52B - I found the grail

[RickM]

Well I originally thought I might be trading away too much, a Nylon 66 Apache Black, a Nylon 66 Mohawk Brown, Remington Fieldmaster 572, Mercury Magnum SxS 20ga, Spanish star 22 handgun, a Mosin M44 w/540 rds of ammo as well as 400 rds of 40S&W Ranger

all for a Winchester 52B w/ range box and scope . . . well this is what I got

Winchester 52B (PRISTINE)
Fecker Scope
range box
another set of (I already have a CMP 52D) redfield international olympic sights
extra aperatures
range gloves
palm swell
comp sling
and more

as well as a record book which was in the range box which dates from 1961 - 1973 keeping a record of what appears to be the original owners name, scores and information. He apparently shot a lot at the Durango Gun Club, Durango Colorado. FYI, I have contacted someone there trying to locate information about the gentleman, Ernie Gregg, or his family. Anyway I wanted to share photos with you. I am going to run the old girl to the range tomorrow and punch some holes alongside her cousin the 52D which I need to tighten about 2cm left and 2cm up to be center but I digress . . . I to be honest couldnt leave the parking lot fast enough after asking the genteman I traded if he was sure and he said yes. Here are some photos . . . I hope you are as tickled as I was and am

Mr Gregg apparently shot in the Durango Sectional 03/4-5, 1961 scoring a 761
His team was himself, Pat Kaufmann, Don, Kaufmann and Ed Johnson they scored a 1556 together (WOW)

01-20-1962 at the Durango Mid Winter he shot a 765
1962 New Mexico state championship he shot a 762
April of 1962 Montrose Colorado he shot a 759

And the book goes on and on. I am adding my information to the same book in an attempt to keep everything whole although my information will most likely pale in comparison to what Mr Gregg did with the rifle.

If anyone has information about Mr. Gregg, the Durango Gun Club or any ofthe gentlemen above I mentioned that shot with him I would be grateful to find out. If you would like additional photos let me know. I will be adding a photo of the two girls (52B and D) together tomorrow. I am hoping my daughter and I can enter some smallbore matches together using them.

Please email me at malonerj@cox.net or check my website at Blue Line 2087

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[JimF in CT]

Me-thinks you did well---

I notice there appears to be a 10-rd. magazine in the range box.

I wonder just what course of fire would require that. I'm not sure I've ever seen a small bore match requiring a 10-rd. magazine. --Jim

[RickM]

I dont see anything in the book that would use the 10rd mag but being a magazine fed rifle I dont find anything curious about the magazine being there. In fact when I shoot hi power the mag is in my rifle I just have to single load which I guess is the same for smallbore although I dont know for sure. I am just learning about smallbore so couldnt say for sure

[RogerFoxDog]

Congratulations Rick, on an outstanding acquisition! Not only a great combination but alot of history.

[n64atlas]

Nice Rifle; For the 52's up to the D model, there were three mags available:
Single shot model [there were two versions} , a five round and a ten round.
I don't have the first version of the single shot. I do have an original and a new Brownells single shot adapter.


Brownells is the last adapter

[binew]

JimF,

NRA outdoor matches require 20 record shots/card. They can be single loaded or clip fed and this doesn't include sighters. Indoor targets A17 and A-36 require 10 record rounds. If someone chose a 10 round clip so be it. Most did not but its not unheard of.

binew

[RickM]

Well the range report is in. Only shot at 25 today. Winds were horrible and I figured anything further would be a waste of ammo. Anyhow I was relatively pleased to say the least. Here are some photos


1st: The Girls together 52B & 52D



2nd: 52D, 9 Shot group from 25yds Iron sight. Almost got em all inside the dime

Without the dime:



With the dime:



3rd: 52B Iron sight. 1st time I shot it. Could only get a quarter sized group with the 9 shots. I think I passed gas on the flyer either that or maybe I can blame a particularly heavy gust of wind




4th Just to see how the scope would lay them in I tried it out at just 25 and she was just fine, again there appears to be a passage of wind there.




Anyhow neither are anything to sneeze at and its a mixture of federal and remington bulk box ammo there, none of the spendy match ammo.

A very pleasant day was had by all (namely me)

[n64atlas]

Put some decent standard velocity ammo thru these fine rifles and watch the groups shrink even in the wind. I have three 52's, a 52Pre A. 52C and a 52D. All shoot five shots into one hole at 50 yards. Indoors at 50 feet, it's almost boring because the hole is only slightly bigger than .223.
Have fun with these, some of the best shooting rifles out there.

[JimF in CT]

OK---

I guess I need a new NRA small bore rule book, 'cause my newest (1972) states ". . . single load only . . .".

Way back, when I was an active competitor, nobody would load from a magazine anyway 'cause the bullets are slightly deformed when entering the chamber from the magazine. Sometimes you would need a glass to see the lead "stripe" on the bullet, but it is almost always there!
Even the "single load platform" that replaces the magazine will sometimes mar/shave/deform the bullet!

By inserting the cartridge fully in the chamber by hand, the deformation is eliminated . . . an important point for mid and long range shoots. --Jim

[binew]

JimF,

No, you need an "older" rule book. That particular rifle discontinued about 1952.
Certainly agree on the loading though.
I may be mistaken but seem to recall a Govt program or DCM may have had a timed or rapid fire course, something other than one minute/shot.

binew