What's coming home Thursday?

Time to play the Rifle Edition of "What's Coming Home Thursday?"

I scored another very special piece today- one that's been on my radar for many years. Anyone care to guess what it is?

Clues:

1) In production, on and off, for over 60 years post WW1, in several major variations.
2) Made by a very well known rifle manufacturer, who is kinda, sorta, still in business.
3) Widely considered to be the finest of its type.
4) Nice examples are easy on the shoulder, but rough on the wallet......

If anyone guesses correctly, Ill reveal it immediately, otherwise Ill post the answer and some pics on Thursday when it comes home.

SharpDog said:

Winchester Model 70 KW Plasma Rifle in Birdseye Maple

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Hahaha, but no. Lol.

earlthegoat2 said:

Winchester 52

Hopefully, the Sporter version.

It checks all the boxes you gave.

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Dang, I thought it would be a LITTLE tougher! Good work, Earl.


Not a Sporter, but I actually like the Pre-A M52s best because they had the cocking knob and grasping grooves. Not that I would turn down a Sporter......

This is a heavy-barrel example built between 1920 and 1930, complete with vintage Unertl. Came with 3 mags, and seller knocked off a few hundred since the original ladder sight was missing- otherwise in awesome condition.

Cant wait to shoot it! More pics and range report after she comes home.

If anybody has a line on a Winchester Model 82 ladder sight, PM me please!

Brought home my new/old Winchester- yay!
Wont get to shoot it for a couple weeks, though- booooo!

Overall amazing condition for its age. They did have a commemorative plaque mounted to the left side at one point, now long gone....wonder what it said?



The period-correct Unertl scope features a rather elaborate mounting with external micrometer adjustments for windage, elevation, and tension.


The safety and cocking knobs were meant to appeal to doughboys recently returned from the Great War, who would be familiar with similar arrangements on the M1903 Springfield. These features are only found on the earliest M52s, the knob being later eliminated and the safety becoming a more conventional lever behind the bolt handle.


Although Winchester hoped to market the M52 to the military as well, only 500 were purchased by the Army- who already had the M1922 in production anyway. I will say the Winchester's action feels like its on glass bearings and puts that of my 1922 to shame. No mean feat!

The Model 52 has long been an elusive blip on my radar- but no more!

First shots with the Winnie today, and it did not disappoint!


Didnt have a ton of time, and the Unertl was waaaaayyyyy out of adjustment, so I only had a chance to try some Wolf Gold Match-


And some CCI SV-


Granted, its only 20yd, but Im still pretty happy about those groups.....

Im going back this Thursday to try a few more different ammo flavors and see what she likes best.

MacAR said:

Gorgeous rifle, sir. I'm severely envious of you, as a 52 set up that way has been on my list for a long time as well. Hope you enjoy it!

Mac

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4v50 Gary said:

Beautiful Win 52! She can shoot!

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Gotta say I was a little apprehensive, having spent that kinda money.......glad to say my M52 lives up to its legend. Amazing trigger, silky smooth action, and phenomenal accuracy.

I would have been so crushed if id just bought a beautiful $2k boat anchor! But its ok, I can breathe now......