Winchester 52-E 52E International Match .22 LR Single Shot Target Rifle

SOLD FOR: $3,381.89

WOA#: WY240801RM011

Make: Winchester

Model: 52-E Prefix International Match Rifle

Serial Number: E123659

Year of Manufacture: 1975-1980

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Bolt Action, Single Shot Rifle

Barrel Length: 28”, Recessed Crown

Sights / Optics: There are two sight blocks installed on the barrel, one at the rear and one rear of center. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for optic mounts (none present). There is a Redfield Olympic globe-style sight mounted to a block at the muzzle with an aperture insert installed. The left-rear of the receiver is drilled and tapped with a Redfield Olympic receiver sight installed, adjustable for windage and elevation. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a laminate, international-style stock as seen in Winchester promotional material. The stock has a contoured thumbhole pistol grip, monte-carlo comb with cheekpiece, beavertail forend with full-length inlet rail, and an adjustable buttplate assembly with serrated Mershon Sure Grip buttpad. The action and chamber-area of the barrel are bedded to the stock. The stock has some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The accessory rail shows use-wear. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12 1/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the pad with the currently installed spacers and 9 1/2? to the back of the wood. Overall, the stock is in about Fine 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 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. Most of the balance is light tool marks at adjustment screws and on the accessory rail. The action shows light operational wear. There are a few other light handling marks. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is very light and crisp. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a palm-rest with extension mounting bar, no mounting screw is included.

Our Assessment: From “The Winchester Model 52 Perfection in Design”, by Herbert G. Houze, Page 160 “Without question, the entire Model 52 rifle program reached its zenith in 1969, when the International Match Rifle was introduced. Elegant in form and possessing unparalleled shooting characteristics, the International Match Rifle equaled anything offered by the Company’s European competitors.” While this originally referred to the Model 52D, there would be one final variation which began development in 1968. Winchester thought they would be able to introduce this new model in 1971 (and based on the included receipt, they likely started offering them for sale by 1972), but the Type E was not unveiled until 1975. The whole 52 line had become a loss-leader for Winchester, who was selling the rifles for less than it cost to make them. Their unrivaled performance inspired sales, so they continued through to 1980 before the WRACo division was sold off by Olin. Production of the Type E was quite limited, split between standard Target models, International Match and International Prone models.

This is a wonderful example of a 52E International Match. The rifle is in Fine condition, showing signs of light and responsible use. This is one of those great rifles that is not just a scarce and desirable collector piece in great condition, but also a wonderful target rifle that will be quite at home on the shooting range for generations to come. Please see our pictures and good luck!

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

Winchester 52-E 52E International Match .22 LR Single Shot Target Rifle
Winchester 52-E 52E International Match .22 LR Single Shot Target Rifle