Color me fickle

[kimwcook]

I've been wanting a '73 in 38/40-44/40 or a '76 in 45-60 for a long time. I went looking around today and came across Browning's '53 deluxe in 32-20 and now I'm waffling as bad as Brett Favre's commercial buying a TV.

Anybody have any experience with the Browning 53 in 32-20. And, what are the esteemed gentlemen of this forum's thoughts on the 32-20 for a small/medium caliber for varmints. Thanks in advance for placating me.

[Terry Murbach]

IT IS THE FINEST 32-20 RIFLE YOU'LL EVER PUT HANDS UPON. MINE WILL SHOT 115gr LFN BULLETS AT 1500fps INTO ABOUT AN INCH WITH THE IRON SIGHTS, ABOUT AN INCH ABOVE THE SIGHT PICTURE. I HAVE NEVER ADJUSTED THE FACTORY SIGHTS.
MY DEFINITION OF THE 32-20 CARTRIDGE: IT IS A 30 CALIBER RELOADABLE 22MAG.
IT ALSO SMACKS THE LIVIN' STEW OUTTA SMALL GAME !!!

[Nath]

Good ole' KD is a fan n' thats good enough for me cal wise!

Nath.

[awp101]

I can't help with the decision but I will lend you all of the waffling support I can. I think. Maybe. Well, possibly...

[KirkD]

Terry said it. It is such a fine rifle that we will not think ill of you for buying it. The 32-20 is my favourite small game cartridge. With Hornady's xtp bullet it is extra bad news for varmints. I just use cast bullets, however. The Browning Model 53 is the finest 32-20 within reach of the average fellow. I'm on the hunt for a nice 32-20 right now but I'm looking for something in a 24" barrel just to keep that front sight a bit further from my old eyes. Now I know why the Old Timers liked those long barrels of 28 or 30 inches. It wasn't to make the gun shoot more accurately. It was so they could see that dadgummed front sight nice and sharp.

[Ysabel Kid]

Now I know why the Old Timers liked those long barrels of 28 or 30 inches. It wasn't to make the gun shoot more accurately. It was so they could see that dadgummed front sight nice and sharp.

+1

[Shasta]

When it comes to reproductions, it's not too tough to find a good '73 or '76, or even the '92. But the Browning 53 is the only reproduction of that model I can think of. If you can get one, you should.

The .32-20 is my favorite "small bore" caliber. In .32-20 I have a Cimarron Deluxe '73 with 24" octagon barrel and full magazine, an original Winchester '92 with 24" octagon barrel and full magazine, and the Browning 53 with 22" round barrel with button magazine. For target work the Cimarron is the best shooter for me due to the longer sight radius and heavier barrel, but for hunting & carry, the Browning is in my opinion the way to go.

[Chuck 100 yd]

I love mine. It shoots cast very good( 5 in 1" @ 50 yd.)
Jacketed hand loads will just make one big ragged hole with 5 @ 50yd. Using the Marbles tang sight.

Buy it, you will love it!!

[John in MS]

I concur with the folks above -- they are very fine rifles. Moreover, while it's easy to get a repro 73 in the caliber you want (factories pump them out every day), IIRC, only 5,000 of the Browning 53's were ever made. Most SHOOTERS who have them won't let them go except in their estates, so the available population is pretty slim, comparatively. I'd hate to see you pass up the 53; if the price is reasonable, you can always get your money back if you decide it's not for you, but you can't always expect to find one at a reasonable price!

Hope this helps,
John

[JerryB]

I have a 1917 Winchester 1892 32wcf 24 inch rifle that I bought in the 1950's. I reckon that it is my favorite rifle for most anything short of big game although many many deer have been taken with it. I've not taken a deer with mine but I have shot a couple of hogs and a big gator and all sorts of small game and game birds. The XTP HP in 85 and 100 grain are fine for large dogs of the feral type, they do work fine. I reckon I do like my old 32wcf, you best get one soon and start enjoying it.

[2ndovc]

The '92 in .32-20 (to me) is one of the greatest all time combinations. I have three '92s, two of which are .32-20s that I'd never part with. My little SRC is my all time favorite rifle for hiking and just plain ole wandering the woods.
Just an easy shooting, no recoil, very little noise and all around Darned Fun!

I've always wanted one of the Brownings. Beautiful rifles. One of these days


jb