Winchester Model 52 .22 LR Bolt Action Target Rifle Unertl Scope, 1956 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,975.00
WOA#: WY240801RM001
Make: Winchester
Model: 52
Serial Number: 81961C
Year of Manufacture: 1956
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle fed by Detachable Magazine
Barrel Length: 28 Inches
Sights / Optics: There is a sight block with a globe sight and circle post insert at the muzzle and the left-rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for mounting open sights. No rear open sights are installed or included. There are two sight blocks mounted to the barrel at the receiver and behind the barrel band with J. Unertl rings holding a Unertl 9x scope with crosshair reticle. The scope has some scattered light wear on the body. The glass is fairly clear. Threaded lens caps are included.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece walnut with a pistol grip, straight comb, semi-beavertail forend with inlet accessory rail and a checkered steel buttplate. There is a sling swivel mounted to the front of the accessory rail and a combination hand-stop/swivel mounted to the rear of it. The stock has some scattered light nicks, scuffs, and scratches with a few more notable marks in the grip and on the left-rear of the buttstock. There is a third sling swivel installed into the belly of the butt stock.There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad,13 3/4?. The plate shows scattered light wear, but is still sharp. Overall, the stock is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. 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 finish is bold There are a few scattered light scratches, most notable on the trigger guard. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very -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 & Accessories: This rifle comes with a single 5-round magazine, marked “Winchester 69” and the installed scope.
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 its way 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 52 which appears to have seen responsible use over the last 68 years. The rifle is in Very Fine condition with 97% of its metal finish, some light wear in the stock, a bright bore, strong mechanics and a very crisp trigger. It has also been equipped with a vintage 9x Unertl scope while also having provision for mounting open sights (front sight installed; no rear open sights are included). This rifle will make a very nice benchrest rifle for the lucky winner or addition to a Winchester collection. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition in our high quality photos. Good luck on your bid. -K.F.
