Pre-64 Winchester Model 52 .22 LR Bolt Action Rimfire Rifle MFD 1949 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,425.00

LSB#: LSB260120RS045

Make: Winchester

Model: Model 52

Serial Number: 67997B

Year of Manufacture: 1949 / C&R

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Bolt Action, fed by Detachable Magazine.

Barrel Length: 28”

Sights/Optics:  The top of the barrel has three male dovetails installed. The front dovetail is empty. The rear dovetails are mounted with a Redfield 20x scope with Fine crosshair reticle. The sight picture is clear. The scope has light handling wear. The scope rates in Excellent condition. 

Stock Configuration and Condition:  The stock is one piece smooth walnut with pistol grip, straight comb, checkered steel buttplate, two sling rings front and rear, inlaid accessory rail with aluminum hand rest/sling ring. The LOP measures 13 1/2 inches from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. There are scattered handling marks, scratches, and compressions. There are no chips or cracks in the stock. Overall, the stock rates in Very Good 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. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10. 

Overall Condition:  This rifle retains about 98% of its original metal finish.The balance of the finish is strong and complete throughout. There is faint operational wear. The screw heads show signs of light tooling but still retain strong and serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition. 

Mechanics:  The action functions correctly, as does the safety and the trigger. We have not fired this rifle, but we have performed a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This rifle comes with a total of one magazine and its scope as mentioned above. 

Our Assessment:  The Winchester Model 52 earned its moniker as “the king of .22s” for good reason. Introduced in 1920 and refined steadily over the following decades, the Model 52 was the gold standard for precision rimfire rifles and the darling of competitive shooters in the pre-war and post-war eras. This particular rifle, with serial number 67997B, dates to 1949. These early models retain the fine machining and fit that made Winchester’s pre-64 firearms so revered.

Highly regarded by collectors and competitive shooters alike, pre-64 Model 52s have become increasingly scarce in such well-preserved mechanical and aesthetic condition. Whether you’re a serious rimfire enthusiast, vintage target rifle collector, or someone who appreciates American craftsmanship, this rifle is an outstanding piece of shooting history that would hold a place of honor in any collection. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! – L.S.