Heath
Member
What do you all think about a older Winchester 52B Sporter
Winchester 52B Sporter
- Thread starter Heath
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Jim Watson
Member
A real New Haven Winchester 52 Sporter is a fine rifle and worth a ton of money.
A Japanese copy - I guess some people would call a 1992 model "older" - is a nice shooter.
A Japanese copy - I guess some people would call a 1992 model "older" - is a nice shooter.
I have one of the copies. It has a little Leupold 4x rimfire scope and is an excellent shooter, probably my most accurate 22. Stock is a nicely colored piece of walnut with fantastic grain. I found this one used with scope mounts, no scope for quite a bit less than one nib. I never ran across an original for sale and probably would not care to pay the asking price for one so am happy with my repro.
I've got one of the Browning M52's from the early 90's. Only 5000 were made. Both it and the Winchester 52's (repro) came out of Miroku. They are virtually identical, mags are interchangeable.
I see both selling for $750 to $900 for the most part. Great shooter, one that once you get, you won't likely get rid of it.
I see both selling for $750 to $900 for the most part. Great shooter, one that once you get, you won't likely get rid of it.
Smith357
Member
My personal opinion is it is simply the finest 22lr sporting rifle ever made. There are some semi-customs made today that come close like the Cooper, but the 52 sporter is just plain perfect. Balance is perfect, handling is quick, and accuracy is great, combined with the All American lines and not only is the 52 a shooter but a real looker too!
Rembrandt
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I'm fortunate to own several, both originals and reproductions. Herbert Houze's book titled "Winchester 52, Perfection in Design" pretty well describes it.
52's are the benchmark by which all .22 bolt actions are measured. For that reason they command top dollar and fierce ownership loyalty. Nice sporters can bring $5-6,000 and more. The most desirable of the sporters is the 52C version....these were the lowest production numbers and had every refinement Winchester had accumulated in over 40+ years of production to that date.
Reproductions are also becoming highly prized and sought.....most will bring $800-1000 depending on condition. Browning reproductions (5000 built) were faithful copies of the 52C while Winchester reproductions were copies of the 52B.
They are one of the best investments in firearm collecting, high quality, low production numbers, and a legendary reputation all combine to make it gold in the bank.
Original 52B.....
Browning 52 reproduction....(w/added Lyman 48F peeps and accessories)
52's are the benchmark by which all .22 bolt actions are measured. For that reason they command top dollar and fierce ownership loyalty. Nice sporters can bring $5-6,000 and more. The most desirable of the sporters is the 52C version....these were the lowest production numbers and had every refinement Winchester had accumulated in over 40+ years of production to that date.
Reproductions are also becoming highly prized and sought.....most will bring $800-1000 depending on condition. Browning reproductions (5000 built) were faithful copies of the 52C while Winchester reproductions were copies of the 52B.
They are one of the best investments in firearm collecting, high quality, low production numbers, and a legendary reputation all combine to make it gold in the bank.
Original 52B.....
Browning 52 reproduction....(w/added Lyman 48F peeps and accessories)
Limeyfellow
Member
This one is original, Winchester 52c. It is a beauty to shoot. All good boys and girls deserver a model 52 of some variant.
jfh
Member.
My 52B looks virtually identical to Rembrandt's. My uncle had it built (in 1935, IIRC) for $48.00, and shot it at Camp Perry.
It is, needless to say, a family heirloom. In about 90+% condition--a shooter--but a collectible nonetheless.
Jim H.
It is, needless to say, a family heirloom. In about 90+% condition--a shooter--but a collectible nonetheless.
Jim H.
rangerruck
Member
either of the 52's, and next the 75's, are considered to be the top rimfires ever produced in America, especially the full size 52. they can easily top 1000 bucks.
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