Winchester Model 52D 52-D Target .22 LR Single Shot Bolt Rifle, 1961 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1651
LSB#: 210610DL26
Make: Winchester
Model: 52 Type D Target
Serial Number: 105557D
Year of Manufacture: 1961
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Shot, Bolt Action, Rimfire Target Rifle
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “-WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK- / -MADE IN U.S.A.-“, “-MODEL 52-22 L. RIFLE- / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-” and with an ovalled “WP” proof. The proof is also marked on the left of the chamber ring next to the serial number “105557D”. The right of the chamber is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”. The bottom of the bolt has “105557” hand-scribed.
Barrel Length: 28″, Tapers from approximately 1″ at the receiver to approximately 0.75″ at the muzzle. This is a standard weight barrel for the 52D.
Sights / Optics: The top of the barrel has two male dovetail mounts screwed to it, one at the front for a front sight and tone at the rear which has a Redfield X-Tube shade installed. The X-Tube also snaps over the Redfield Olympic aperture sight installed on a mount screwed to the left-rear of the receiver. The sight is adjustable for windage and elevation. A Redfield Olympic globe-style front sight is installed with a post insert installed. There is a pair of drilled, tapped and filled holes on the barrel a little rear of center.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece smooth walnut with beavertail forend, pistol grip, straight comb and serrated black rubber Mershon White-Line buttpad. The forend has an inlet 13 1/2″ factory accessory rail with a handstop/sling mount installed. There are some scattered light nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The accessory rail has light wear from installing and removing accessories. The LOP measures 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad, 13 1/4″ to the back of the wood. The pad has light wear, most at the heel and toe. The stock is in Very Good-plus overall 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 nicks, most notable on the top just in front of the forend. The trigger guard has a couple of light marks. The action shows light operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger breaks crisply with no over-travel. 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 with the installed sights.
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 52D which appears to have seen responsible use and has been equipped with a nice set of Redfield target sights. It has a standard weight barrel, which, despite being called “Standard”, was actually less common than the heavy profile barrels for this model. The rifle is in Fine condition with 97% of its metal finish, some light wear in the stock, a bright bore, strong mechanics and a great trigger. This rifle will make a nice benchrest rifle for the lucky winner or addition to a Winchester collection. Please see our photos and good luck!