I need to bend/forge the bolt handle an a Model 52 Winchester to be able to mount a scope. Real value of the gun is already gone, but it is very accurate. Any precautions that should be taken?
Thanks,
Mike

when forging a bolthandle you must take care to block the heat from the rest of the bolt. If you have a copy of frank dunlaps book it does a pretty good job of describing the process

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Originally posted by Cedarmtmike:
I need to bend/forge the bolt handle an a Model 52 Winchester to be able to mount a scope. Real value of the gun is already gone, but it is very accurate. Any precautions that should be taken?
Thanks,
Mike

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I had a M-52 and mounted a scope without bending the bolt handle.....but it was always too high and I always wished I'd bent the damn thing!!! Good to see someone going to remove the only flaw the 52 had!!!
As I recall, like most .22 rimfires, the locking lugs are the bolt handle and that part needs to be preserved as I'm sure you know.....The total force on the bolt handle is about 850 pounds surprisingly but I don't think it's something to get too worked up about.....keep the part of the bolthandle used as a locking lug somewhat cool and forge away.

The guy from "just west of Kenyon" said it pretty good....thanks Butchbloc....good advice.

I modified my new M52 by just grinding a slight concave depression in the handle, just large enough to clear the ocular. With it properly polished it is hardly noticeable. If you blued it you would have to look twice to see the mod.
Winchester should have fixed this on the new guns.

C.G.B.

Thanks guys. And since mine was built in '36, Winchester didn't even know they had a problem.

If you want to see how good it can get take a look at this M52.
http://www.hallowellco.com/gary_goudy_custom_Win52l.htm
C.G.B.

Hey cgbach,thats the niceset 22lr.I have ever seen!!!Oughta be at that price!!!Thats a NICE one!!