The Winchester Model 52: Perfection in Design [Hardcover]

Herbert G. Houze (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1997

Historical arms enthusiast Herbert Houze unravels the mysteries surrounding the development of what many consider to be the most perfect rifle ever made. The book covers the rifle's improvements through five modifications. Users, collectors and marksmen will appreciate each variation's history, serial number sequences, and authentic photos.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications (November 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 087341487X
• ISBN-13: 978-0873414876
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 9.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,412,936 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars When you read this book, you'll know why the 52 is a 10!, December 15, 1999

By 

Greg Weatherby (Idaho Falls, Idaho) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Winchester Model 52: Perfection in Design (Hardcover)

The book is a wonderful read on how the rifle was developed and changed over the years. I found it excellent reading (because I own several 52s). I do wish the author would have researched more on serial numbers...the current info only gives you a guess on when a certain rifle was made. For example, I own #88265 NIB and can not figure out from the book when it was made. 1955? 1956? Overall, the book is a great reference and would like to see another 52 book that focused on repair, modification, and values. If you own a 52, you'll want this one on your coffee table!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great research tool, November 14, 2000

By 

dave swinger (Colorado) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Winchester Model 52: Perfection in Design (Hardcover)

I acquired a Model 52 with a 2** serial number minus the receiver sight. The gunshops I spoke to didn't have a clue. I found this book on the internet, bought it and not only found out what I needed to know about the sight and where to get one, but learned a great deal about the 52. If you have a 52, this is the information to learn why it was developed and why it established a niche in 22 history.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Probably the best book available on the topic..., June 5, 2004

By 

R. Messer "mr_wonderful" (Miami, Florida USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Winchester Model 52: Perfection in Design (Hardcover)

Excellent reference with a heavy emphasis on the VERY early development of the Winchester 52. If you want to see copies of internal Winchester correspondence, history, marketing and competitive issues, this is the source.

Additional information is spread chronologicaly throughout the book, and sometimes not easy to retrieve. The index could be a bit more comprehensive.

My biggest recommendation for improvement would be to include a couple of simple tables, with side-by-side photographs. As follows:
1. The different styles of stocks used in the various models.
2. Better illustrations of the various barrel types.
3. Listings and photos of all the various sight options available on the 52. There were SO many options it will blow your mind.
4. Common "extras" such as contemporary slings, etc.

All in all, I don't want to cast a negative shadow on the book. I highly recommend it. If you're interested in buying a 52, or you have one and you're trying to figure out what you have... it's a must buy.