Browning Model 53

[5-Shot]

A few days ago while browsing the local Armslist ads a listing for a Browning Model 53 caught my eye. Now I didn’t even know what model 53 was, but I have a real warm spot for Browning’s and own several rifles and pistols bearing that brand. Turns out it’s a copy of the old Winchester 53 (which was also a mystery to me) and that was simply a Winchester model 92 (finally something I recognized) in 32-20. Having cut my shooting teeth on ground hogs and long range varmint rifles, lever actions never quite captured my fancy. On the other hand, I had brass, dies and bullet molds for a 32-20 so why not?

The photos below shows it is a pretty little devil. While the trigger is pretty heavy, it’s crisp. In spite of that trigger the little rifle is a joy to shoot. The target below was shot today at twenty five yards off hand with 75 year old eyes and body. I used a 6 o’clock hold and then flipped the target for the second group. To say I’m pleased would be an understatement.

Ed

 

[Geronimo Jim]

I love it.

 

[SuperMan]

Those are really nice guns...wish they would bring them back in .327 Federal.....

Bob

 

[6518John]

“Say yer prayers varmint!”

The local varmits better pack their bags or get ready to raid that stinkin’ dumpster or yard-bird coop in the sky!

 

[RobertJ.]

Beautiful rifle!

 

[sigp220.45]

Wow! What a find - that rifle is stunning!

 

[2152hq]

Those were great little rifles. Browning USA had those made in JApan (Miroko?) at the time along with a couple other repro Winchester classics like the small bore M12, the M42, ect.

They made deluxe grades too.

The wood on the field grades is often a very plain, straight grain w/o any figure at all under that nice finish you see. Even the Deluxe Grade wood is less than the spectacular grain and contrast that is seen in the final finished product.
Most all of the figure and the color was applied by airbrush artisty at the time. The final finish to 'fix' it in place over that. They were very good at that.
A common thing on 'Japanese Brownings' but these 92 variants seemed to have had more attention than some of the other models for some reason.

A home strip and refinish will generally leave the owner with a way less than acceptable look on the wood.

The other Winchester made variation of the Model 92,,the Model 65 was the one chambered in 218Bee among other calibers.
Browning had a Japanese repro of the 218B caliber Model 65 made in the very late 80's too. both in Field and Deluxe grades.

 

[Dakotakid]

brng 53

I also have one---you will love it even when you re-load for it--Brian Pierce had a great article on reldg 32-20 you might enjoy--I believe it was in the " handloader " 2 yrs ago ?

 

[Dakotakid]

brng 53

oh ya !!---forgot to add--if you like the 53 I think you really like the brng 65--it's a hoot !

 

[kobsw]

A few days ago while browsing the local Armslist ads a listing for a Browning Model 53 caught my eye. Now I didn’t even know what model 53 was, but I have a real warm spot for Browning’s and own several rifles and pistols bearing that brand. Turns out it’s a copy of the old Winchester 53 (which was also a mystery to me) and that was simply a Winchester model 92 (finally something I recognized) in 32-20. Having cut my shooting teeth on ground hogs and long range varmint rifles, lever actions never quite captured my fancy. On the other hand, I had brass, dies and bullet molds for a 32-20 so why not?

The photos below shows it is a pretty little devil. While the trigger is pretty heavy, it’s crisp. In spite of that trigger the little rifle is a joy to shoot. The target below was shot today at twenty five yards off hand with 75 year old eyes and body. I used a 6 o’clock hold and then flipped the target for the second group. To say I’m pleased would be an understatement.

Ed

Wow, that's a fine configuration of blued steel and walnut.

Thanks for sharing it,

Kobsw

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I had a Browning 92 in 44 Mag, it was great shooting but with factory ammo it kicked like a mule! I still have a Browning 1886 in 45-70, that recoil I can handle! (It all has to do with the rifle's weight) I have other rifles in 32-20 and 218 Bee. Destroying ground Hogs with them is a treat!

Ivan