Unertl/52 Project

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RTH1800

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Minuteman
    • Sep 16, 2009
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    #1
    I mentioned in another thread that I would be updating my Win 52 Squirrel rifle. Now that the work is in progress I will post up some details in case anyone has interest.

    First, I have obtained a set of Unertl type mounts that are in new condition. No idea who built them but clearly precision was the goal. They are super precise and have zero backlash.

    The second part is that the 6X small game Unertl is being fitted with a custom dot reticule with drops in 25 yard increments to 250 yards. The data for the drops was arrived at over two years of testing in various conditions.

    All in all I think this will be my ultimate squirrel set up.
     
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    #2
    IMG_7896.jpeg
    IMG_7895.jpeg

    These are the new mounts. Probably built in thec1960’s.
     
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    #8
    One of the 200 yard test for data. This lot of Eley Tenex EPS ammo has a very low ES in my rifle. It is a few years old prior to the current issues showing up. The flat nose bullet seems to have better terminal effect than the RN bullet. It’s still only effective on head shots for really consistent kills.
    IMG_3840.jpeg
     
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    #9
    Dayum RT!

    Just dayum!

    I'll wander around in the morning woods with my antique, well worn Marlin 60,
    no way I could handle the possibility of damage to such a classic setup. :oops:
     
    #10
    Funny, we all have our quirks. I feel they are built to use. But.... this rifle seems to always shoot beyond my ability. I simply cannot bring myself to shoot 50 or 100 shots at a target. My concern is simply that the magic might fade. I check POI, shoot critters. If I have a bad round of ammo I optimistic enough to think it will be shot on a sub 50 yard squirrel. The longer ones are always fired with perfect ammo. :)
     
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    #11
    I am out of my realm here but I noticed that there are a variety of spacing on the rings. How do you accommodate for "difference" in click values of the rings on each? I'm sure it is a simple matter but it seems baffling to me. A wonderful project by the way. Those older 52 just look right with those style optics.
     
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    #12
    Bases are typically placed 7.2” CTC. That equals .25 MOA PER click. Mobility of the rings up and down the tube allow eye relief to be set to the shooter.
    These scopes seem to intimidate people. I know many who drill and tap receivers due to this. 10 minutes with a knowledgeable user would take care of all issues.
     
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    #16
    Daniel G. Banting said:
    I am out of my realm here but I noticed that there are a variety of spacing on the rings. How do you accommodate for "difference" in click values of the rings on each? I'm sure it is a simple matter but it seems baffling to me. A wonderful project by the way. Those older 52 just look right with those style optics.
    Click to expand...

    Don't think about it too hard. RTH is correct about the spacing and it's equivalent moa per click. But in this case, it just doesn't matter much. 22lr ammo is cheap, when you set the scope you're not really going to be dialing for distance, thus why he's installing a graduated reticle at certain distances. Point and shoot.
     
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    #18
    It’s going to be simple dots in a vertical orientation.

    200 yards is my normal maximum RF range. I took these dots out to 250 yards. The first two are to be 3/4min and the remainder .25 min. Fine CH at 100 yards. I’ll try to post up photos and more detail when done. Hoping by 2/1/24.
     
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    #24
    RTH1800 said:
    It’s going to be simple dots in a vertical orientation.

    200 yards is my normal maximum RF range. I skipped 225 but put on a 250 yard dot. The first four are to be .5 min and the remainder .25 min. I’ll try to post up photos and more detail when done. Hoping by 2/1/24.
    Click to expand...

    im very interested in the how. ive held many Unertl reticles in my hands.... i am interested in how you're doing it, how you're measuring where to place, the calcs done to find the dot spacing, whether its going to be dots on the horsehair or will it be a cellophane disk with a "modern" printed reticle thats clued to the reticle spacer/holder?

    very intrigued.
     
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    #26
    I wanted crosswires but the concern was that getting that many parallel would be impossible. Wires running anything but parallel would look awful.

    I’ll post more when I know more.
     
    #27
    RTH1800 said:
    I wanted crosswires but the concern was that getting that many parallel would be impossible. I’ll post more when I know more.
    Click to expand...

    you would have to precisely notch the holder tube and make sure it was EXACTLY in the correct spot, with no play. i wonder if the brass holder tube could be laser cut at the correct interval and have the wire put into those notches?
     
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    #33
    Scope is returned and initial testing indicates dots are correctly placed. Still using the scope with the old USMC mounts. They work fine so no need to change. The dot sizes are .75 MOA at 50 and 75 yards. Fine crosswise at 100 yards and .5 MOA dots for 125 to 250 each 25 yards. All seem to show up well in dark woods and poor light.

