyway so I didn’t argue. Hope you like it as much as I do

 

[patience0830]

I couldn't resist sharing this one with the gang. As some of you know I’m a long time Winchester 52 nut. They have always been a bit pricey but you used to be able to find them, somewhat reasonably priced, back before our years started with 2xxx but alas those days are long gone. So I shoot the ones I have and chuckle at the prices I see on them these days for guns that look like cut down Swiss cheese! Well a couple weeks ago I strolled through the Madison Gun Show and spied this on a rack. 1935 vintage, speed lock, original magazine, standard weight (which is still heavier than most) 28” barrel, the original correct Lyman sights with good original bluing and zero additional holes drilled in the metal and only 1 extra in the stock where the barrel band had been moved forward to accommodate a scope, I would assume. Never shortened or messed with original buttplate still there. Unbelievable. Even more unbelievable is that it was priced appropriately. He wouldn’t budge on the price but it was reasonable anyway so I didn’t argue. Hope you like it as much as I do
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A real find these days.

 

[Win52C]

A real find these days.

Indeed. I could not pass it up.

 

[Magyars]

A buddy of mine has one, and I have enjoyed shooting it on occasion.
Congrats

 

[Win52C]

A buddy of mine has one, and I have enjoyed shooting it on occasion.
Congrats

Thank you. They are fine, fine shooters

 

[Mgderf]

Thank you. They are fine, fine shooters

Fine indeed.
I have a Winchester 52C barrel, but alas, the gun is long gone.
I acquired the barrel attached to a Winchester 1885 Low-wall that some decided to convert to .22lr from the original .22short.

It shoots lights out and it's probably my favorite .22

 

[Hulberr]

I bumbled on to my 1925 52 at a local gun show. I wasn’t to sure I wanted it, but then the seller said 5 takes it home. I took it home.

 

[Win52C]

I bumbled on to my 1925 52 at a local gun show. I wasn’t to sure I wanted it, but then the seller said 5 takes it home. I took it home. View attachment 321456

Nice looking slow lock.amazing the evolution over the years and always love the 82A rear sight on the early guns

 

[Win52C]

Please everyone feel free to share your rifles. You can’t have enough of these fine rifles. The anthology on them is called “ Perfection in Design” for a reason

 

[model1994]

congrats on the find. im pretty ignorant to the model specifically, but can empathize with that feeling you felt finding it. right on. I’ll keep my eye out for them from now on.

 

[JohnKDM]

Another of my 'bad' habits is accumulating 22 rimfires, both pistol and rifle. Winchester 52s, 67s, 69s, Remington 513Ts, etc. Here's two of mine beside a newer iteration of the accurate 22lr, a Bergara B14R. The top 52 (1930) is wearing a 12x Lyman Super Targetspot, but it also came with a set of Wittek/Vaver target sights all inside a big case. The bottom 52 (1935) is wearing a Fecker scope.

BTW, glad I bought Herbert Houze's book "The Winchester Model 52" back before they became so expensive!

Once I realized how well it shoots, the scope on the Bergara was replaced with a Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24x50 with a ZMOAi-T20 reticle.

 

[Win52C]

Another of my 'bad' habits is accumulating 22 rimfires, both pistol and rifle. Winchester 52s, 67s, 69s, Remington 513Ts, etc. Here's two of mine beside a newer iteration of the accurate 22lr, a Bergara B14R. The top 52 (1930) is wearing a 12x Lyman Super Targetspot, but it also came with a set of Wittek/Vaver target sights all inside a big case. The bottom 52 (1935) is wearing a Fecker scope.

BTW, glad I bought Herbert Houze's book "The Winchester Model 52" back before they became so expensive!

Once I realized how well it shoots, the scope on the Bergara was replaced with a Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24x50 with a ZMOAi-T20 reticle.

Beautiful specimens I love the looks and capability of the older external adjustment scopes. Simple. Reliable Beautiful. They had it all. Had several of the Super Targetspots over time. Never owned a Fecker. Keep an eye out for Indianas own RA Lichert too! Unertl is my goto most times although I do have a “D” with a Redfield 3200 24X mounted up. Correct for a 61’ , you know . Thank you for sharing!!

 

[JohnKDM]

Beautiful specimens I love the looks and capability of the older external adjustment scopes. Simple. Reliable Beautiful. They had it all. Had several of the Super Targetspots over time. Never owned a Fecker. Keep an eye out for Indianas own RA Lichert too! Unertl is my goto most times although I do have a “D” with a Redfield 3200 24X mounted up. Correct for a 61’ , you know . Thank you for sharing!!

Oddly enough, I have another 52 that someone made into a sporter with an excellent aftermarket stock. It came with a Weaver 330 scope that was wearing a Litschert objective. Really enjoy the old girls,

 

[JohnKDM]

Here's pics of the non-factory 'sporter' 52 with the Weaver 330 and Litschert objective. Also have the proper Lyman peep for it.

Back in the day when excellent workmanship was expected and appreciated,

 

[Win52C]

Here's pics of the non-factory 'sporter' 52 with the Weaver 330 and Litschert objective. Also have the proper Lyman peep for it.

Back in the day when excellent workmanship was expected and appreciated,

Beautiful craftsmanship!

 

[jcj54]

I have my dad's 1941 built 52B standard weight barrel rifle. Beautiful rifle. Great shooter.
An interesting factoid - by the 1950's the entire Winchester line was essentially hand built as the newest machinery Winchester had was bought in 1917 and could not reliably hold tolerance to avoid hand fitting. This is the reason that Winchester retooled the factory in 1964. I read this in an article in a gun magazine 30 years ago.
I have purchased 1950's era new old stock replacement Winchester parts and was amazed at the amount of fitting required.

 

[Mongo59]

After WW1 this is what Winchester was making for the army to practice with...

 

[armalitesheepdog]

My Winchester 52C all original with Layman peep and Unertal long tube 15X Scope. 1 -10 round 1 -5 round and 1 -1 round mags along with the original Leather sling all in 94% condition.
Bought from a member here. This one will get passed down.

 

[Win52C]

My Winchester 52C all original with Layman peep and Unertal long tube 15X Scope. 1 -10 round 1 -5 round and 1 -1 round mags along with the original Leather sling all in 94% condition.
Bought from a member here. This one will get passed down.

Nice looking rifle! Question: whats up with the buttplate on it? Looks like wood or something? A spacer for an adjustable plate? Which was very common. Doesn't appear to be the original steel checkered?

Ill pull some out Tuesday when I’m free and post some pics for everyone since some of you have interest thanks!

 

[Win52C]

After WW1 this is what Winchester was making for the army to practice with...
View attachment 322353

Winder Musket ?