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Yes, I did it backwards this time: got the scope first, then got a rifle to match it! See other post about my early 1934 Lyman Targetspot I found.
My current rifles didn’t have blocks, I’d have to drill. Now I found a 1931-1933 Model 52 to put it on.
I don’t know much about the 52, but have figured out it’s year range, and that it has a speed lock. It seems the forged front sight ramp is on the standard weight barrel, right? I’m hoping those scope blocks will work for the scope’s early Lyman mounts, each has a small screw with a pin on the right side. That seems to match what I see on the scope blocks.
Other than the butt plates, do you see anything else that looks out of spec or non-original?
AZshot said
Other than the butt plates, do you see anything else that looks out of spec or non-original?
Front sight should be a #93, the so-called “shark fin.” Best front sight I’ve ever used, yet most were replaced with Lyman 17As, as on yours, & now they’re almost impossible to find.
Too bad about the buttplate, as it’s otherwise is such nice shape. Can you tell if the wood was cut? If not, you could find a factory replacement.
Don’t worry about scope mounts–they’ll work just fine.
Thanks. I can’t tell about the buttplate, but will be checking that ASAP when I get it. I have another from about the same year I can measure against. Worse case, I look for a stock or just live with it.
Just a little hint on accuracy for these older 52 rifles. I am basically thrifty (cheap may be closer}. I always used regular Super-X and CCI Mini Mag ammo with good results. I finally started using higher quality ammo and learned ‘why’ people who want to shoot well spend the extra bucks. My 1931 52 with a Winchester A5 scope will consistently shoot dime size groups at 50 yards using Eley Target, which isn’t that much more expensive than regular High Velocity ammo. Have fun and enjoy. Welcome to the “Winchester Addiction”. RDB
Thanks, I do think that shooting better ammo usually brings down group size. I’m typically cheap, and shoot the CCI SV, but need to get some more target grade ammo. I do already have another Winchester 52 pre-a, with a big Unertl on it. I’ve shot it in silhouette matches.
I’m taking a chance on this one not having the crack of doom, and that the stock isn’t too buggered up for those buttplates. I paid less than 5 bills for it though, so it’s ok if it’s worse case.
AZshot said
I’m typically cheap, and shoot the CCI SV, but need to get some more target grade ammo.I’m taking a chance on this one not having the crack of doom, and that the stock isn’t too buggered up for those buttplates. I paid less than 5 bills for it though, so it’s ok if it’s worse case.
CCI SV is what many competitors use for practice, as it’s generally regarded as the best standard grade SV on the market. Have you noticed that in a 52 or anything with a match chamber it chambers harder than other makes? Leading me to believe the driving band is very slightly larger in diameter, or if not that, there’s definitely some other difference. I actually switched to shooting Aguila because it made closing the bolt noticeably easier & is good enough for shooting steel.
The crack of doom doesn’t matter a bit as far as shooting. The only time I’ve ever used the safety on a 52 was just to see how it worked; if you need a safety, raise the bolt handle. Even with the buttplate problem, you got a damn good deal.
Well I’m still waiting on the shipment, delays… But I confirmed no crack of doom, thankfully. I also got a measurement on the muzzle. It’s well below 1″, above a 1/2 inch, would that mean a standard weight?
AZshot said
Well I’m still waiting on the shipment, delays… But I confirmed no crack of doom, thankfully. I also got a measurement on the muzzle. It’s well below 1″, above a 1/2 inch, would that mean a standard weight?
Yes. Only other option available at that time was heavy wt. (scarce!), no bull brl. until “B” series introduced.
Thanks. I’ll have to pull out my other pre-A and look at it’s barrel too, while waiting. I remember that sucker is heavy, with an 18X Unertl especially! With a heavy barrel they’ve got to be pushing 11 lbs!
Got a pic of the crack area, looks good.
Clarence, one thing I see in a photo of it is “Patent Pending” is marked on the right side of the front receiver ring, right above the wood. I would think by 1931 or so, every patent would be awarded. I don’t see the mark on many of them that I’ve found online. What is the patent for?
The patent applied for may be for the rifle itself. I cannot remember when they changed it to the Winchester logo, but I have both.
In my collection, I have a 1931, 1934, and a 1936, all with heavy bbls. I used to have them all in standard weight, but sold them off.
My 1931 has the rare heavy nickel steel bbl. and the factory right side mounted Lyman 48T. Big Larry
AZshot said
What is the patent for?
Not “the” patent–there were a raft of separate patents for the bolt, trigger, rear sight, mag, etc., divided between T.C. Johnson & Frank Burton. Not uncommon for “pat. pend.” markings to remain long after the pat was granted–or even if it was not, in the case of Stevens scopes. Saved the cost of having a new die cut, & did no harm. Change to the Winchester logo was made in July, 1934, according to Houze.
If I’m researching correctly, the main action design by Johnson was patent US1331154A, which was granted in 1920. I don’t know how long patents lasted back then, but maybe it had expired and was “pending…again”. Seems pretty weird to have that happen.
Also, right in front of the receiver ring with Patent Pending marked, there is a whole slew of Patent dates marked on the barrel. It think the receiver mark is for something else, maybe one of they steel improvements?
Searching the net, hereis 29,xxx with Patent Pending. My 23,xxx has it too, and my new one 26,xxx.
AZshot said
If I’m researching correctly, the main action design by Johnson was patent US1331154A, which was granted in 1920.
No, his first for the 52 was Nov, 1919. But since almost every detail of the action’s construction was covered by a separate pat, saying which is the “main” one is somewhat arbitrary–they were all necessary to make the action work as intended.
Pats lasted 17 yrs, could be renewed for another 7, so a total of 24 yrs.
Thanks, that helps to know by mid 1934 it was gone. I was getting about a 3 year range for the date of mine, on different sites.
AZshot said
Thanks, that helps to know by mid 1934 it was gone. I was getting about a 3 year range for the date of mine, on different sites.
What’s the no. & I’ll look it up in Houze’s list if you want.
AZshot said
Great, it’s 26,531 .
Hi AZshot,
January 5, 1932 for your rifle, 26533 was the last 52 serial number applied that day.
On a similar note, the “Patent Pending” remained on the Model 75 barrel marking from initial inception in 1938 until the final rifle produced in November, 1961.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
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