Could this be a Bullgun?

mauser22 · #1 03-31-2020, 04:38 PM

Just purchased and not in my hands yet, hence no barrel root measurement. Sellers pictures not mine, not described as such. Just looked like a good one to me. Wear Lyman 15X STS. Can't wait to get my hands on it. Thought possibly the experts here can tell from the pictures.

vlnbyr · #2 03-31-2020, 05:12 PM

Without measuring I go by the bevel on the front of the action. If the barrel meets the edge of the bevel it is a true bull. If there is a step down from the bevel to the barrel it is not a bull. I can't say from your pics. but would guess no.

BlueRidgeParson · #3 03-31-2020, 05:55 PM

The only way to know with certainty if it is a Bull Gun is to measure the barrel at the receiver: Bull Gun will be 1 1/8 inches. Weight is another clue.

Here are a couple pics of one of my bull guns from 1940. Note the frosted sandblasted finish on both the barrel and receiver that the pre-war bull guns had. By way of contrast, heavy barrel rifles of the same vintage had polished and blued barrels.

BRP

mauser22 · #4 03-31-2020, 05:58 PM

Thanks for the quick reply. Here's another pic and I can see a step. So she must be a "Heavy Target" Model.

LarDaBear · #5 03-31-2020, 07:32 PM

I hope you also got the rest of that Vaver-Wittek peep sight.I love the Vavers.If you didn't get it maybe inquire to see if the person you're buying from hs it or knows of it's whereabouts.

minic99 · #6 03-31-2020, 08:02 PM

I learned about the "step trick" the hard way. Found a great condition 52B in a lgs and the barrel looked huge, especially compared to the other rifles in the rack. Did some trading for it thinking it was a Bull even though I already have a B. Was disappointed when I got a chance to measure only to find out it is a Heavy barrel. Disappointment changed to excitement after a head to head session at the range resulting in the " new" B being one of the most accurate rifles I own!

citation · #7 04-01-2020, 08:51 AM

Parson, that is an absolutely outstanding piece. I just love the pre-war b's anyway, but have never found a totally unmolested example of a Bull available. They seemed to be highly subject to modification. Yours topped with the vaver set makes it pretty much the pinnacle of the 52's (IMO anyway).

BlueRidgeParson · #8 04-01-2020, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by citation

Parson, that is an absolutely outstanding piece. I just love the pre-war b's anyway, but have never found a totally unmolested example of a Bull available. They seemed to be highly subject to modification. Yours topped with the vaver set makes it pretty much the pinnacle of the 52's (IMO anyway).

Many thanks, Citation.

If you look long enough, you eventually find some gems out there. Since I have been seeking them for 40+ years, I have acquired a few. I have three Bull Guns: two pre-war B Models (a flat top & a round top) and a C Model Bull Gun. In spite of the superior trigger on the C Models, the pre-war rifles are my favorites, hands down.

All the best---

BRP

Big Larry · #9 04-01-2020, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueRidgeParson

Many thanks, Citation.

If you look long enough, you eventually find some gems out there. Since I have been seeking them for 40+ years, I have acquired a few. I have three Bull Guns: two pre-war B Models (a flat top & a round top) and a C Model Bull Gun. In spite of the superior trigger on the C Models, the pre-war rifles are my favorites, hands down.

All the best---

BRP

I wondered what happened to all the BULLGUNS. I traded off my M52-B for a Match target and some $$$. I still have my M52-C BULLGUN and I will keep that one. Big Larry

citation · #10 04-01-2020, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueRidgeParson

Many thanks, Citation.

If you look long enough, you eventually find some gems out there. Since I have been seeking them for 40+ years, I have acquired a few. I have three Bull Guns: two pre-war B Models (a flat top & a round top) and a C Model Bull Gun. In spite of the superior trigger on the C Models, the pre-war rifles are my favorites, hands down.

All the best---

BRP

yes, absolutely agree on the pre-war models but have to add; the 37's are still my first love!

dryfly24 · #11 04-01-2020, 01:10 PM

I have one. Also have the Vaver sight and a Lyman Super Target Spot. They are hard to find because most people that have one hold on to them. Mine shoots lights out too so that is another reason to keep them. If you do find a real one and want it, my advice would be to jump on it quick...

Big Larry · #12 04-01-2020, 04:09 PM

M52-C BULLGUN. 100 yards. 20X STS. Two clicks down would have done better. Big Larry

jackkade · #13 04-01-2020, 04:46 PM

OK, Gurus, i'm in. I have a 52 B, so what is the bbl dia of the Bull Gun and what is the bbl dia of the Heavy Target? inquiring minds need to know ...

dokey · #14 04-01-2020, 07:20 PM

Bull 1-1/8"
Heavy 1"
Both measured at the receiver

matchgrade · #15 04-01-2020, 08:16 PM

I purchased online what was advertised as a 52-B Heavy Barrel, 1948 production. Looked to be in great condition so I scratched the itch. To my surprise it arrived and turned out to be a 1940 Bullgun. Vaver FRONT sight and Marble - Goss receiver sight.
I still have not been able to confirm if that sight combination was installed by Winchester. Aside from the sights (maybe), it's unmolested and a tackdriver. And no, I did not inform the seller of the error. Gotta' win one every once in a while.