Browning Model 52 for $600 used - any opinions?

[IMtheNRA]

I came across a very gently used Browning 52, which is apparently a copy of the legendary Winchester 52. This one is an easy 95%, probably higher. No sites, but it has Browning bases on it. The asking price is $600

Does anyone have experience with this rifle? Specifically, I'm wondering about inherent accuracy and reliability. Is the trigger adjustable or not? Is it as good or better than the original Winchester 52?

What do you think of the price? This one was manufactured in 1991.

This rifle would be used for scoped target practice and casual plinking.

 

[JNewell]

Does anyone have experience with this rifle?

I bought one new when they came out, maybe 10 years ago or a few more.

No sites, but it has Browning bases on it.

That's how they were shipped. You're lucky it has the rings! They were sold separately - they did not come with the rifle and I'd be surprised if anyone is making them today.

The asking price is $600

Your best bet is to try to search GA, GB and AA for completed sales. They didn't make a whole lot of these (5000, IIRC), but they must change hands with some regularity.

Specifically, I'm wondering about inherent accuracy and reliability.

My experience: very high on both counts. This is a really wonderful adult .22 rifle, much nicer than a 77/22 or the new-ish Remington and probably nicer than anything short of an Anshutz or something on that level.

Is the trigger adjustable or not?

Yes, although in my experience the range of adjustments is not as great as you would have expected. The Browning literature claimed they'd copied the original later-gen Winchester trigger exactly, IIRC. Somewhere around here I've got the manual and original catalog advertisement.

Is it as good or better than the original Winchester 52?

Probably not quite as nice as one made in New Haven between the wars, but the Miroku Brownings are very, very nicely made guns.