My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
Forum rules
Welcome to the Leverguns.Com General Discussions Forum. This is a high-class place so act respectable. We discuss most anything here other than politics... politely.
Please post political post in the new Politics forum.
Welcome to the Leverguns.Com General Discussions Forum. This is a high-class place so act respectable. We discuss most anything here other than politics... politely.
Please post political post in the new Politics forum.
- KirkD
- Desktop Artiste
- Posts: 4406
- Joined: Sat Apr 07, 2007 6:52 am
- Location: Central Ontario, Canada
- Contact:
My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
Well boys, there has been an empty spot in my small collection of old lever guns. My favourite small game caliber, and my favourite caliber for introducing young people to shooting, is the 32 W.C.F., also known as the 32-20. The last 32-20 I had was an original Model 53 in almost mint condition. I just couldn't enjoy shooting it, because it was in just too high a condition, so I sold it. Been on the hunt ever since for a replacement.
A couple weeks ago, I got a call from a Winchester collector friend of mine. He knew I was looking for a 32-20 and he had spotted a beauty in a gun shop about five hours drive from here. The price they were asking was a steal compared to what it was worth. There were only about 15,000 ever made which makes them pretty rare, but those with upgraded wood are extremely rare. I got on the phone to the shop, asked some detailed questions, and by the time I hung up, I had bought the gun.
It arrived yesterday and am I ever pleased. It is an original Winchester Model 53, the final, lightweight version of the Model 1892. The barrel date is '29'. According to other barrel dates I have, this one would was probably made early in the year of 1929. Better still, it has upgraded wood. I have 276 Winchester Model 53's in my database as part of my research for an article I am starting to write this winter. Out of that number, there are only five that have upgraded, fancy, or deluxe wood. When I removed the forearm to see the barrel date, I saw some letters stamped on the butt end of the forearm wood, the part that fits into the receiver. They appear to be 'LT' and 'XX'. I wanted to remove the buttstock, but just in case the Lyman tang site was perfectly sighted in for windage, decided not to mess with it. I would say the barrel is in about 95% condition, the finish on the wood is in about 90% condition or better. The receiver has a fair amount of flaking which is the norm for Model 53 receivers and other receivers of the late 1920's. The bore is mint, and I mean 10 out of 10, all the way from the chamber to the muzzle.
I decided to try it out, but the only 32-20 cartridges I have loaded up were a few with .312" bullets. My other Model 53 32-20 slugged at .314" groove diameter, so I figured these bullets would not be that accurate and start leading up the bore if I shot too many of them. Not knowing exactly where the tang sight shot, I set up a target at 15 yards and fired three rounds. The result was a ragged hole with a 1/4" group size. I then set up a target at 30 yards and took three more shots. The result was a 15/16" group and that was achieved with a 20 mph cross wind and a muzzle velocity of about 1,200 fps. I'm looking forward to trying out some .314" bullets, which I have lots of.
Well, you never know what might be sitting on the rack of a gun shop off the beaten track. Here are some photos of the beauty ....
Here is a close up of the rear fold down Marbles sight ....
and here is the Lyman tang sight, which I am very grateful for with my old eyes ....
A couple weeks ago, I got a call from a Winchester collector friend of mine. He knew I was looking for a 32-20 and he had spotted a beauty in a gun shop about five hours drive from here. The price they were asking was a steal compared to what it was worth. There were only about 15,000 ever made which makes them pretty rare, but those with upgraded wood are extremely rare. I got on the phone to the shop, asked some detailed questions, and by the time I hung up, I had bought the gun.
It arrived yesterday and am I ever pleased. It is an original Winchester Model 53, the final, lightweight version of the Model 1892. The barrel date is '29'. According to other barrel dates I have, this one would was probably made early in the year of 1929. Better still, it has upgraded wood. I have 276 Winchester Model 53's in my database as part of my research for an article I am starting to write this winter. Out of that number, there are only five that have upgraded, fancy, or deluxe wood. When I removed the forearm to see the barrel date, I saw some letters stamped on the butt end of the forearm wood, the part that fits into the receiver. They appear to be 'LT' and 'XX'. I wanted to remove the buttstock, but just in case the Lyman tang site was perfectly sighted in for windage, decided not to mess with it. I would say the barrel is in about 95% condition, the finish on the wood is in about 90% condition or better. The receiver has a fair amount of flaking which is the norm for Model 53 receivers and other receivers of the late 1920's. The bore is mint, and I mean 10 out of 10, all the way from the chamber to the muzzle.
