Winchester Model 52C Target 28″ Standard Barrel.22 LR Bolt Rifle, 1956 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,251.01

WOA#: WY240406DL004
Make: Winchester
Model: 52C Target Rifle
Serial Number: 88960C
Year of Manufacture: 1956
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Bolt Action with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left of the chamber ring is marked with a circled “WP” proof and the serial number. The right side of the receiver’s chamber ring is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”. The left-rear of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK / MADE IN U.S.A.”, “-MODEL -52-22 L. RIFLE- / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-” and with another circled “WP” proof. The bottom of the bolt is hand-scribed with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 28”, Standard Barrel
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a Redfield globe-style sight dovetailed to a base at the front of the barrel. The sight accepts interchangeable inserts, but only the installed beaded post insert is included. The left-rear of the receiver is drilled and tapped with a Redfield receiver sight installed, adjustable for windage and elevation. The top of the barrel is drilled and tapped with two sight blocks installed.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a one-piece smooth walnut with a beavertail forend, 4″ accessory rail with hand-stop/sling swivel installed, pistol grip, straight comb, checkered steel buttplate and sling swivels front and rear. There are filled holes on each side of the forend at the front. The stock has a few light nicks, scuffs and scratches, most notable is a scuff at the right-front of the forend. 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 infrequent minor oxidation and well defined checkering. Overall, the stock is in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The face of the muzzle has faint surface oxidation. The bolt has stubborn dried grease. There are a few minor marks on the trigger guard. The action shows minor operational wear. 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 have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This rifle includes a single 5-round magazine.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 52 was 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 costly to manufacture, and its popularity had lost to expensive European rifles. The Model 52 underwent several changes over 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 52C Target which is in a scarce configuration with a Standard Barrel rather than the typical heavy barrel found on the Target models. It has a nice set of Refield target sights installed. The rifle is in about Excellent condition with a bright bore, strong mechanics and signs of limited and responsible use. This rifle will make a nice benchrest rifle for the lucky winner, but is also a nice find for the Winchester collector. Good luck and happy bidding!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud