What's the possibility that a 1952 Tula stock would have just the SN stamped on the left side of the buttstock? No year followed by an 'r' and no Tula star.
The stock in question is hardwood, rather than laminate. It has one, not two, crossbolt. It's not an X'd out stock. The serial number has two Cyrillic letters and four numbers.
Current owner says it's not a refurb as far as he can tell and looks like a collector piece.
Slim to none chance??
Posting up photos is the best way to find out for certain. Left side pic stock with S/N and cartouche area, right side of stock with acceptance stamp, both lug areas w/stamps, and buttplate with any EP marks on it. That will tell the full story.
Based on your description, my gut says you have a replacement/refurb stock on that '52.
sounds like a refurb
I'm thinking refurb too. Not many all original Russians, at least that I've seen lately. It's not mine so it's kind of hard to get accurate pics but I'll try.
Here's what I have
(http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o278/BadMonk/Capture_zpsqrvd8ghb.jpg)
(http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o278/BadMonk/Capture3_zpsif1meypn.jpg)
(http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o278/BadMonk/IMG_000467_zpsiczkokuz.jpg)
(http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o278/BadMonk/IMG_000860_zpsjiof3i4f.jpg)
(http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o278/BadMonk/IMG_000171_zpsfxlvx7zu.jpg)
(http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o278/BadMonk/IMG_000656_zpsizesxvyh.jpg)
Yeah. A heavy refurb at that. CAI import. Amber shellac on the stock even. Good gun for a shooter. $500 plus or minus $50 is what I'd consider a fair price if it's truly a '52 Tula.
Thanks!