Winchester 52-B 52B Sporting .22 LR 24″ Bolt-Action Rifle Ca. 1937-59 C&R

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Sold for $3077.79

Make: Winchester

Model: 52B, “Improved” Speed Lock

Serial#: 75802B

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1937-1959, C&R

Caliber: .22 LR

Action Type: Bolt-Action Rifle fed by a Detachable Magazine

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN NEW HAVEN, U.S. OF AMERICA / – WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL -”, “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-”, “-MODEL 52-”, “-22 L. RIFLE-” and has a Winchester proof. The chamber ring has a Winchester proof and the serial number. The right side of the chamber ring is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”. The trigger guard is marked “SPORTING”. The grip cap has a Winchester marking.

Barrel Length: 24”

Sights/ Optics: There is a beaded blade dovetailed to a ramp under a protective hood by the muzzle. Also, the receiver features an accessory rail that is mounted with a Lyman brand Challenger 4x32mm scope with the serial number “8926”. The scope has clear glass and a faded fine crosshair reticle. Overall, the scope is in Very Good condition.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is one-piece wood featuring a checkered forend with black tip that has a sling swivel on the bottom, a checkered semi-pistol grip with cap, a straight comb with cheek-rest, a sling swivel on the belly and a metal butt-plate. The stock has some light handling marks, nicks and scuffs. Notably, there is some light wear at the heel. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP is  14” from the trigger to the rear of the butt-plate. The butt-plate has some light handling marks. Overall, the stock is in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and has sharp rifling.

Overall Condition: The rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are some light handling marks, but the gun lacks any notable defects. The markings remain clear. The screwheads are only lightly tooled and remain serviceable. Overall, the rifle is in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: There is a single magazine included with the rifle and a brown leather sling. The sling has some light wear but it remains in Very Good condition.

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 52 is a bolt-action target rifle which was in production from 1920-1980. The gun was arguably the best made competitive target rifle made in the United States and a number of variations were produced making it an extremely versatile platform. This particular specimen is both a “Sporting” variant of the iconic rifle that is mounted with a 24” barrel and a Model “B” which was in production from approximately 1937-1959. The gun remains beautifully preserved and should make a worthy addition to any collection. Good luck on your bid!