I decided to try it out, but the only 32-20 cartridges I have loaded up were a few with .312" bullets. My other Model 53 32-20 slugged at .314" groove diameter, so I figured these bullets would not be that accurate and start leading up the bore if I shot too many of them. Not knowing exactly where the tang sight shot, I set up a target at 15 yards and fired three rounds. The result was a ragged hole with a 1/4" group size. I then set up a target at 30 yards and took three more shots. The result was a 15/16" group and that was achieved with a 20 mph cross wind and a muzzle velocity of about 1,200 fps. I'm looking forward to trying out some .314" bullets, which I have lots of.
Well, you never know what might be sitting on the rack of a gun shop off the beaten track. Here are some photos of the beauty ....
Here is a close up of the rear fold down Marbles sight ....
and here is the Lyman tang sight, which I am very grateful for with my old eyes ....
Kirk: An old geezer who loves the smell of freshly turned earth, old cedar rail fences, wood smoke, a crackling fireplace on a snowy evening, pristine wilderness lakes, the scent of
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
-
- Advanced Levergunner
- Posts: 5493
- Joined: Mon Apr 02, 2007 9:23 pm
- Location: Batesville,Arkansas
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
Praise the Lord Kirk, that is absolutely beautiful, I reckon the groundhogs and coons better hunt a deep hole for sure now.Hope the bullets work out for you.
JerryB II Corinthians 3:17, Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
JOSHUA 24:15
JOSHUA 24:15
- KirkD
- Desktop Artiste
- Posts: 4406
- Joined: Sat Apr 07, 2007 6:52 am
- Location: Central Ontario, Canada
- Contact:
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
Jerry, I have thanked the Lord several times for this little blessing and plan to continue to thank Him on a regular basis. With a mint bore, this gun will be a tack driver and those Groundhogs had better start heading for parts unknown if they want to save their skins.
Kirk: An old geezer who loves the smell of freshly turned earth, old cedar rail fences, wood smoke, a crackling fireplace on a snowy evening, pristine wilderness lakes, the scent of
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
- ollogger
- Advanced Levergunner
- Posts: 2807
- Joined: Mon Jul 05, 2010 2:47 pm
- Location: Wheatland Wyoming
- Contact:
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
Another fine looking Winchester Kirk
But how ya gonna feel packing that beauty out in da bush?
ollogger
But how ya gonna feel packing that beauty out in da bush?
ollogger
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
Ah, the September 2013 calender pic! Cool!!!!
Kind regards,
Tycer
----------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.saf.org - https://peakprosperity.com/ - http://www.guntalk.com
Tycer
----------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.saf.org - https://peakprosperity.com/ - http://www.guntalk.com
-
- Advanced Levergunner
- Posts: 4736
- Joined: Fri Sep 07, 2007 5:00 am
- Location: North Coast of America-Ohio
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
Very Nice Kirk,because of Your Praise of the 32-20 here many years ago I picked up a new in box early Marlin CL about five years ago. great little rifle and calibre. plus with what has happened with Marlin it has doubled in value. Keep Showing Us the Way. .
-
- Senior Levergunner
- Posts: 1002
- Joined: Tue Dec 11, 2007 1:28 pm
- Location: Arkansas Ozark Mts
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
Wow Kirk, what a find! Congratulations on acquiring that beauty.
"If a man does away with his traditional way of living and throws away his good customs, he had better first make certain that he has something of value to replace them." - Basuto proverb.
