Winchester 52-E 52E International Match .22 LR Single Shot Target Rifle
SOLD FOR: $4,925.00
LSB#: WY240801RM012
Make: Winchester
Model: 52-E Prefix International Match Rifle
Serial Number: E124185
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 muzzle and one rear of center. There are pairs of drilled, tapped and filled holes at the rear of the barrel and on the chamber ring. There is a third sight block installed on the bridge. The bridge and rear barrel sight blocks have rings holding a Redfield 3200 20x scope with crosshair reticle. The scope has some scattered light wear in the body. The glass is fairly clear, but could use a good cleaning. The left-rear of the receiver has a mounting rail installed for a receiver sight (none present).
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 which has a handstop/sling swivel installed, and an adjustable buttplate assembly with an alloy hooked buttplate with a serrated inlay. The action and chamber-area of the barrel are bedded to the stock. The stock has scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is wear in the front edge of the comb from bolt removal. The accessory rail shows use-wear. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 11 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the plate with the adjustment bottomed out, 13 3/4″ when extended fully, and 9 1/2″ to the back of the wood. Overall, the stock is in Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original, the bolt is serial-matching.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. There is some scattered faint oxidation, mostly on the barrel toward the muzzle-end. The action shows operational wear and the bolt knob is mostly worn to white. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 the installed scope.
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, 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 Very Good-Fine condition, showing signs of responsible use. It comes with a vintage Redfield 3200 20x scope and has provision for mounting other sighting options. This is one of those great rifles that is not just a scarce and desirable collector piece in good 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
