My 'new' vintage Winchester Model 53 (photo)

[KirkD]

Well boys, I finally received my original Winchester Model 53 chambered in 32 WCF (32-20). Just as the Model 1886 had an 'extra light' version, so did the Model 1892. Winchester decided to give it its own model number so it ended up being called the Model 53. They were made from 1924 until 1930 (possibly even up to 1933). Ever since I sold my last 32-20, I sure did miss having one. This one is a keeper. According to the polishing room records, serial number 7526 was entered into the books on April 19, 1926. The date on the underside of the barrel is also '26'. This one is a beaut. Apart from some spotting flaking on the receiver and forearm tip and some minor handling marks, it is in almost new condition. I'm looking forward to getting it out to the range, as soon as I finish filling out my taxes, my wife's taxes, and her mother's taxes. In the meantime, here's a photo ....

[jdad]

If this is the one you bought from Merz, it was worth the wait. Congratulations!

[RIHMFIRE]

that is a real keeper!

[KirkD]

If this is the one you bought from Merz, it was worth the wait. Congratulations!

Yes, this is the one. It took about 2 & 1/2 months to get the red tape taken care of. This old rifle has come home to stay.

[Mike D.]

NICE rifle, Kirk. The Merz crew is easy to deal with and have some fine Winchesters, one of which could soon have my name on it.

[kimwcook]

Nice rifle, Kirk. Good for you.

My Browning 53 looks a lot like it other than I have a pistolgrip stock and checkering. I haven't spent the time to slug the bbl. and work up some loads for it, but I will. The Remington cast loads I bought just to shoot it didn't have the accuracy I believe the rifle is capable of and they were pretty anemic. Another thing on the "To do" list.

[Sixgun]

Ha! I knew you were "jones'en" since you sold the other one! Thats a beauty Kirk---- can I have it?

Think about this--you were hurtin' in the head after you sold the first one.--------Your brain will not let you go through this torture again---------You will sell less in the future.

I see what you mean by a "keeper". You just know that in your lifetime, the odds of finding another "crispy" specimen is about nil. Its braggin' rights for life. (plus, it will make a dandy shooter---let us know)-------------Sixgun

[Kansas Ed]

Nice Job Kirk!! Nice rifle. Can't wait to see what your load workup consists of.

Ed

[JerryB]

Kirk, I know that you are proud to have a 32wcf again. Enjoy working up some different loads.

[KirkD]

Boys, I have a real variety of bullets to experiment with, thanks to a forum member who sent me a lovely selection. I'm looking forward to doing some real nice load/range reports, complete with photos. They will probably be spread out over several months, and won't start for another few weeks or so. I'm just swamped with work right now.

Ha! I knew you were "jones'en" since you sold the other one! Thats a beauty Kirk---- can I have it?

I like a man who doesn't beat around the bush and just says what's on his mind!

[pokey]

that's purty.

[ArcticGoose]

Nice rifle Kirk! Looking forward to the range report. It's always nice to hear what your trying in these guns. My 53 in 32WCF needs to be shot more and this just might be what kick-starts it. Still a little chilly but spring is on it's way.

[cshold]

A+ Very nice kirk.

[Borregos]

WOW
Kirk that one is beautiful

[Ysabel Kid]

A straight-stock 53. Congratulations Kirk!!!

[Old Savage]

Congrats Kirk on this and your deep interest in this sort of thing.

[hondo1892]

Kirk you always get them kool old winchesters.

[.45colt]

Very Nice Kirk, in one of My favorite calibers as well. My Marlin is no classic yet, but about a month ago I picked up a Ruger Blackhawk 32-20 just to keep the Marlin company. what a fun cartdrige. .

[Pete44ru]

Very nice, Kirk - It looks almost exactly like the Turnbull-restored .32WCF 1907 Model 1892 I had a few years ago, except my rifle had a 24" bbl.

.

[HEAD0001]

I keep coming back to your post and looking at the picture of your rifle. That really is a nice rifle. Walking through the woods with that rifle would be a real joy. Tom.

[rangerider7]

Congratulations, that's a nice one. I love mine as you know.

[madman4570]

Like all your other fine guns--------------Beautiful Congrats!

[Griff]

VERY Nice, Kirk. Thanks for sharing with us!

[the telegraphist]

Gday Kirk, another fine rifle to sit alongside your 73. Beaut pictures as always, keep em coming.

Rgds
Bob

[dr walker]

Beautiful rifle. I look forward to your range reports.

[Pathfinder09]

What a BEAUTY!!!!!!!