Looking For info on win mod 52 sporter

[CaptLou]

I have a chance at a Model 52 Sporter SN 10102, But would like to verify it is legit. here are some pics.

Information

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[browningautorifle]

If this is the 52, shouldn't it have the front sight screws> It has the rear blanks. Has it been cut and re- blued? Over all condition is excellent...it just seems to be in between a few things. Maybe altered?

[CaptLou]

I don't really know anything about the gun , it is in an upcoming local auction, there are 150 guns in the auction , mostly Winchesters of collector grade , from someone's estate. My son and I are trying to do as much research on this model 52 as we can to decide how high I am willing to go on it . From what I can come up with so far , the serial no. dates it in 1928 or 9, it is a original 52 before the speed lock improvement. Problem is with the it being portrayed as a Sporter. Sporter did not hit the market until 1934 , therefore 10162 should have been a 28in Barreled Target not a 24in Sporter. I would like to believe the owner sent this gun back to Winchester and had it made into a Sporter, but that would take collaborating paperwork to prove . So I guess I will just have to wait for the preview to make a decision of its value. There is also a Reproduction 52B , Serial No. Bs4521, that has prebid up to $450.00 already. ?????

[jmoore]

Problem is with the it being portrayed as a Sporter. Sporter did not hit the market until 1934 , therefore 10162 should have been a 28in Barreled Target not a 24in Sporter.

And there's your answer! It's just a "custom". Buy it as a possible shooter. Not as a collector piece.

and re- blued?

Yes. Red hued bolt is a dead give away. Not something Winchester would let out of the shop.
Overall look isn't quite right.

BTW, I've a 52C that's been reblued. One of the very few refinished firearms that I've held onto for any length of time. Mostly because it's an excellent shooter! Kinda heavy for a hiking about rifle, but it's done just that for many years and has taken well over 100 squirrels.

[browningautorifle]

That makes me feel better. I agree about buying it as a shooter. It would make a lifelong friend for squirrels and such.

[CaptLou]

I have a model 67 that has been with me since I was 13 and my Dad since he was 13 in 1942, and has taken several hundred squirrels in its time so I really don't need another squirrel rifle , Thanks for the input guys their are several other Winchesters in that auction to grab my affection, Lou