Browning Model 52 Sporter Limited Like Winchester .22 LR Bolt Rifle, 1991
SOLD FOR: $1027
LSB#: 210611DM45
Make: Browning, made in Japan by Miroku
Model: 52 Sporter Limited Edition
Serial Number: 04604NZ496
Year of Manufacture: 1991 (NZ date code)
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle, Detachable Magazine Fed (no magazine included)
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN”, the right is marked “BROWNING MODEL 52 CALIBER .22 L.R. ONLY”. The left of the receiver is marked “BROWNING”, the right with the serial number. The bottom metal is marked “SPORTER” behind the magazine well.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: There is no provision for iron sights. The left-rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled to accept a receiver sight (none included). The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled for optic mounts (none included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is checkered walnut with an ebony nose cap, capped pistol grip, monte carlo comb, cheekpiece, textured black plastic Browning buttplate, and sling mounts front and rear. There are light handling marks, no major defects. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has minor wear. Overall, the stock is in about Excellent 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 98% of its metal finish. There is light operational wear in the bolt and receiver. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp, the markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a serial matched box, manual and a single 5-round magazine in Excellent condition. The box has some scattered scuffs, edge wear, a few split edges, and some punctures. It rates in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Our Assessment: This Winchester 52 was one of the finest rimfire target rifles in the world, called “Perfection in Design” by firearms author Herbert Houze. While Winchester discontinued the model in 1980, Browning produced a limited run of 5,000 Sporter model rifles in the early 1990s. This is one such example in Excellent condition with only light operational wear in the action. This is sure to make a fine shooter, but with its high condition and limited production, it may also interest Browning or Winchester collectors, especially with the box. Please see our photos and good luck!