Bert H. said

Ben said
Behave Bert....  you're starting to "Clarence"... 
  

I am behaving... well sort of. 
I did spend 4-hours today at the shooting range.  I shot 100-rounds through that Model 61 you scammed me on.  The best I could get was a 1.5" group @ 50-yards (using cheap Winchester bulk 22 Mag ammo).  I need to find a better brand of ammo and give it another try at the range. On a positive note, the Weaver K6 Steel tube scope looks good on it, and it dialed in quickly.
On a more positive note, this is the 100-yd 5-shot group I shot today with the Model 54 22 Hornet;

13.0 grains of Lil-Gun, 40-gr Hornady V-Max bullet, W-W Super cases.  The first shot was the flyer, then I settled down and managed a .57" 4-shot group.  I am ready for a Gopher trip.
Bert 
  

Looks terrible. You should give that turd to me.

seewin said
Based on the pictures of the inletting, I believe you have a customized factory stock from a later "Speedlock" model 52. This is based on the fact that the inletting around the trigger is much larger than the original early rifles. The reason for the later difference was because the Speedlock triggers required a stamped steel housing, which in turn, required a larger inletted area for clearance. Your stock could either be a modified/customized target stock, or a "let in" stock blank which was sold by Winchester for shooters that wanted to customize their 52 to meet their personal physical requirements. See below for the inletting on #12 which will be the same on all early pre Speedlock rifles. 
     Also, your barrel is exactly like #12. I have attached pictures for your comparison. Note that neither barrel has "MODEL 52" in the rollstamp, indicating that the early barrels most likely used Winder Musket barrels, which used exactly the same profile.
Steve
  

Steve,

I am glad that you we're able to add this to the post, as I think many of us we're wondering if we'd see any pics of the M-52, #13, being taken down an then being identified as such a nice specimen. It's always a pleasure to read you're experienced opinions.

Michael,

I feel you did a great job of dismantling you're newly acquired rifle. I hop that you don't plan on altering it's existence at all, besides the great recommendations here to soak it and wipe it down. You're historical piece is one of the main reasons many of us follow this forum and add our two cents. If you decide to shoot it, which it was intended to do, report back with range reports. Like the others have said, you can take Steve's, (seewin), advice and knowledgeable information to the Bank.

Thanks for sharing!

Tony

Ben said
Behave Bert....  you're starting to "Clarence"... 

I am behaving... well sort of. 

I did spend 4-hours today at the shooting range.  I shot 100-rounds through that Model 61 you scammed me on.  The best I could get was a 1.5" group @ 50-yards (using cheap Winchester bulk 22 Mag ammo).  I need to find a better brand of ammo and give it another try at the range. On a positive note, the Weaver K6 Steel tube scope looks good on it, and it dialed in quickly.

On a more positive note, this is the 100-yd 5-shot group I shot today with the Model 54 22 Hornet;

13.0 grains of Lil-Gun, 40-gr Hornady V-Max bullet, W-W Super cases.  The first shot was the flyer, then I settled down and managed a .57" 4-shot group.  I am ready for a Gopher trip.

Bert 

86Win said
I have a friend who has a model 52 SN 114. He has offered to furnish pictures. Is this of interest? Don
  

Yes, about as much as a T**d in a punch bowl!  

Seriously, Yes it is off interest

86Win said
I have a friend who has a model 52 SN 114. He has offered to furnish pictures. Is this of interest? Don
  

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say....YES PLEASE

Ben said
You can "bank" Steve's information.  His knowledge is unsurpassed when it comes to the Winchester 52.... his personal collection is more complete and extensive regarding related items & just cool stuff than any other firearm collection I've ever encountered to date.  Now, if Steve would just finish his "opus" on the Model 52, my gun reference library will be complete.... at least until JWA gets the remainder of his books finished... 🙂  I love having smart friends.... cheers!
  

I second Ben's request. At least give us hope for Volume I before I assume room temperature. 

86Win said
My name is Don. Why do you refer to me as BUBBA. BTW REd Green was my mentor.
  

Don,

If the shoe fits...

Ben said

Bert H. said

Ben said
 I love having smart friends.... cheers!
  

You actually have "friends" ??
  

I actually do Bert.... would you like me to teach you how to make some of your own?
  

Why?? Do you really think that you can teach an "old dog new tricks" ? 

I lived by this stated motto during my Navy career "I don't have a prejudice against anyone... I simply hate all of you!"

Bert - a.k.a. "The Curmudgeon"

Bert H. said

Ben said
 I love having smart friends.... cheers!
  

You actually have "friends" ??
  

I actually do Bert.... would you like me to teach you how to make some of your own?

Ben said
 I love having smart friends.... cheers!
  

You actually have "friends" ??

Marvin Pipes said

Bert H. said
  

Thanks for your prompt response, Bert. Will likely reduce is value as a collector?  
  

Yes it does.  In most cases, it takes it completely out of the "collector" market.

Bert