Winchester Model 52c 52-C Bull .22 LR Bolt Action Target Rifle, 1956 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1500.99
LSB#: 210525JM06
Make: Winchester
Model: 52C Target Rifle
Serial Number: 93056C (https://proofhouse.com/win/index.html)
Year of Manufacture: 1956
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Bolt Action with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left of the chamber ring is marked with a circled “WP” proof and the serial number. The right side of the receiver’s chamber ring is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”. The left-rear of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK / MADE IN U.S.A.”, “-MODEL -52-22 L. RIFLE- / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-” and with another circled “WP” proof. The scope’s eyepiece is marked “TASCO / 6X-18X40 / ZOOM / NITROGEN FILLED / FULLY COATED”. The rear of the peep sight mount is marked “LYMAN / F”, the included peep sight itself is marked “LYMAN”. The included globe front sight is marked “REDFIELD / International / MATCH”
Barrel Length: The round bull barrel is 28” in length and 0.881” in diameter at the muzzle.
Sights / Optics: The top of the barrel has three male dovetail mounts screwed to it, one at the front for a front sight and two more toward the rear for the scope. The rear-left of the receiver has the Lyman peep sight mount installed. The rear bases have rings holding a Tasco 6-18x scope. The scope has clear glass with a fine crosshair reticle. The body of the scope shows some light wear near the front ring and light handling marks, in about Very Good-plus condition. The included Redfield globe and Lyman peep sights show light handling marks, in Fine-Excellent condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece smooth walnut with beavertail forend which has an inlet 10″ Al Freeland rail, pistol grip, straight comb, serrated aluminum buttplate with fold-out arm hook and the belly is cut, drilled and threaded for the included sling swivel plate. The stock has some scattered light compressions, scuffs and there is some thinning finish on the front of the grip. There are no cracks or chips. The LOP measures 12 3/4” from the front of the wide trigger shoe to the back of the buttplate. A 1″ aluminum spacer is also included. The plate has some scattered light marks with sharp serrations, in about Very Good-Fine condition. The stock is in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The barrel has a few scattered light marks. The bolt handle has handling wear and the bolt body has light-moderate operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition as customized.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger breaks crisply at about 4oz. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes in a black hard-sided case with burgundy-flock interior, steel bolstered corners and latches, carry handle and fixed internal accessory box. The case has scattered scuffs and scrapes with some oxidation on the steel fixtures, in about Good-Very Good condition. Also included are the described sights, the Redfield globe sight comes in an original two-piece Redfield box with an assortment of 13 inserts, the 1″ buttplate spacer which has a couple of light marks and nicks, in about Very Good condition and a single 5-round magazine which shows minimal wear, in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 52 was a bolt-action .22-caliber target rifle introduced by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company in 1920. For many years, it was the premier small-bore match rifle in the United States, if not the world. Known as the “King of the .22’s,” the Model 52 has been called by Winchester historian Herbert Houze “a perfection in design”. The Model 52 was finally discontinued in the 1980s because it was costly to manufacture, and its popularity had lost way to expensive European rifles. The Model 52 underwent several changes over its life, and although different model names were not advertised, and the barrel markings remained the same, letter suffixes were added to the serial number to designate significant design changes. This is a model 52C which has been set-up for bench-rest shooting with a Tasco 6-18x scope and provision for a Redfield globe front sight and a Lyman peep rear sight. The rifle is in about Fine condition with a bright bore, strong mechanics and a great trigger. This rifle will make a nice benchrest rifle for the lucky winner. Please see our photos and good luck!