Winchester Miroku Model 52 Sporter .22 LR Bolt Action Rifle, MFD 1993-2002

SOLD FOR: $1505

LSB#: 210612RU17

Make: Made by Miroku of Japan for Winchester

Model: 52 Sporter

Serial Number: BS4049

Year of Manufacture: 1993-2002

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle, Detachable Magazine, Adjustable Trigger

Markings: The barrel is marked “WINCHESTER / PROOF STEEL, —MODEL 52—”, “WINCHESTER / —TRADE MARK—”, “—22 LONG R.—”, and a “PW” in an oval proof mark. The right side of the barrel is marked with “MADE IN JAPAN / IMPORTED TO NEW HAVEN CT. U.S.A.”. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number, “BS4049”. The right side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”. The buttplate is marked with a Winchester crest. The trigger guard assembly is marked “SPORTING”.

Barrel Length: 24”

Sights/Optics: There is no provision for iron sights on this rifle. The receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled for an optic rail (not included).

Stock Configuration and Condition: The one-piece wood stock features fine checkering, a black nose cap, smooth steel pistol grip cap and a cheek piece for a right handed shooter. There are sling swivels on the belly of the buttstock and the underside of the forend. The cheek piece has a few minor nicks, as does the comb. The right side of the stock has a few minor compressions. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the buttplate. The buttplate is free of any notable wear or damage. Overall, the stock rates in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The receiver has a few minor draglines and the barrel has scattered minor nicks most notable along the top. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions properly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This rifle includes the following:

—one (1) 5-round magazine.

Our Assessment: “[T]he piece de resistance of all sporting rifles. It’s a diamond in a field of chipped glass– the rifle for the connoisseur.” said Esquire magazine. Field & Stream named the 52 Sporter one of the “50 Best Guns Ever Made,” calling it “unrivalled in beauty and accuracy.” Understandably the Sporter represented only a small percentage of Model 52s produced between 1934 and its discontinuation in 1959: it is today the most collectible of all 52 variants and a good Sporter will generally bring double or more the price of a comparable Target. This is a Japanese reproduction of the 52 Sporter made by Miroku for Winchester from 1993-2002. Like its progenitor, this rifle is handsome and well-built—the craftsman at Miroku obviously put a lot of love into these. If the original is out of reach, this version may be the way to go. There is very little wear on this rifle, and the bore is near-immaculate. Good luck and happy bidding!

Winchester Miroku Model 52 Sporter .22 LR Bolt Action Rifle, MFD 1993-2002
Winchester Miroku Model 52 Sporter .22 LR Bolt Action Rifle, MFD 1993-2002