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I understand that not all 52A guns have the “A” stamp. Does anyone know the serial number range and production years for 52A guns?
The “A” model revision took place in February of 1935 at approximately 36700 s/n range. It ran until early in 1937 when the “B” model replaced it. This would have been about 44400. The actual production stamping of “A” models started about 39700. These are just approximate dates based on much observation and Winchester Product Change Notices.
Steve
Online
Feb. 1935 to Dec. 1936, according to Houze. It’s commonly said that the unmarked ones equal or exceed the marked ones, but there’s no way to verify if that’s true. Serial numbers aren’t critical, as the thicker locking abutment on As is easily recognized if you’ve seen it before. B production began May 1937.
JC said
I understand that not all 52A guns have the “A” stamp. Does anyone know the serial number range and production years for 52A guns?
There is overlap with pre-As from roughly 36700 to about 36850 and then all As to just under 44400A. 44388 is the highest A I’ve noted; I think Houze lists 44402 as the first B.
There seems to have been a small batch of parts-cleanup marked As in the 508XX range.
Production years: roughly April of 1935 to May 1937 per Houze’s book.
Hope this helps; if you lay eyes on a Model 52 with serial number between 35800 and 44400 I’d be glad to hear what configuration it is: pre-A, ummarked A or marked A; Sporter or Target and type of barrel it if is a target.
3Dub
3Dub said
Hope this helps; if you lay eyes on a Model 52 with serial number between 35800 and 44400 I’d be glad to hear what configuration it is: pre-A, ummarked A or marked A; Sporter or Target and type of barrel it if is a target.
41502A is a HB. Originally had a 48J, but I put on an 82A & a Shark Fin. Have another I’ll dig out when I’m less close to passing out.
seewin said
The “A” model revision took place in February of 1935 at approximately 36700 s/n range. It ran until early in 1937 when the “B” model replaced it. This would have been about 44400. The actual production stamping of “A” models started about 39700. These are just approximate dates based on much observation and Winchester Product Change Notices.Steve
Thanks, Steve! Also, 3Dub and Clarence!
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/928356354 Is this a late unmarked A model 52?
I don’t really know what to look for between an A and pre-A, regarding the thicker safety abutment.
I’m interested in buying an A model, what does the group think about the quality and price of this one? The oil finish stock would have been lacquer originally, I suppose. I’m running a wanted ad in the Swap Meet section, so let me know if you have one for sale or know of a pending auction with one.
Jeff
JC said
\I don’t really know what to look for between an A and pre-A, regarding the thicker safety abutment.
Yes, it’s an A–look at photos 50 & 51, & notice the thickness of the left rcvr. abutment right in front of the safety. On the pre-As, the metal is about half this thickness, leading to the possibility of a crack in the corner if the safety was applied often enough; a safety on a target rifle is every bit as useful as tits on a boar hog.
Stock finish looks original to me, except for big splotch on left side. The shape of the BP is another clue–all As have it, though it was adopted shortly before A production began, so a few late pre-As might also have it. Most pre-As, however, have the plate that curves in at the toe.
Price is good at present, but who knows what it’ll be after GB’s STUPID 15 Min. Rule; anybody ever been to an auction in which the auctioneer allowed 15 min. between bids? The max time allowed wouldn’t exceed 15 seconds! I’m inclined to say, take the BIN to spare yourself the mental torture of waiting to see if someone will outbid you, but maybe you’re made of stronger stuff. I hate GB, if you haven’t guessed it already.
Thanks, Clarence. Is that sight slide okay? Most earlier Lyman 48 sights have a rounded bottom edge, not square on the graduated slide. Is that sight considered a 48 by the way?
Jeff
In my collection, I have M52-A # 41452A. PR date of 5-13-1936. It has the heavy bbl., 17G front sight, and Marble Goss MG 52 rear. It also has the type #2 Laudensack stock. The rifle is a good 99%, near mint. Being a heavy bbl., I paid dearly for this rifle. I think the GB rifle at $1,000 is a good deal. Typically, marked “A”s are hard to find. Big Larry
JC said
Thanks, Clarence. Is that sight slide okay? Most earlier Lyman 48 sights have a rounded bottom edge, not square on the graduated slide. Is that sight considered a 48 by the way?Jeff
It’s a 48J–the J meaning it fits the factory dovetail, as the rcvr. wasn’t D&T. This one is right for the mid-’30s, but can’t assume it’s factory original, as sight-swapping was a hobby with many 52 owners.
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