Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Winchester Collectors Japanese made Winchester 52Bs?

What is everyone's opinion of the Japanese made Winchester 52Bs? Seems like you see a good number of NOS rifles on the auction sites at anytime... what do you think those are worth?

If they are the 52 sporters, they originally sold for around $500. I recently sold one of the Browning versions of that rifle, the predecessor of the Winchester branded one, for $500.

Yep, that's them. What did you think of it? I've never shot or even handled one but they look solid.

I bought two of these about twenty-five years ago. Still have both and I've shot them a good bit. Had a Unertl 6X mounted on one and a receiver sight and front sight added to the other. These are well-built, accurate rifles. They seem slightly heavier than most .22s and have more of the feel of centerfire rifles.

I've had 4 of them and still have 2 of the Winchester branded 52s because I like the classic style of stock better than the monte carlo style of stocks on the Browning branded 52s.

I think that they are nice rifles in all aspects. I gave $750 for the last one that I bought that was used, but only a little, and came with the box and box fillers. I didn't feel that the price was out of line. $500 for either the Browning or Winchester branded Miroku 52 Sporter would be a great price.

The only thing that I don't like about the 52s is that the shape of the bolt handle requires the user to mount his/her scope with medium height rings in order for the bolt handle to clear the ocular bell and cycle the action. I bought an extra bolt handle and reworked it so that I could use low height rings with a 6x Leupold Alaskan.

I have 3 different models of Winchester .22 bolt guns, the Japanese 52s, a 75 Sporter, and a couple of 320s. I shoot the 320 a lot more than either of the other styles 'cause the 320 ergs fit and feel better to me, plus they aren't as valuable as the others, so a scratch or dent isn't as traumatic.

I think they're excellent rifles, but they have gotten rather pricey. If you have the means, I think it's an outstanding .22 and it is made just like a 52B sporter; and that's just cool.

I still have one of the Brownings. It shoots well and handles very nicely but does not measure up to my Anschutz 54 Sporter for accuracy(not many 22’s do). The triggers have a small pin that limits the pull weight reduction. With it removed, the trigger pull can be tuned as well as the original 52.

I have enjoyed my Winchester 52B made in Japan. Bought it about 10 years ago and mounted a gloss rimfire Leupold in Talleys. It shoots very well with most ammo but loves the cheap 36gr hollow points by Federal or Winchester. Paid $650 for mine used. Saw a new in box at a local gun show for $1100 today. The heavier weight simulates the feel of a centerfire rifle while practicing.

Seen one today on Gun Broker that has the current bid of $1500. My uncle has the Browning. He let me borrow it to hunt rabbits back in the early 90s. It fit so well and was accurate enough to get 5 rabbits with 6 shots. The miss was my fault.

I have the Browning version. Squirrels hate it.

Mine is quite accurate. The most accurate 22 I have ever had. It is a bit heavier than other 22s as someone else mentioned. I use it for practice for my centerfire rifles since it behaves like one, just no recoil. It is great for working on off hand shooting. If you can afford one, I'd get it. You won't be sorry.

I've had one for almost 20 years. It is a very well made and accurate .22 rifle.

I've been looking for the heavy contour barrel version if anyone knows of one for sale.