- Borregos
- Advanced Levergunner
- Posts: 4756
- Joined: Thu Sep 13, 2007 7:40 am
- Location: Ontario, Canada
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
WOW
Pete
Sometimes I wonder if it is worthwhile gnawing through the leather straps to get up in the morning..................
Sometimes I wonder if it is worthwhile gnawing through the leather straps to get up in the morning..................
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
Very sweet. Looking forward to future reportson hand load development and the decreasing population of groundhogs
Mike Johnson,
"Only those who will risk going too far, can possibly find out how far one can go." T.S. Eliot
"Only those who will risk going too far, can possibly find out how far one can go." T.S. Eliot
- ving-thorr
- Levergunner 2.0
- Posts: 161
- Joined: Wed Dec 28, 2011 11:54 am
- Location: Arizona borderlands
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
Wow! That would be a great one for the calendar!
The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?
Psalms 27:1
The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?
Psalms 27:1
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
Nice.... A great looking gun with awesome wood! You were really blessed!
Enjoy, Mike
Enjoy, Mike
-
- Senior Levergunner
- Posts: 1263
- Joined: Mon Dec 17, 2007 7:57 pm
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
vry nice rifle!
- gamekeeper
- Spambot Zapper
- Posts: 17472
- Joined: Thu Sep 06, 2007 3:32 pm
- Location: Over the pond unfortunately.
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
+1...Mike S. wrote:Nice.... A great looking gun with awesome wood! You were really blessed!
Enjoy, Mike
Whatever you do always give 100%........... unless you are donating blood.
-
- Advanced Levergunner
- Posts: 4296
- Joined: Wed Sep 15, 2010 12:57 pm
- Location: Vinita, I.T.
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
Wow Kirk, that's really nice!
M. M. Wright, Sheriff, Green county Arkansas (1860)
Currently living my eternal life.
NRA Life
SASS
ITSASS
Currently living my eternal life.
NRA Life
SASS
ITSASS
- Old Savage
- Posting leader...
- Posts: 16740
- Joined: Mon Sep 03, 2007 3:43 pm
- Location: Southern California
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
Wow, a real beauty thete. Congrats! Since you sold the first one I thougjt you should get another and looked forward to that happening.
- KirkD
- Desktop Artiste
- Posts: 4406
- Joined: Sat Apr 07, 2007 6:52 am
- Location: Central Ontario, Canada
- Contact:
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
Glad you all enjoyed the photos. Yep! This one is going on the calendar.
Kirk: An old geezer who loves the smell of freshly turned earth, old cedar rail fences, wood smoke, a crackling fireplace on a snowy evening, pristine wilderness lakes, the scent of
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
+1Borregos wrote:WOW
Dave B
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
Awesome lookin rifle, congrats on getting it Kirk.
Because I Can, and Have
-------------------------------------------------------------
USAF-72-76
God Bless America.
Disclaimer, not responsible for anyone copying or building anything i make.
Always consult an expert first.
-------------------------------------------------------------
USAF-72-76
God Bless America.
Disclaimer, not responsible for anyone copying or building anything i make.
Always consult an expert first.
- Griff
- Posting leader...
- Posts: 20875
- Joined: Sat Mar 31, 2007 4:56 pm
- Location: OH MY GAWD they installed a STOP light!!!
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
Very nice Kirk. Absolutely deserving to be a centerfold!
Griff,
SASS/CMSA #93
NRA Patron
GUSA #93
There is a fine line between hobby & obsession!
AND... I'm over it!!
No I ain't ready, but let's do it anyway!
SASS/CMSA #93
NRA Patron
GUSA #93
There is a fine line between hobby & obsession!
AND... I'm over it!!
No I ain't ready, but let's do it anyway!
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
Nice Kirk !!, the one You sold must have been Pristine if You will shoot this one.
Perry
Perry
Perry in Bangor----++++===Calif
- Canuck Bob
- Senior Levergunner
- Posts: 1830
- Joined: Sun Oct 11, 2009 11:57 am
- Location: Calgary, Canada
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
I'm blown away! You have incredible taste in rifles. I have a thread going how I might mod my Winoku 92 and those pictures are now my inspiration. It is a most beautiful rifle.
