Just wondering if anybody else here has a Winchester Model 52 with a stainless barrel? I recently aquired this rifle, but there seems to be limited info out there about them - I can't even find a single one for sale on Gun Broker or anything. Going by the serial # mine was manufactured in 1927. I believe it is all original, but I would like to compare notes with another owner regarding the finish on the barrel. Hoping that someone on this forum can provide some input.
Winchester Model 52 stainless
- Thread starter 2strklvr
- Start date
Further to the above post, I would appreciate any info that anyone may have on this rifle. Google is giving me limited and contradictory results. For instance the Wiki entry says that stainless barrels were only available in 1930-31 and another source states they were available as special order from 1926 on into the early 30's. If I get a chance, I'll post some pics - I know how much everyone on here loves pictures - lol.
Pictures say a thousand words. The Blue Book indicates a small production run of 52s in the 17###-27### serial range. This equates to 1930-1933. Stainless barrels were also offered as aftermarket sales. In other words, you could buy a stainless barrel and install to your rifle. Whether your rifle is original would take closer examination, but based on the Blue Book it is likely an aftermarket addition. Still quite a rare piece
The current gun value book I was looking at today says nothing about serial # range, only "A few Model 52 Target models with stainless barrels have been encountered". Additionally I'm sure that last night I read an excerpt from a Winchester book that someone had posted on a forum stating that the stainless barrels were available as special order from Winchester from 1926 thru 1931, but I be darned if I can find it now.
Very nice early 52 slow lock actioned with light weight contoured stainless barrel!
It still has it model 82A rear Winchester peep, looks great all original, except never seen that style metal but plate? But checked my reference book, that butplate is a revised model 52 butplate for general use after October 12th 1927, also after July-August 1924 all 52's come standard with telescopic mount blocks.the stock is also the first style target stock as the early stock was the military style .. You need to talk to "SeaWin" on rimfire central , he worked for Winchester and had the largest 52 collection anywhere in the world, he can tell you more about your stainless barrell. I would assume no modifications that would have been done at the time, your gun is all original! Take the barrelled action out of the stock and see if the barrel date matches all the other parts of your gun, I bet it does
PM if you need any other info:
Cheers Dale Z!
It still has it model 82A rear Winchester peep, looks great all original, except never seen that style metal but plate? But checked my reference book, that butplate is a revised model 52 butplate for general use after October 12th 1927, also after July-August 1924 all 52's come standard with telescopic mount blocks.the stock is also the first style target stock as the early stock was the military style .. You need to talk to "SeaWin" on rimfire central , he worked for Winchester and had the largest 52 collection anywhere in the world, he can tell you more about your stainless barrell. I would assume no modifications that would have been done at the time, your gun is all original! Take the barrelled action out of the stock and see if the barrel date matches all the other parts of your gun, I bet it does
PM if you need any other info:
Cheers Dale Z!
Thank-you Dale Z! That was the kind of input I was looking for. When I went to see this rifle to buy it I was expecting it to be a regular 52 target. Once I put my hands on it I was more than a little leery about the stainless barrel. I knew the gun was early by the four digit serial number but I had never heard of stainless being used in firearms of this vintage. Ultimately the early patent date won me over, but the finish on the barrel is odd as well - almost like paint rather than bluing. I was concerned that the gun had been monkeyed with, you have certainly eased my mind somewhat. I'm glad that I didn't pass it up.
