Consumer Safety Alert

puddin · #1 07-17-2019, 08:20 PM

I would like to get peoples opinions on how much value is lost if the bolt on a Japan made 52B doesn't have a serial number.

Say the rifle is in fair enough condition to bring $750, how much should be deducted for not having a matching bolt?

SBS · #2 07-17-2019, 09:13 PM

The Japanese held tight tolerances and apparently didn't need to serial number the bolt to the action. None I've seen have serial numbers, unlike the original.

puddin · #3 07-17-2019, 11:26 PM

Thanks for this information, this certainly changes things on my end.

puddin · #4 07-18-2019, 12:35 PM

I believe I have found the answer to my question. I asked a dozen or so sellers on Gun Broker if the Japan model Win 52 they were selling if the bolt was serialized to the gun. Seven answered with only one saying yes, one saying not sure and 5 saying no serial number on the bolt.

This would agree with SBS findings. I was hoping to get a discount on one but appears this is normal.

justinp61 · #5 07-18-2019, 01:39 PM

My Browning is part of the first batch and the bolt isn’t serialized.

puddin · #6 07-19-2019, 10:50 AM

Thanks, another confirmation.

puddin · #7 07-19-2019, 04:36 PM

To all owners of the 52B Japan made rifles, can you check the rear of your bolt and see if it is bright machined "or still in the white" or just let me know if it looks like these two. Seems to me that area would be blued like the rest of that section on the bolt but I'm not sure. I have identified the two areas with red circles.

justinp61 · #8 07-19-2019, 05:38 PM

Mine has a machined surface there. Pardon my ignorance, but what are you referring to by "still in the white"?

puddin · #9 07-19-2019, 10:52 PM

In the white is referred to a surface that has not been finished. Engravers would order a firearm "in the white" engrave whatever and send it back to the factory to be blued.

As for these two Japan made 52B's I didn't know if they were blued when they left the factory and someone made them work by machining that area or if it come that way. That was one of the original reasons for asking about the S/N, neither of these bolts have S/N's but I guess that is normal.