Remington Speedmaster Model 552 .22 S/L/LR 23.5” Semi-Auto Rifle 1973 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,000.00
LSB#: LSB250726CN003
Make: Remington
Model: 552 Speedmaster
Serial Number: 1922893
Year of Manufacture: Dec. 1973 (XZ Date Code)
Caliber: .22 Short / Long / Long Rifle.
Action Type: Semi-Auto, Fed by Magazine Tube
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “Remington Speedmaster / MODEL 552 / 1922893”. The top of the barrel is marked “Remington 22 S., L., L.R.”, along with Remington’s Ilion, NY address and patent numbers. The left side of the barrel is marked with the XZ Date Code. The right side of the barrel is marked with a series of proofs.
Barrel Length: 23.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable U-notch sight on a riser, screwed to the barrel. The receiver is mounted with a Weaver V22-A 3-6x scope with a duplex reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows no notable wear and rates in Excellent condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered wood with semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, checkered Remington buttplate, and cutout in the forend for the charging handle. The LOP measures 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the stock and forend are in Excellent Condition. There are a couple compressions and nicks on the stocks.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its finish. The balance of the finish shows light operational wear, with some burnt powder residue around the ejection port and shell deflector. The bluing is deep and dark throughout. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are unmarred. Overall, this rifle rates in Excellent condition.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the scope as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: Remington’s Model 552 Speedmaster occupies a special place in the company’s rimfire lineup — a sleek, lightweight semi-automatic that maintains flawless function across .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle cartridges without adjustment. Introduced in the late 1950s and refined through the 1960s and ’70s, the Speedmaster became a favorite among small-game hunters and backyard marksmen for its smooth cycling and polished handling. This 1973 C&R-eligible example reflects that era’s craftsmanship with clean lines, rich bluing, and a long 23.5″ barrel that delivers excellent sight radius and velocity from America’s most versatile rimfire chambering.
The .22 S/L/LR chambering is one of the rifle’s defining traits — able to handle everything from quiet Shorts to high-velocity LR with the same gas-assisted blowback system that Remington engineered to maintain reliability. This rifle’s bore is mirror-bright with sharp rifling (rated 10/10), and the metal surfaces retain about 98% original finish with only minor operational evidence near the ejection port. The original checkered walnut stocks present exceptionally well, showing only a few light compressions while retaining tight fit and strong factory finish. The mounted Weaver V22-A 3-6x scope, clean and clear, complements the rifle’s practical personality and adds immediate field utility.
Altogether, this 552 Speedmaster is an excellent example of Remington’s golden-era rimfire engineering — reliable, attractive, C&R-eligible, and complete with a period-appropriate scope. For those who appreciate smooth-running .22 autos with real mid-century charm, this rifle offers both functional performance and collectable appeal. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
