So I'll provide a first answer: its not for sale! About every thread involving a 52 starts with someone offering to buy it.
So this rifle is a hand-me-down from my great grandfather who used to shoot at the national level. My grandfather passed it on to me. I wish I had more rifles from my great grandfathers collection, but most were auctioned off when he passed away in the early 70s. Given the family history, this rifle won't ever be sold.
Obviously the extra forearm piece on the stock isn't factory and the LOP has been lengthened,and should be redone since the wood split). Based on the serial number the rifle was manufactured in 1954. If anyone can identify that its a 52C, that would be nice. I know the trigger changed from the 52B to the 52C, but I haven't found the right picture to identify the difference. The serial number also ends in "C", which is perhaps the giveaway.
My best 5 shot groups with a front and rear bag measure about .7" at 50 yards. There is no significant change if I shoot match grade ammo or the 550 round value pack. I normally shoot one flyer,that isn't called).
The scope is marked J.W. Fecker. I have a bear of a time getting both the scope and the crosshairs to both be in focus at the same time. I think the wires which make us the crosshair aren't quite flat. Anyway, this is a great read on Fecker: http://www.snipersparadise.com/tsmag/may2002.htm While his scopes did good things in their day, it doesn't compare to the ease of use of modern optics.
So I ideally I would like to get this rifle to shoot better groups. Personally, I think the optics are the limiting factor, although they make it a good challenge currently. I would happily mount a rear peep sight and do it that way. But, being honest, I enjoy shooting scoped rifles more than iron sights. So what good options do I have? My local store suggested drilling at tapping the action. I laughed at that suggestion.
Also, anything I should know about the Model 52? I've read that its possible to overclean the 52 which uses a soft steel in the barrel. I've also heard that it is not wise to remove the action from the stock as the bedding system used never quite goes back right.
And finally, here are the pics:
So this rifle is a hand-me-down from my great grandfather who used to shoot at the national level. My grandfather passed it on to me. I wish I had more rifles from my great grandfathers collection, but most were auctioned off when he passed away in the early 70s. Given the family history, this rifle won't ever be sold.
Obviously the extra forearm piece on the stock isn't factory and the LOP has been lengthened,and should be redone since the wood split). Based on the serial number the rifle was manufactured in 1954. If anyone can identify that its a 52C, that would be nice. I know the trigger changed from the 52B to the 52C, but I haven't found the right picture to identify the difference. The serial number also ends in "C", which is perhaps the giveaway.
My best 5 shot groups with a front and rear bag measure about .7" at 50 yards. There is no significant change if I shoot match grade ammo or the 550 round value pack. I normally shoot one flyer,that isn't called).
The scope is marked J.W. Fecker. I have a bear of a time getting both the scope and the crosshairs to both be in focus at the same time. I think the wires which make us the crosshair aren't quite flat. Anyway, this is a great read on Fecker: http://www.snipersparadise.com/tsmag/may2002.htm While his scopes did good things in their day, it doesn't compare to the ease of use of modern optics.
So I ideally I would like to get this rifle to shoot better groups. Personally, I think the optics are the limiting factor, although they make it a good challenge currently. I would happily mount a rear peep sight and do it that way. But, being honest, I enjoy shooting scoped rifles more than iron sights. So what good options do I have? My local store suggested drilling at tapping the action. I laughed at that suggestion.
Also, anything I should know about the Model 52? I've read that its possible to overclean the 52 which uses a soft steel in the barrel. I've also heard that it is not wise to remove the action from the stock as the bedding system used never quite goes back right.
And finally, here are the pics:
