Winchester 52E Value - The Firearms Forum

Garryg3 · 03-10-2008, 11:19 AM

I have inherited a Winchester 52-22L rifle and would like to find out what it might be worth. From the serial number, E124539, and researching a variety of web sites I assume it is an E series, which was produced in limited numbers. It is a single shot with what I assume is a composite stock rather that the wood stocks I found on all the postings. I do not know whether this means that the stock is original or not. The trigger assembly is marked Keyon. There are a couple of small spots of surface rust on the barrel. They look like they could easily be removed and the barrel re-blued. Everything else appears to be in very good shape. Any information on the guns age and possible value would be greatly appreciated.

300 H&H · 03-14-2008, 07:07 AM

Garryg3,

You have a very desirable rifle that unfortunately has been modified by the previous owner. It should have a wood stock and a 27" barrel to be original. These were the last of the 52's produced, circa 1975-80 and original ones are bringing $1800 or more and the price is rising for good clean originals. There are some theads at Rimfire Central .com that you should look up on these....Your gun is going to be a fine shooter and at this point you might consider just enjoying and shooting it as that. As far as a value, it's really up to you and a buyer. If it were mine, and the gun you picture, wouldn't take less than $1000. But I would shoot it and find out how well it does. I hope this helps. Best reguards Kirk

Xracer · 03-14-2008, 08:37 AM

Hi Garry.....welcome to TFF.

The Blue Book lists the Model 52-E as the "International Prone" and describes it as "similar to 52-D with prone stock, removable roll over cheekpiece. Mfg. 1975-1980."

It also states: "After 1975 rifles started appearing with an "E" serial prefix. Both Model 52 International and Prone could have factory stocks that were not Winchester mfg." No mention of a composite stock, so I surmise that's aftermarket.

As to the rest....definitely made from 1975 to 1980....and I agree with Kirk 100%. The Model 52 is one of the finest American-made target .22s. Hang on to it, shoot it a bunch, and have a ball!

Garryg3 · 03-14-2008, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 300 H&H

Garryg3,

You have a very desirable rifle that unfortunately has been modified by the previous owner. It should have a wood stock and a 27" barrel to be original. These were the last of the 52's produced, circa 1975-80 and original ones are bringing $1800 or more and the price is rising for good clean originals. There are some theads at Rimfire Central .com that you should look up on these....Your gun is going to be a fine shooter and at this point you might consider just enjoying and shooting it as that. As far as a value, it's really up to you and a buyer. If it were mine, and the gun you picture, wouldn't take less than $1000. But I would shoot it and find out how well it does. I hope this helps. Best reguards Kirk

Thanks for the information. The previous owner was into competition of all sorts, pistol, rifle, bow & darts. He was a member of the US Olympic Free Pistol team in 1980 - the boycotted Olympics. Most of his guns were modified in one way or another to meet his needs so he probably was the one to modify the stock. I shot rifle in college but that was more moons ago than I care to remember. I think they gave me my varsity letter out of pity. Somewhere out there I am sure there is someone who's needs could be met by this rifle. Now that I have an idea of its worth I just need to find them. Thanks again.

stash247 · 03-14-2008, 09:59 PM

If the 52-E were virginal, the stock would be an AL Freeland built, laminated stock, built for Winchester.
The Kenyon trigger (Not keyon), and the composite stock, might well make it a better shooter, but at the expense of value, of the rifle. An unmolested International Match would approach 5K$, in my market, but yours would work hard, to fetch $1250,IMHO, here.

Jake's · 04-09-2008, 10:03 AM

Hi Guys

I have been searching my ass off for info.
I'm on the verge of buying a Winchester model 52 serial number E12465X.
The previous owner realy did a job on the rifle - spraypainting the stock, drilling holes in the barrel for fitting a massive scope and removing the accessory rail. Can annyone give me more info on this rifle or maybe a review of how it should shoot?

Regards
Jake's

Jake's · 04-09-2008, 10:08 AM

Here is a picture of the rifle.

Jake's

RioJess · 05-16-2008, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jake's

Here is a picture of the rifle.

Jake's

RioJess · 05-16-2008, 05:23 PM

Hi Jake's

Are you interested in selling your Winchester?

Thanks,

Jess

Jake's · 11-14-2011, 02:05 AM

Hi All - It's been 3 years - and thanks to the South African Police now de-arming citizens I have not been granted a licence... 3 years!! Absurd. Either way - If someone is interested in purchasing this rifle - contact me as it is only incurring storage costs.. I'll even swop for a ipad or something that cannot be licensed in South Africa...

Cheers

(Ps: if this is the wrong forum - jut let me know and i'll move the post)

Jim Hauff · 11-14-2011, 09:07 AM

Jake's,
Welcome back to the forum.
My heartfelt condolences on the state of affairs in your country.

