Winchester Model 52-D 52D .22 LR 28″ Single Shot Bolt Action Rifle 1966 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1299
LSB#: 220310MR003
Make: Winchester
Model: 52 Type D Target
Serial Number: 121929D
Year of Manufacture: 1966
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 “121929D”. The right of the chamber is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”. We do not see any markings on the bolt.
Barrel Length: 28?, Tapers from approximately 1.05? at the receiver to approximately 0.860? at the muzzle. This is a Heavy Target barrel for the 52D.
Sights / Optics: The top of the barrel is installed with two male dovetail bases towards the rear. The top of the barrel at the muzzle has a pair of drilled, tapped, and filled holes. The left rear of the receiver has a pair of drilled, tapped, and filled holes.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece smooth walnut with a pistol grip, straight comb, and serrated black rubber Winchester buttpad. The forend has an inlet 13 1/2? factory accessory rail. The front edges of the forearm are drilled for 2 screws which are part of the adjustable barrel bedding system. The screws bear against the free-floating barrel. The stock has been refinished. There are a few scattered light handling marks. There are a few dings into the wood, the most noticeable are on the right side at the action and on the bottom of the pistol grip. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The pad shows light wear. The stock is in Fine Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The most notable wear is spots of discoloration from previous oxidation on the bright muzzle. There is some light thinning on the bolt handle. There are light handling marks. The screwheads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is the installed handstop.
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 wained 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. Considered one of the greatest of all time American 22 rifles, Winchester continued to market and produce the Model 52 for decades. It is such a beloved favorite that Winchester continued to manufacture this rifle at a loss to the company during its final years. Evolving from a first-class general target rifle into a precision tool that represented the United States in world competitions, the Model 52 is a classic design that belongs in your collection. So, bid on this beauty and enjoy!