Winchester 52 Sporter

[rchall]

Saw a Winchester 52B Sporter recently at a gunshow. Rifle was made in the late 30's or early 40's according to serial number. This rifle had sling swivels that were the non-detachable type. All of the Sporters I have seen in this serial range had the deluxe detachable super grade swivels. The ones on the gun looked to be original, but would they be correct for a rifle in the 56,000 serial range?? Thanks for any info. on this!

 

[David LaPell]

I have to double check on the 52B I have here. I know it's pre-64 but I have to see if the sling swivels are the same as you describe.

 

[tndrfttom]

I had always assumed that the real Model 52 Sporters used the “Supergrade” style swivel arrangement with the swivel bases inletted nearly flush into the stock in conjunction with the long quick-detach Winchester swivels. (I have a 1946/47 Sporter, SN 63,XXX, that uses the Supergrade style swivels). I have seen a few faux Sporters that were apparently made from target rifles that very closely follow the factory stock lay-out, but these had various sorts of swivels (or no swivels) and did not have the word “SPORTING” stamped into the trigger guard assembly.

 

[Drm50]

I've only owned one 52 Sporter it was a pre 64. When I got it, it
was in process of having stock refinished and had been stripped
and some "custom" work done on stock. It had non detach swivels. I have no idea of date of manufacture other than early
50s the owner told me when I got it.

 

[Texas Star]

What sort of swivels do the Miroku-made repros have?They're nice looking rifles. Some are marked Browning; some as Winchester.

 

[Texas Star]

I have to double check on the 52B I have here. I know it's pre-64 but I have to see if the sling swivels are the same as you describe.

David-

I'm glad to see you back. Wondered how you were.

 

[SuperMan]

What sort of swivels do the Miroku-made repros have?They're nice looking rifles. Some are marked Browning; some as Winchester.

I had one of each and as I recall they both had the Super Grade inletted swivels...

Always wanted a real 52C Sporter with the Monte Carlo style stock...

Bob

 

[s&wchad]

Winchester Model 52 Sporters all had inletted swivels (Super Grade). A number of 52 Target models were modified because of the price difference. Proceed with caution!

Here's a legit B Model...

 

[Speedo2]

What sort of swivels do the Miroku-made repros have?They're nice looking rifles. Some are marked Browning; some as Winchester.

My Miroku-52 (Winchester) has the inletted swivels, same as posted by s&wchad. Trigger guard is also stamped "SPORTING".