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Hi, I have a chance to buy this from a local man who doesn’t seem to know much about Winchesters. He told me about it in person, said it was a winchester with a “bull barrel”, but didn’t know the model. I asked if it was a model 52, he sent the only picture. Yes, a 52, but what kind? To me, the stock immediately looked like a replacement, too red, grain too wide. And I don’t know much about 52s. I was about to pass on it, I have two 52 pre-As with the barrel band type stock.
But on second thought, I decided to ask the pros. Is this possibly a factory stock? Is it a bull barrel and what is that scope, a Winchester A5?
It’s a 52B with original stock, however checkering is not original. I cannot tell for sure from picture, but it looks like a standard weight barrel. Both the Heavy weight and standard weight were available with the standard stock. Far and away, most of them with this stock were the standard weight. If it has a forged from sight ramp in lieu of a dovetail for front sight attachment, it is a standard weight. Bull barrels (extra heavyweight) were not available with the standard stock.
The scope looks like a Winchester 8X as used on the model 75 target rifles.
Steve
Thanks for the insight Steve. So original wood, just been checkered by someone. If I recall, a bull will be 1″ across the muzzle, I can check for that. And for the forged front sight. I assume the handrest bar in the forend is original winchester. It’s sounding like a pretty plain rifle that someone checkered, lowering it’s value. I have 2 like this already, just early pre-As with better Lyman targetspot scopes.
This guy doesn’t know that much about guns, but has several really nice rare ones. But he then dutifully goes and checks the internet for past sales, often Sotheby’s and Rock Island type auctions. He acted like a motivated seller at first, but is starting to sound like he’s going by internet “pie in the sky” dream prices, last time I talked. I’d say if he prices this above $800 I will pass. Do you agree?
AZshot said I assume the handrest bar in the forend is original winchester.
No, that’s added. I don’t like it, but I still think it’s worth $800, & wish I had the chance to buy it.
November 7, 2015
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As much as I like the gun I’d bail long before $800-if I was a more serious collector. It’s a very nice “shooter”, I generally allow little or nothing for glass on a rifle but this one may be an exception. Scope may be worth as much as the gun, worth a closer look. OTOH I have little doubt it could be effectively marketed for much more if he’s patient and doesn’t mind paying the sellers’ premium.
Go with your gut on this one, thank your friend for offering it to you and walk away.
Mike
Thanks Clarence and TXgun. I probably will. He had 3 he offered so far. One is an early American martial arm, he was quoting $3500 internet prices. Another a pretty rare S&W straight line pistol, in the metal box. He knows it’s desirable. I’m loath to hear what he thinks on that, so was asking about the Winchester 52. I bet he’ll come back at $1600 or some crazy thing. But you never know. I got one last year for like $475.
AZshot said
Another a pretty rare S&W straight line pistol, in the metal box.
Always coveted one of those! A sheer fantasy, however.
The chrome accessory rail in the forend is original. They started adding these to all 52’s beginning with B models
Nominal barrel dimensions are:
Standard Weight – 1″ dia @ receiver, .715″ dia @ muzzle
Heavy Weight – 1″ dia @ receiver, .875″ dia @ muzzle
Bull Gun – 1.125″ dia @ receiver, .875″ dia @ muzzle
All Target barrels were 28″ long.
Steve
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