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I am looking at a mod. 53 in 32-20. It is a takedown model. The barrel has 98% bluing and an excellent bore. The receiver has lost most of the bluing, and is a smooth metal color. The wood is good, with some flaking of the finish around the butt plate. The asking price is $800. How does that sound?
I want a good shooter, and this one is pretty. Are these reasonably good shooters? I hand load for my S&W hand ejector, and can do the same for the rifle. Pros or cons on these as compared to 92’s in the same caliber.
Thanks for any help or advice.
That is a great buy, I would purchase it as soon as possible. It will be a wonderful shooter.
Great Find
Great deal. I Am impressed. Years ago. I had a nice M53 32-20 in my collection and benched, at 100 yards, it would put all shots into the 10 ring, and I could not count all the squirrels my BIL nailed with it. It is a very accurate short range cartridge. Again, you are stealing a nice M53 for $800. I am calling the gun police on you. Big Larry
Based on your description, $800 is a very good deal for you.
There are no pros or cons… The Model 53 is a Model 92 with nothing more than a different trim package.
If you want to, you can load relatively stiff loads for it, but don’t mix them with the loads for your S&W Hand Ejector!
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
tbryan, that sounds like a very good price given your description. I’ve owned a couple Model 53’s chambered in 32-20 (32 W.C.F.) and I would not want to be without one. Like Bert said, they are Model 92’s with a different trim package. I would describe them as an unofficial ‘extra light’ version of the Model 92 rifle. If you have older eyes like mine, that front sight is at the end of a 22" barrel so keep that in mind. I have one with an original tang sight, so I’ve got no problem getting that front sight razor sharp. The 32-20 is my favourite small game cartridge and with some load experimentation, you should have no problem dropping Woodchucks at 100 yards with that sweet little rifle.
I am compiling a database of Model 53’s and would be very grateful if you could PM me with the serial number of your rifle so I can add it to my database.
I failed to mention in my post that there two small holes drilled in the left side of the receiver for what I assume was some sort of scope mount. They are well done, and don’t really detract from the over all look of the rifle. I am sure they would detract from the collector value of it, but I want a rifle I will not be afraid to take to the camp and shoot. The bore is flawless.
I have a 92 38-40 and I love it. The bore looks bad, but it shoots like a champ. This same guy has a 92 octagon bbl. in 32-20 , but it is not in nearly as good shape as the 53. I could get it cheaper, but that 53 is so pretty.
If I get it I will try to post some pictures of it so you all can evaluate it for me.
I can’t afford them both. The 92 is all original, just had a hard life. No finish, and the bore isn’t that good. I now have looked at a Rem. Mod. 25R also in 32-20, and beautiful shape. It’s the carbine model, and is smooth as glass. I might try for both it and the 53 if I can unload some stuff. My eyes are bigger than my bank account.
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