Winchester 52 52E Prefix International Match 22 LR Heavy Barrel Single Shot Bolt Action Target Rifle

SOLD FOR: $4,525.00
LSB#: 
180412JT17

Make: Winchester

Model: 52-E Prefix International Match Rifle

Serial Number: E122698

Year of Manufacture: 1968-1975 (The barrel marking on this rifle was introduced by Winchester in 1969, development of the Type-E began in late 1968 but the model was not introduced until 1975)

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Bolt Action, Single Shot Rifle

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-WINCHESTER ® MODEL 52 – 22 L. RIFLE – / MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”, with “WP” proof in oval. The left side of the chamber ring is marked “E122698”, the right is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “698”. The inside of the stock is marked “122698” in marker.

Barrel Length: 28”, with a 0.300? deep 0.500″ wide recess in the crown and 0.879” muzzle diameter.

Sights / Optics: The top of the barrel has three male dovetail mounts, one at the muzzle, one just rear of center and one at the rear. There is a peep-sight mount at the left-rear of the receiver. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a scope mount. There are no sights intalled.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a laminate, international-style stock as seen in Winchester promotional material on page 162 of Houze’s “The Winchester Model 52”. The stock has a thumbhole pistol grip, monte-carlo comb, beavertail forend with full-length inlet rail which has a handstop/sling swivel installed, again matching that photographed in Houze’s book, and an adjustable LOP buttplate assembly with serrated Mershon Sure Grip buttpad. The stock has a few scattered light marks and compressions. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP is adjustable from 12 1/4″ to 14″ in 1/4″ increments, there is a 1/2″ spacer installed and the LOP measures 9 1/4″ to the back of the wood. Overall, the stock is in about Very Good-Fine 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 96% of its metal finish. The barrel and receiver show only light handling marks. The bolt body shows light-moderate operational wear, the knob on the flat bolt handle shows very light handling wear. The accessory rail has scattered light wear and the trigger guard has a few scattered light marks. The screw head slots range from sharp to lightly tooled. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The adjustable trigger currently breaks at approximately 1 1/4 lbs. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None; no sights are provided.

Our Assessment: From The Winchester Model 52 Perfection in Design, by Herbert G. Houze, Page 160 “Without question, the entire Model 52 rifle program reached its zenith in 1969, when the International Match Rifle was introduced. Elegant in form and possessing unparalleled shooting characteristics, the International Match Rifle equaled anything offered by the Company’s European competitors.” This is a nice target rifle which will spark the attention of anyone who has ever had the opportunity to try one out and is sure to inspire attention from the collectors as well, given its scarcity. All that is needed is your favorite pair of sights and this rifle is ready to rock. Please see our pictures and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This rifle can be transferred/sold in California.

The mark on the left of the stock in picture 12 is a spot of masking tape which was quite stubborn and was left on rather than risk damaging the stock in its removal.

Winchester 52 52E Prefix International Match 22 LR Heavy Barrel Single Shot Bolt Action Target Rifle
Winchester 52 52E Prefix International Match 22 LR
Heavy Barrel Single Shot Bolt Action Target Rifle