    Shooting Saturday my 13 5 shot groups averaged .71' with largest being 1.15 (two) and smallest being .19. Eley Tenex EPS. All groups other than the two at 1.15 were under .9".

    The dots beyond 100 yards were measured and marked at 100 yards and are exactly where I ask for them to be. Still need to shoot.

    Conditions were 2-5 mph wind shifting from 90-180 deg. Both of the larger groups were enlarged by a single lateral flyer otherwise under the .9 size. I blamed the wind. Not sure if that is correct but likely.

    Will update as testing continues.
     
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    #34
    The reticule has a 3/4 min dot at 50 and 75 yard points. A fine CH at 100 yards and 1/2 min dots from 125 to 250 yards in 25 yard increments. The 100 yard CH helps by giving reference and keeps me from miscounting dots, using wrong one etc. I like it so far.

    If this dot system spacing and sizing works out I will send in a Unertl 10X AO scope that I can convert to 13X or 7X for a similar set up but will add two 5 min. windage dots to the CH.
     
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    #35
    which rifle did you test and set up the scope for , the 28'' barrel sporter ? can you share a pic of the reticle ?thanks for the update and glad it worked out for you. i haven't been around much just happened to check in today .
     
    #36
    It is on the 28” sporter.
    I would love to post a reticle photo but have not been able to get one. Anyone have suggestions? Wondering if it has to due with small tube ?
     
    #39
    Sorry about double image.
    The bottom rifle is the Winchester 52 C Bull Barrel Deluxe rifle Scope is 32X Unertl.
    I have not tested it yet. Spent the last few weeks de greasing, cleaning, oiling and adjusting trigger, torques etc.
    Over the years I’ve found 52’s respond to specific bedding adjustments and action torque settings well. It takes time but seems to get the best out of the rifles.

    Back with range report when weather gets better.
     
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    #40
    justin amateur said:
    Dayum RT!

    Just dayum!

    I'll wander around in the morning woods with my antique, well worn Marlin 60,
    no way I could handle the possibility of damage to such a classic setup. :oops:
    Click to expand...
    Brenda shot many a squirrel with this rifle. Actually I bought it for her for a wedding present in 1973 so she could use it to hunt squirrels with a good .22.

    Now, no one wants to even take it out of the gun case. Scared we might damage it.


    IMG_1441.jpeg
     
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    #42
    RTH1800 said:
    Sorry about double image.
    The bottom rifle is the Winchester 52 C Bull Barrel Deluxe rifle Scope is 32X Unertl.
    I have not tested it yet. Spent the last few weeks de greasing, cleaning, oiling and adjusting trigger, torques etc.
    Over the years I’ve found 52’s respond to specific bedding adjustments and action torque settings well. It takes time but seems to get the best out of the rifles.

    Back with range report when weather gets better.
    Click to expand...
    Care to share your adjustment and torque setting Regime ?
     
    #43
    Dead Eye Dick said:
    Brenda shot many a squirrel with this rifle. Actually I bought it for her for a wedding present in 1973 so she could use it to hunt squirrels with a good .22.

    Now, no one wants to even take it out of the gun case. Scared we might damage it.


    View attachment 8586203
    Click to expand...
    I went my state's biggest gun show of the year last weekend. They was a Remington custom shop maple stocked 541S with no reciever engraving (which I assumed they all had)....guy wanted $3500 for it.
    FB_IMG_1673816173264.jpg


    Then just one row over another guy had a 541S almost exactly like yours for $1450.

    Then I found a couple 541T sporter barrels and a couple 541T heavy barrels....all a smidge over a grand. Normally they about half what a S commands.

    Even saw a cobbled 513T in a 511's sporter stock for just under 5. A true 513SA was also seen for 775.

    Guys must not be getting too desperate to leave the hobby.
     
    #44
    It would take a long post and much is done by gauge and feel.
    I will dive into it some day. It’s basic stuff. Done create stress or flex. Support the barrel out front with rubber pads. Also due to weight I supported this one at back. Don’t over tighten.
    I completely de grease the bolt, firing pin, and trigger. The old, hardened grease will cause inconsistent trigger pull or ignition. Once clean I coat all with light oil and adjust as needed.
    Remove barrel band. Clear any stock to barrel contact other than rubber pads. The more neutrally the barrel and acton lay in the stock the better they shoot, just as with all rifles. I have never glass bedded one but do use the black rubber inserts that are found I them from the factory. Tweak until you reach maximum accuracy.
     
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