Jake's · 11-29-2012, 06:20 AM

To Jim and everyone that contributed, after 4 years I finally have a licence for a 22. Imagine how long a .308 would take! haha. Will be shooting the rifle in a few days, finally!
Thanks all!

03-10-2008, 11:19 AM	#1
Garryg3 Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 6	Winchester 52E Value I have inherited a Winchester 52-22L rifle and would like to find out what it might be worth. From the serial number, E124539, and researching a variety of web sites I assume it is an E series, which was produced in limited numbers. It is a single shot with what I assume is a composite stock rather that the wood stocks I found on all the postings. I do not know whether this means that the stock is original or not. The trigger assembly is marked Keyon. There are a couple of small spots of surface rust on the barrel. They look like they could easily be removed and the barrel re-blued. Everything else appears to be in very good shape. Any information on the guns age and possible value would be greatly appreciated. Attached Images -->

03-14-2008, 07:07 AM	#2
300 H&H Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,796	Re: Winchester 52E Value Garryg3, You have a very desirable rifle that unfortunately has been modified by the previous owner. It should have a wood stock and a 27" barrel to be original. These were the last of the 52's produced, circa 1975-80 and original ones are bringing $1800 or more and the price is rising for good clean originals. There are some theads at Rimfire Central .com that you should look up on these....Your gun is going to be a fine shooter and at this point you might consider just enjoying and shooting it as that. As far as a value, it's really up to you and a buyer. If it were mine, and the gun you picture, wouldn't take less than $1000. But I would shoot it and find out how well it does. I hope this helps. Best reguards Kirk

03-14-2008, 08:37 AM	#3
Xracer TFF Admin Staff Mediator Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Minn-eeee-sota, ya, sure, you bet! Posts: 9,144	Re: Winchester 52E Value Hi Garry.....welcome to TFF. The Blue Book lists the Model 52-E as the "International Prone" and describes it as "similar to 52-D with prone stock, removable roll over cheekpiece. Mfg. 1975-1980." It also states: "After 1975 rifles started appearing with an "E" serial prefix. Both Model 52 International and Prone could have factory stocks that were not Winchester mfg." No mention of a composite stock, so I surmise that's aftermarket. As to the rest....definitely made from 1975 to 1980....and I agree with Kirk 100%. The Model 52 is one of the finest American-made target .22s. Hang on to it, shoot it a bunch, and have a ball!

03-14-2008, 09:59 PM	#5
stash247 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Texas Posts: 2,815	Re: Winchester 52E Value If the 52-E were virginal, the stock would be an AL Freeland built, laminated stock, built for Winchester. The Kenyon trigger (Not keyon), and the composite stock, might well make it a better shooter, but at the expense of value, of the rifle. An unmolested International Match would approach 5K$, in my market, but yours would work hard, to fetch $1250,IMHO, here. __________________ Don't start no s**t and there won't be none, Terry

04-09-2008, 10:03 AM	#6
Jake's Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Holland / South Africa Posts: 6	Re: Winchester 52E Value Hi Guys I have been searching my ass off for info. I'm on the verge of buying a Winchester model 52 serial number E12465X. The previous owner realy did a job on the rifle - spraypainting the stock, drilling holes in the barrel for fitting a massive scope and removing the accessory rail. Can annyone give me more info on this rifle or maybe a review of how it should shoot? Regards Jake's

04-09-2008, 10:08 AM	#7
Jake's Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Holland / South Africa Posts: 6	Re: Winchester 52E Value Here is a picture of the rifle. Jake's Attached Images

05-16-2008, 05:23 PM	#9
RioJess Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 2	Re: Winchester 52E Value Hi Jake's Are you interested in selling your Winchester? Thanks, Jess

11-14-2011, 02:05 AM	#10
Jake's Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Holland / South Africa Posts: 6	Re: Winchester 52E Value Hi All - It's been 3 years - and thanks to the South African Police now de-arming citizens I have not been granted a licence... 3 years!! Absurd. Either way - If someone is interested in purchasing this rifle - contact me as it is only incurring storage costs.. I'll even swop for a ipad or something that cannot be licensed in South Africa... Cheers (Ps: if this is the wrong forum - jut let me know and i'll move the post)

11-14-2011, 09:07 AM	#11
Jim Hauff Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Lehigh Valley, PA Posts: 2,980	Re: Winchester 52E Value Jake's, Welcome back to the forum. My heartfelt condolences on the state of affairs in your country. __________________ Jim Hauff ~ H&R Collector In Memory of Bill Goforth and Jim Ritchie

11-29-2012, 06:20 AM	#12
Jake's Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Holland / South Africa Posts: 6	Re: Winchester 52E Value To Jim and everyone that contributed, after 4 years I finally have a licence for a 22. Imagine how long a .308 would take! haha. Will be shooting the rifle in a few days, finally! Thanks all!