I just finished re-barreling a Win. 52 "B" that is in completely stock configuration. Yesterday while re-assembling the gun I did a function test and found that with the safety in "safe" position and the trigger pulled, when the safety is pushed foreword to the "fire" position the firing pin drops. To me this is an completely unacceptable condition but I can't get it to not drop when the safety is pushed foreword. I backed the sear engagement out all the way and cranked the trigger spring up to about 6 lbs and it still does it. I didn't check for this condition before I started the work and the only thing I did was to remove the trigger so it wasn't in the way during the re-barrel. Any Win 52 guys have any suggestions? It's a 1st generation trigger, not the "Micro" trigger.

Thanks for your suggestions and help, Joe

You might try asking the below group.

Winchester 52 Forum:
http://www.rimfirecentral.com/...rumdisplay.php?f=265

Call Russ Haydon. He is a 52 guru.
253-857-7557

Papi,
Thanks for the link. Wow! what a site, I never knew there was so much interest in one paticular gun. It's going to take me a few days to go through everything listed.

Pegleg,
I know Russ through a very close friend in Washington Arms Collecters. I had breakfast w/ him 2 years ago but I didn't know he owned over 20 52's until yesterday.Did you know that he is totally out of business now?(retired) Do you shoot at Paul Bunyan or Upper Nisqually?

SxS- Russ is in the process of selling out. Soon he'll be out. He will concentrate on the coyote hunting. Russ and I are long time friends and have traveled many times together to bench matches all over the country. Our trips to Phoenix were always a blast.
I shoot mostly at WCW in Kenmore since I've given up benchrest. Still have my rifles but thinking of selling out.
PS. Russ has well over 20 Model 52's.

Does your model 52 have the original striker and trigger? what you have described is fairly common when new strikers or triggers are installed in rifles by folks who don't know to check for it, and how to cure it if it is happening.

In most rifles, it happens because the new striker cocking piece is just a little too long to the face of the bottom "lug" or the the trigger sear is just a hair too long. One or the other may need to be cut (stoned) a tad shorter.

Essentially what happens is when the safety is applied, the trigger is still engaged with the cocking piece, so there is no problem unless the trigger is pulled with the safety on. Then when the trigger is pulled, the sear is pulled down away from the front of the cocking piece lug, and the cocking piece goes forward just a hair. Then it is only being held by the safety.

When. the shooter has let go of the trigger, with the lug forward even a few thousands, the trigger/sear cannot rise back into position to hold the cocking piece. Same is true if the sear is too long.

So, when the safety is disengaged, there is nothing holding the cocking piece in the cocked position and it springs forward and fires the gun.

Sounds like what is probably happening with your Model 52.

In the old days it was very common when Canjar triggers were installed in Winchesters and not fitted to avoid the problem.

If neither has been replaced, the there is likely a re-assembly problem which prevents the trigger/sear from rising enough to hold the cocking piece.