Winchester Japan Model 52 Sporting Sporter .22 LR Bolt Action Rifle, 1993
SOLD FOR: $842
WOA#: WY240311WP021
Make: Winchester, made by Miroku of Japan
Model: 52B Sporting
Serial Number: BS3965
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1993
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Detachable Magazine-Fed Bolt Action Rifle
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked -“WINCHESTER / PROOF STEEL”-, “MODEL 52”, “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-“, “22 LONG R.-” with a Winchester proof. The left of the receiver is marked “BS3965”. The right of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”. The right of the barrel is marked “MADE IN JAPAN / IMPORTED TO NEW HAVEN, CT. U.S.A.”. The bottom metal is marked “SPORTING”, “OT” at the over-travel adjustment, and “PULL” at the trigger weight adjustment.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights/Optics: The receiver is drilled and tapped with Weaver bases and rings holding a Weaver Challenger C4R 4x scope with duplex reticle. The scope body has a few nicks and scratches, the glass is clear. There is no provision for iron sights.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is checkered walnut with an ebony nose cap, capped pistol grip, straight comb with cheekpiece, checkered steel Winchester buttplate, and sling mounts front and rear. The stock has some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches, most are on the sides below the receiver, on the bottom around the magazine well, and in the front of the grip. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has no notable wear with well defined checkering. Overall, the stock is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered minor nicks and tiny scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine 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, and Accessories: This rifle comes with the installed scope as described and a single 5-round magazine. The magazine is mostly worn to white, but has intact feed lips and a strong spring.
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, they would reintroduce the Sporting model in 1993 with production by Miroku of Japan. This is one such example, in about Fine condition with light wear in the stock and little in the metal. This ought to make a fine shooter, but with its limited production, it will certainly interest Winchester collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