- KirkD
- Desktop Artiste
- Posts: 4406
- Joined: Sat Apr 07, 2007 6:52 am
- Location: Central Ontario, Canada
- Contact:
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
I really like the button mag/light barrel config for the 92.
Kirk: An old geezer who loves the smell of freshly turned earth, old cedar rail fences, wood smoke, a crackling fireplace on a snowy evening, pristine wilderness lakes, the scent of
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
-
- Advanced Levergunner
- Posts: 2569
- Joined: Sat Sep 15, 2007 12:51 pm
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
Love It!!!!! Grats 8
"IT IS MY OPINION, AND I AM CORRECT SO DON'T ARGUE, THE 99 SAVAGE IS THE FINEST RIFLE EVER MADE IN AMERICA."
WIL TERRY
WIL TERRY
-
- Levergunner 3.0
- Posts: 523
- Joined: Wed Jan 02, 2008 10:08 pm
- Location: AZ/MT
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
Beautiful rifle Kirk. Congratulations and I look forward to a range report. Very happy for you!
- KirkD
- Desktop Artiste
- Posts: 4406
- Joined: Sat Apr 07, 2007 6:52 am
- Location: Central Ontario, Canada
- Contact:
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
Guys, I am just thrilled with this little rifle. Glad you can enjoy it too through the photos. This is the sweetist little 32-20 I have ever owned, and it is a looker too!
Kirk: An old geezer who loves the smell of freshly turned earth, old cedar rail fences, wood smoke, a crackling fireplace on a snowy evening, pristine wilderness lakes, the scent of
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
KirkD -- you get the cooolest Winchesters...really like the photos and your commentary too... :)
- Ysabel Kid
- Moderator
- Posts: 27918
- Joined: Mon Sep 17, 2007 7:10 pm
- Location: South Carolina, USA
- Contact:
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
Good morning from Italy Kirk,
There is mention of e few Model 53 rifles in the following post that you might want to capture for your survey.
Just in case you had not seen it. I am hoping for some feedback from the 1892 and 92 owners so I can enter their
rifles into my effort also.
And yes that is a very nice rifle. Congratulations on the purchase.
http://www.levergunscommunity.com/viewt ... =1&t=43699
Take care,
Michael
There is mention of e few Model 53 rifles in the following post that you might want to capture for your survey.
Just in case you had not seen it. I am hoping for some feedback from the 1892 and 92 owners so I can enter their
rifles into my effort also.
And yes that is a very nice rifle. Congratulations on the purchase.
http://www.levergunscommunity.com/viewt ... =1&t=43699
Take care,
Michael
Michael Puzio
Winchester Model 1892 Collector, Research & Valuations
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
Kirk, fantastic! I love it!
/Stefan
/Stefan
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
Awsome find! I am always checking ontario gun stores as some real sweet old stuff shows up from time to time. Glad you got this blessing, Kirk.
Sam
Sam
- 2ndovc
- Advanced Levergunner
- Posts: 9362
- Joined: Fri Sep 07, 2007 11:59 am
- Location: OH, South Shore of Lake Erie
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
That's a beauty!
The first Winchester I'd bought on my own is a 92 in 32WCF. That was why I got into reloading. I found one box after traveling
to five gun shops.
Have fun!!
jb
The first Winchester I'd bought on my own is a 92 in 32WCF. That was why I got into reloading. I found one box after traveling
to five gun shops.
Have fun!!
jb
jasonB " Another Dirty Yankee"
" Tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?"
" Tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?"
-
- Advanced Levergunner
- Posts: 2427
- Joined: Thu Sep 06, 2007 8:37 pm
- Location: Texas
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
well, well, you finally got it. That is a beauty!!! Have fun. RR7
"That'll Be The Day"
Re: My 'new' vintage 32-20 (photos)
Yikes, Kirk, what a beauty. Congrats on a great score that you so very much deserve.
"Congressmen who willfully take actions during wartime that damage morale, and undermine the military are saboteurs and should be arrested, exiled or hanged"....President Abraham Lincoln