Which Model 52 Winchester?

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Howland937

Howland937

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Since the family owned property I've shot on for years is no longer useable for shots past about 75 yards, I've decided to really focus on shooting .22's. I have a few of what I consider decent rifles that are as accurate as I'm capable of shooting them, but decided I'd like to get "back to the basics" somewhat.

Really liking the idea of a Winchester model 52, preferably pre-war, with the target type sights. Budget is going to be about a grand, and I'm hoping for one in ok shape equipped "correctly". I don't know much at all about them. I've seen some that have no sights, some with peep sights, some with scope mounts, etc but have no clue what to look for as far as original equipment or at least period correct modifications.

If a later, post war version is considered better (not necessarily more desirable, but a better shooter) I could be easily swayed. I'm not trying to find collector grade or high resale, but would like as close to original as possible.
Love to hear some suggestions and advice!
 
I am guessing you want a “Pre A”, A, or B. I think the rest are primarily target rifles (C, D, E). Thought the C, D, and E could make great plinkers - you are probably better with the earlier rifles. I believe Browning offered their version of a 52 (I believe a Japanese build with the Browning name - supposed to be pretty good).

Another resource: https://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=265

Good luck, should be sweet!
 
ColtPythonElite said:
Consider a Remington Model 37 with factory peep sights.
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That's definitely a consideration. I'd looked at some of the other early Remington rifles, but they seem to bring more than what I plan to spend.
PapaG said:
I have the original but have not found a period correct scope/mount. The sights are a challenge for my 77 year old eyes. 1928 model. Perfect bore.
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I guess I was under the impression that the early ones with scope mounts weren't going to be period correct...
 
Given scarcity of M52’s, I’d consider the CZ 452, and variants.
I have a CZ452 American. With ultra-match .22’s, it’s “one hole” accurate at 50yds, and sub-moa at 100yds.

Outside of collectors at gun shows, I believe I’ve seen one M52 in the “wild”, for sale. It was like $1500, 20yrs ago.
 
GooseGestapo said:
Given scarcity of M52’s, I’d consider the CZ 452, and variants.
I have a CZ452 American. With ultra-match .22’s, it’s “one hole” accurate at 50yds, and sub-moa at 100yds.

Outside of collectors at gun shows, I believe I’ve seen one M52 in the “wild”, for sale. It was like $1500, 20yrs ago.
Click to expand...
I've got 3 different .22's (all scoped) that shoot under 1/2" at 50, if I do my part...and that's with Eley and Federal bulk ammo from the CMP. I wanna know if I'm capable of doing similar with something 80+ years old.
Besides, the search just enhances the experience...at least until I get frustrated or distracted and spend the money on something else.
 
troy fairweather said:
There all cool, but I like the sporter best.
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Also the rarest and most expensive by a fair measure....:)

Howland937 said:
Since the family owned property I've shot on for years is no longer useable for shots past about 75 yards, I've decided to really focus on shooting .22's. I have a few of what I consider decent rifles that are as accurate as I'm capable of shooting them, but decided I'd like to get "back to the basics" somewhat.

Really liking the idea of a Winchester model 52, preferably pre-war, with the target type sights. Budget is going to be about a grand, and I'm hoping for one in ok shape equipped "correctly". I don't know much at all about them. I've seen some that have no sights, some with peep sights, some with scope mounts, etc but have no clue what to look for as far as original equipment or at least period correct modifications.

If a later, post war version is considered better (not necessarily more desirable, but a better shooter) I could be easily swayed. I'm not trying to find collector grade or high resale, but would like as close to original as possible.
Love to hear some suggestions and advice!
Click to expand...

earlthegoat2 said:
@NIGHTLORD40K just bought a cool 52 target type rifle.

Also, look at the Winchester 75. It was the “poor mans 52” and is very accurate and can be easily equipped with target sights.
Click to expand...

Sure did, :D
IMG_20210724_005823_5.jpg
Pre- A, circa 1925, with a slightly newer Unertl external adjustment scope. This rifle would have originally shipped with the Model 82 ladder sight, kinda similar to the one found on M1903 Springfield rifles- which I'm looking for if anybody has a lead on one! :)

Love this thing. Magically accurate and smooth action. The Achilles heel is the second locking lug can crack the receiver if the bolt is forced open with the safety applied. Mine is free of "The Crack," but its something to watch out for.

With the scope, it was closer to $2G, however......
 
Last edited:
NIGHTLORD40K said:
Also the rarest and most expensive by a fair measure....:)





Sure did, :D
View attachment 1036485
Pre- A, circa 1925, with a slightly newer Unertl external adjustment scope. This rifle would have originally shipped with the Model 82 ladder sight, kinda similar to the one found on M1903 Springfield rifles.

Love this thing. Magically accurate and smooth action. The Achilles heel is the second locking lug can crack the receiver if the bolt is forced open with the safety applied. Mine is free of "The Crack," but its something to watch out for.

With the scope, it was closer to $2G, however......
Click to expand...
That's a B-eaut. Pre-A's prone to cracking, or other variations are also?
Think I'll do some more studying.
 
Howland937 said:
That's a B-eaut. Pre-A's prone to cracking, or other variations are also?
Think I'll do some more studying.
Click to expand...
They changed the safety design and trigger with the A, as well as eliminating the manual cocking knob. Supposedly, the trigger is much improved, though I wouldn't change mine for anything. :D
 
NIGHTLORD40K said:
Something doesn't compute there, unless they were completely clueless about what they had. Wonder if it could have been a shortened standard 52 in a Sporter-style stock?
Click to expand...
It was well used, blue was probably 75% and had some dings in the wood. Bet it killed a lot of small game in its life. The shop owners are pretty decent people and it's one of the most famous old gun shops in N.Y.
 
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