I'd say $1500-$2000 for insurance value, realistic cash price is probably $1250 tops. If it has a period correct scope and mounts that were the reason the extra holes were drilled in it you could maybe pick up a few more dollars.

Without reading the response...

For what mounts was it drilled and tapped? WHICH is it, 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D? Magazines? Single shot adapter?

We are seeing target guns change hands at $750-1200 depending on these factors. I think there were many more target guns made than sporters. We did have a 52C sporter we sold for $1800. Sight unseen, with one magazine, mounts and original sights, in good to excellent condition I would think that it would retail for not less than $1400.

PS - I read Andrew's response, I think his is closer to a quick sale price. Our $1800 gun was in EXCELLENT condition and was not D&T with original sights and was in the shop, prominently displayed for 2-3 weeks.

--
Sincerely,

Hobie

Several different variants of 52 sporters, there is the 52, 52A, 52B, 52C and the Browning reissue 52C made by Miroku. Each has a different value according to my reference, with the Browning being the least valuable, having a good cond value of $433 and exc cond of $500. The original 52C sporter is listed as having the highest value with good ones at $2800 and exc samples at $4100. The others are as follows:
52 - gc $1590 ex $3200
52A - gc $1250 ex $2725
52B - gc $1890 ex $2480

I have not seen one sell at a show in several years, but rarely see an original on a table for less than $1500 and usually they are priced around $1800, unless they are in pretty rough condition. It would be a good idea to do a search of completed auctions on GunBroker and AuctionArms to see what they sell for online.

Thank you, gentlemen. My buddy was glad to hear this. As I said, he's not planning on selling it, but was pleased to find out what a prize he has. He said his dad rarely missed a squirrel with that rifle.