winchester/ browning 52 sporter questions

[sicigpat]

Hi all,
Im a service rifle shooter and have thinking about giving smallbore silhouette a try. ive been researching the browning/winchester model 52 repros. can anyone advise if the one with the thicker contour barrels would make weight for sporter class? Also what scope/rings/ base would you folks recommend (moderately priced).there are a few brownings on gunbroker right now but it's hard to tell from the photos what contour barrel they are fitted with. thanks.Patrick

[Innocent]

sicigpat,
I have two of the Browning repros and at least 4 of the Winchester versions, all with Karl Keynon triggers. some make weight with Leupold 6.5X 20's and some are 1 to 3 ounces over, it is more wood density than barrels. Mounts are weaver bases made for the repros and Kwik set rings. My faithful Winny has seen 17 years of matches with that rig and still shoots well, after one rechambering about two years ago. This was after 64K rounds through it. My sons was exact same but was heavier grain in the wood and we ended up drilling stock plus pulling sling swivels to make weight with it, he has since had it restocked with a Pharr.
All of them shoot well, factory triggers are a bit of a pill unless you pull the set screw so you can lighten the triggers below 4 pounds.
Mary

[sicigpat]

Mary,
Thanks for the info. Looks like it's time to start shopping.Patrick