CMP Winchester Model 52D 52-D Target M12 .22 LR Single Shot Bolt Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1300
LSB#: 220414RW005
Make: Winchester
Model: 52 Type D Target or M12 (Military Designation)
Serial Number: 121085D
Year of Manufacture: 1966
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Shot, Bolt Action, Rimfire Target Rifle
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “-WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK- / -MADE IN U.S.A.-“, “-MODEL 52-22 L. RIFLE- / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-” and with an ovalled “WP” proof. The proof is also marked on the left of the chamber ring next to the serial number “121085D”. The chamber ring is hand inscribed “U.S.” above the serial number. The right of the chamber is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”. The bottom of the bolt has “121085-D”.
Barrel Length: 28″, Tapers from approximately 1.05″ at the receiver to approximately 0.86″ at the muzzle. This is a Heavy Target barrel for the 52D.
Sights / Optics: The top of the barrel is installed with three male dovetail bases. The left side of the receiver has an aperture sight base screwed to it. The rifle is installed with a pair of rings holding a Lyman 438 Field scope. The scope has scattered finish loss, scratches, some little nicks, and scattered little spots of surface oxidation. The scope has a crosshair and the glass is slightly cloudy. The scope rates in about Very Good condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece smooth walnut with beavertail forend, pistol grip, straight comb, and serrated black rubber Winchester buttpad. The forend has an inlet 13 1/2″ factory accessory rail. The front edges of the forearm are drilled for 2 screws which are part of the adjustable barrel bedding system. The screws bear against the free floating barrel. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Some of the marks have damaged or removed portions of surface wood. The accessory rail has light wear from installing and removing accessories. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The pad shows some light wear. The stock is in Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There are one or two tiny little freckles of minor surface erosion, hardly noticeable.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 92% of its metal finish. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs, scratches, and areas of thinning. The defects are mostly scattered on the barrel towards the front. There is thinning on the bolt handle. There are some scattered light handling marks. There are some scattered light marks. There is some standard operational wear. The screwheads show use. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus 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: Included is a CMP hard case and a serial matching CMP certificate.
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 wained 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 Model 52D was used by a military marksmanship team or by a military affiliated team. These rifles were designated as the M12. This M12 was purchased through the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) and comes with a CMP certificate. This rifle will make a nice benchrest rifle and add to a Winchester collection. Please see our photos and good luck!