Here it is, my 20 year search for the "Holy Grail"

[Rembrandt]

I think you misunderstood, "I will shoot it"....but only on special occasions when the mood strikes. It will not be an everyday workhorse, have too many others that can fill that role.

I view all guns as an investment, some do better than others. The nicer the gun the faster they rise in value. The term "investment" doesn't mean I have to sell it, this will be passed on to my kids or grand kids. I Wouldn't be surprised if it doubles in value in the next ten years. Gun investments are no different than stamps, coins, or beanie babies. Given time everything increases in value. In the long run nicer specimens bring more. 15 years ago I paid $1000 for the Superpose that was traded for this. These things are all relevant, "time" simply moves the decimal point over.

 

[redneck2]

the difference is there are lots of Browning Superposed shotguns around, unless yours had something special

our local dealer has one of the match grade 52's with the sight. Been used but not beaten. I've seen several around so I assume they're not nearly as rare

 

[spurrit]

Congratulations!

You now have a $4,000 popgun. Wanna buy a $500 slingshot?

Have you ever been a government buyer? I've always wondered who bought that $4,000,000 toilet seat!

 

[Lonestar.45]

Beautiful! After seeing the pics I understand what the attraction is. They just don't make factory rifles like that anymore.

 

[JohnBT]

Congratulations. I've wanted one for ages, but the only one I've seen recently appeared to be refinished, or maybe just poorly polished and touched up. The gun show dealer wanted $2500 for it.

l just looked at your pics again and the gun show rifle looked really, really, really bad by comparison.

John

 

[Telperion]

I liked the manual -- it seems oddly untainted by lawyers.

 

[Steve Smith]

Most of the match versions (52 D) would cost $600-$1000 depending on appearance and accessories. Of course, about 99% of them are going to look like theyve spend an eternity at a range, unlike Rembrandt's fine example.

 

[wasrjoe]

I have one question. Is there a functional justification for the long barrel?

 

[JohnBT]

In addition to providing a longer sighting radius, a longer barrel keeps the speed of a standard or target ammo LR bullet below the speed of sound because the powder has burned up and friction is actually slowing the bullet down. If a bullet exits a shorter barrel (say an 18" or 20" bbl. used for achieving maximum velocity) doing more than the speed of sound then it will be buffeted and thrown off course when the speed decreases to less than the speed of sound. By way of comparison, centerfire rounds start off above the speed of sound and stays there, so the sound barrier isn't a problem.

And besides, long barrels look better.

John

 

[wasrjoe]

If a bullet exits a shorter barrel (say an 18" or 20" bbl. used for achieving maximum velocity) doing more than the speed of sound then it will be buffeted and thrown off course when the speed decreases to less than the speed of sound.

I did not know that the transition from sonic to subsonic caused accuracy issues. Thanks! Very informative.

And besides, long barrels look better.

Not always, but definitely in this case.

 

[carebear]

And for a 75-foot range competition , you're that much closer to the target....

 

[JohnBT]

And then if you l - e - a - n way out over the line you're even closer.

JT

 

[carebear]

You're familiar with my technique I see.

 

[MilsurpShooter]

Beautiful rifle man. And I envy you lol. Your story is like mine, only I haven't managed to get my hands on a authentic Waffen SS 98k Sniper rifle, traceable back to an acclaimed Sniper with all original parts

Congratulations and i'd say you keep that as your good gun. Only shoot it on Sundays after church

 

[S_O_Laban]

Nice pics and writeup, thanks for sharing. I'm sure for many, our holy grail is something others don't share value in.

 

[Rembrandt]

I'm sure others will have their own "grail "......for those who follow .22's the 52 Sporter is a legend.

My first encounter was picking one up 25 years ago and cycling the bolt, unlike most .22's it felt like it's bigger brother, the model 70. Never got over that "first impression". From that point on I read every article and book possible on the subject. Herbert Houze's book titled "Winchester 52, Perfection in Design" describes why the 52 is the standard by which all others are measured.

One writer summed it up best when he wrote: "There are .22's....and then there are 52's".

Still amazed at the condition this rifle is in after 57 years.