Winchester 52 question

[Randy S]

I just got a Winchester 52B made in 1940, someone had removed the
blueing and i would like to bring
it back to as close to original as
i can i have herd in 1940 the heavy target models had a glass
beaded finish (matte blue) all
over, is this true or was it a
satin polish finish. I also noticed the safety was missing so
i pulled it out of the stock and
found it has a case hardend Thomas trigger with no place for a safety
to attach, there seems to be a screw missing from the trigger, i
think it is for the weight of pull
do you know where i could get a brake down picture of the Thomas trigger group, and maybe some ideas on a place to get the barrel sight block & screws, and the front sling swivel & palm stop.
Thank you for the help

 

[James K]

I don't know if this will help, but one made in 1948 looks exactly like the Winchester Model 70 of the same period. The receiver has a grayish flat finish (bead blasted?) and a black barrel with a gloss that could be called a satin polish. It looks just like a modern Remington 700 barrel.

The trick to getting a factory look on a barrel using tank bluing is not to polish too much. Most factories do not take the time to do a high polish, while most gunsmiths will polish to a mirror shine. Getting the factory look may involve use of a rough polish compound or emery cloth. Another method is careful use of a blue remover, with very minimal polishing.

Jim