Winchester 52-B Standard Target 28” .22 LR Bolt Rifle Lyman 15x 1948 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,200.00
LSB#: LSB260301RW115
Make: Winchester
Model: 52B Standard Target
Serial Number: 68055 B
Year of Manufacture: 1948 / C&R
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Shot, Bolt Action, Rimfire Target Rifle fed by Detachable Magazines
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S. OF AMERICA / WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”, “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”, “-MODEL 52-“, “-22 LONG R.-“. The left-rear of the barrel and left-front of the receiver each have an ovalled “WP” proof. The left of the receiver is marked with the serial number, “68055 B”, found again hand-scribed on the bottom of the bolt. The right side of the chamber ring is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”.
Barrel Length: 28”
Sights/Optics: The top of the barrel is installed with three sight blocks—attached to the forward most base is a blank dovetail. Attached to the center and rearward bases is a Lyman Super Targetspot 15X target scope with fine crosshair reticle. The left rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled for a receiver sight (not present). The scope body is free of major wear but there are scattered spots of light surface oxidation and a bit of thinning on some controls. The scope includes steel lens caps.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a one-piece smooth walnut with beavertail forend, pistol grip, fluted straight comb, banded barrel, and a checkered sheet steel buttplate. The forend has an inlet 4” factory accessory rail with a sling ring installed. There are some scattered light nicks, compressions, dings, scuffs, and a couple of hairline scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the plate. The plate has light thinning and minor nicks along the edge. Overall, the stock is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is light operational wear and handling wear. There is minor thinning on the leading edges and muzzle. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. There is light oxidation and subtle fine pitting on the bottom metal. There is some finish wear on the bottom metal around the magwell. Overall, this rifle is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This rifle includes one Winchester magazine and its scope as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 52 is 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 too costly to manufacture, and its popularity had waned in the face of expensive European rifles. The Model 52 underwent several changes throughout 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.
This is a model 52B which appears to have seen light use. The rifle is in Fine condition with 97% of its metal finish, some light wear in the stock, a very nice bore, strong mechanics and a fine trigger. The rifle comes with a vintage Lyman Super Targetspot scope. This rifle will make a nice benchrest rifle for the lucky winner or addition to a Winchester collection. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! – L.S.