I’ve never been much of a .22 guy so my expertise is lacking. How desirable is this piece? Is it all legitimate? I’m just looking to learn. I find this rifle quite desirable but I realize it is best to stick to what know.
It is a beautiful looking rifle but the non-factory modifications negatively affect the value. Seewin will be able to give you more information.
Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
JWA said
It is a beautiful looking rifle but the non-factory modifications negatively affect the value.
Worst thing done to it is that third swivel behind the brl band; what conceivable need was there for that?
Possibly it could be a factory Deluxe, but hard to believe Amoskeag would state positively that this one is, without other evidence; however, surely it’s no secret that folks with scrupulous consciences don’t go into the auction racket.
Pretty rifle, but no documents to support all the fancy work. I myself, have never seen documents on a M52 except once, a bill of sale for one shipped with a Winchester A5 scope. A good stock man could duplicate Winchester work, and the case colored bases can be done by a good gunsmith. Don’t have a clue about the third swivel. I would not put a premium on a rifle like this without documentation. SEEWIN probably could tell, as he is the M52 GUHRU !! In any event, it is not a Sporter, just a fine looking M52 rifle. Vince, the rifle you are buying appears to be a very nice specimen. I have eight left over from when I was collecting these. Good luck with your 22 collecting. Big Larry
Of all the supposedly factory checkered 52 target rifles I have seen, I can only think of 1 that I was sure was factory. That is the one setting in the museum at Cody which was built for John Olin. I would be very apprehensive about buying one from an auction, that I could not take apart and inspect. Even then, it is a chance. As BL stated, a good stock man can easily duplicate the Winchester pattern, and a large auction is the perfect place to sell it. The pictures provided by the auction house tell very little about rifle and the supposedly special order features. I would think they would have some close ups of the checkering and 3 rd swivel. I cannot even tell for sure if the rear swivel is a factory Winchester swivel.
Steve
seewin said
Of all the supposedly factory checkered 52 target rifles I have seen, I can only think of 1 that I was sure was factory. That is the one setting in the museum at Cody which was built for John Olin.
Ah, but you forget–this one has been “authenticated” by the experts at Amoskeag!
And no kidding, in the future, anyone who calls its legitimacy into question will probably be presented with a copy of Amoskeag’s description; famous auction houses don’t make mistakes, do they?
clarence said
Ah, but you forget–this one has been “authenticated” by the experts at Amoskeag!
And no kidding, in the future, anyone who calls its legitimacy into question will probably be presented with a copy of Amoskeag’s description; famous auction houses don’t make mistakes, do they?
Oh, I know you are not kidding!
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