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October 1, 2026
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I’m gonna post some pictures of a pre-a Winchester model 52 that I took in on the trade Cody museum doesn’t have anything on other than who is made in 1927. It’s got a lot of special stuff about it. I want to know what you guys think.
July 3, 2020
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Welcome aboard. You will find whatever you want to know about your 52 here… there are several members that freely share their knowledge…post pics, ask questions… you will be given clear facts that you can bank on. Be sure to check previous issues of the clubs magazine… there’s alot of information on the 52. Cheers. Ben
December 9, 2002
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Welcome Randy,
I echo Ben’s post. He’s spot on as usual with his comment. Seewin and BRP, are two of our most knowledgeable M-52 guy’s here along with a few others. They will be along, I’m sure after you post pictures that we’re looking forward to.
The fact that you say you’re Pr-A, ha some “special stuff”, on it surely peaks my interest.
Tony
December 9, 2002
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Randy has sent me some pictures to post here as I have asked him for a few with less glare and some more clarifying pictures. Winchester M-52 Pre-A, #12031.
Here’s some of the pics he sent over, as the last couple seemed to turn, as I kept them small for the proper size to view here. Sure looks like someone made a nice custom stock for this early Pre A. Picture of the original Belding & Mull 5x scope. That the current owner removed, but still has along with the blocks and such.
Tony
December 9, 2002
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This one is one of the more important pics to try to decipher what he has here, as the “27”, is obvious verifying the year mfg. as 1927, and the “C”, is obvious in the beginning, some proof marks, and a punch Dot, but after the caliber designation of the .22 L, maybe some better pictures in natural light can tell us what that says, as it’s hard to make out, even blowing it up on the phone.
Darn thing turned again!
Edited; I was able to re look at the picture again and I can plainly see, a “C”, (sideways), an upside down “C”, (inside a circle), then 22 LONG R, (this is what I was questioning earlier), the triangular proof mark, a “Punch Dot”, followed by a “27” , and then finally an alignment hash mark at the receiver.
Tony
June 1, 2023
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It’s a pre-A target rifle from 1927, that has a custom stock.
Nearly one hundred years later, the hardest target rifle to find is one that has not been altered in one way or another!
It will probably still shoot very well. All the 52’s I have ever owned have been good shooters.
BRP
June 1, 2023
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The “C” on the bottom of the barrel may denote what steel was used in making the barrel.
BRP
December 9, 2002
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I’m in agreement with you, BRP! Do we know what grade steel the “C”, might indicate.
I tried to improve the pics. with not much luck! I was able to refocus this one with the serial number, #12031! I still can’t get the other one to stay straight with the under barrel markings that are important.
Tony
December 9, 2002
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At this point I’m thinking that the “C”, is for the Chrome Molly barrel. Somewhere in the past I thought that I saw a chart indicating the different steel that Winchester used, and maybe a chart. From memory and this M-53 being mfg. in 1927, the Chrome Molly barrel seems like it might be correct.
In speaking with the owner at the time of posting some pictures here, I did find out that he’s an accomplished shooter, not far from here, at Camp Perry, Ohio, where the National Matches have been known to be held. He was dealing with some health issues and hasn’t gotten back to me. He was wondering if the Custom Stock was possibly done by Griffin & Howe, (he was going to check on that), or another well known Stock and wood carver, R.G. “Bob” Owen. If either one of these are the case, the M-52 rifle, that doesn’t have it’s original wood Target stock on it, could possibly be a whole other story. IMO!
We here on the WACA Forum enjoy the original Winchesters, in all of their originality, that’s a fact, along with the Winchester History, and with that sometimes comes pieces or examples like this one.
There’s also the chance that someone made this stock up, at they’re bench, as a novice wood carver with a lot of talent. IMO!
Tony
April 15, 2005
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Tony,
The chrome moly barrels were typically marked “CMS”, and the Model 53 rifles with rare exception were all manufactured with Nickel Steel barrels (usually marked “MNS”). Nickel Steel was phased out with CMS (Proof Steel) beginning in April 1932 for all of the various center fire rifle models.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
April 15, 2005
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Blue Ridge Parson said
The “C” on the bottom of the barrel may denote what steel was used in making the barrel.
BRP
In 1927, the “C” most likely indicated “Crucible”. Th Crucible Steel Company was one of several suppliers that Winchester purchased steel from.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 9, 2002
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Bert H. said
Tony,
The chrome moly barrels were typically marked “CMS”, and the Model 53 rifles with rare exception were all manufactured with Nickel Steel barrels (usually marked “MNS”). Nickel Steel was phased out with CMS (Proof Steel) beginning in April 1932 for all of the various center fire rifle models.
Bert
Bert H. said
Blue Ridge Parson said
The “C” on the bottom of the barrel may denote what steel was used in making the barrel.
BRP
In 1927, the “C” most likely indicated “Crucible”. Th Crucible Steel Company was one of several suppliers that Winchester purchased steel from.
Bert
Bert,
Thanks for refreshing my rusty memory, as it plainly makes sense now. The Crucible steel surely applies here.
Tony
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