Winchester Model 52-C CMP US Military M12 .22 LR Target Bolt Rifle 1955 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,030.00
LSB#: LSB250726RR011
Make: Winchester
Model: 52C Target Rifle
Serial Number: 81105C
Year of Manufacture: 1955
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Bolt Action fed by Removable Magazine (no magazine included)
Barrel Length: 28″
Sights/Optics: There are two sight blocks installed on the barrel, one at the muzzle and one behind the barrel band. There is a pair of drilled and tapped holes at the rear of the barrel. The left-rear of the receiver is drilled and tapped with a sight block installed. There are no sights installed or included.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a one-piece smooth walnut with a beavertail forend, pistol grip, straight comb, sling swivel in the belly, a sling swivel mounted to the front of an inlaid 6-position accessory rail in the bottom of the forend, and a checkered steel buttplate. There is a handstop with another swivel also mounted to the accessory rail. The stock has a few light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a ding in the front of the comb from bolt removal and another at the bottom-front edge of the grip. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear, mostly around the edges, with well defined checkering. Overall, the stock is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original, the bolt is serial-matching.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, 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 95% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There is light wear on the bottom metal and the bolt knob shows handling wear. There are infrequent spots of minor surface oxidation, mostly on the bottom metal. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This rifle includes a CMP Certificate of Authenticity. Please note, no magazine is included.
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 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 52C was used by a military marksmanship team or by a military affiliated team. While there were a series of rimfire rifles produced or procured by the US Military for marksmanship training, the Model 52 was originally adopted for use as an ammunition testing platform. Later procurements were used for marksmanship teams and selected DCM clubs. These rifles were designated by the military as the M12 and, like many other American military arms, were later sold through the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) when they left service. This example comes with a CMP certificate and is in Very Good condition. The gun shows light wear given its age and service, retaining a good bore and strong mechanics. Perhaps most interesting, despite the CMP certificate, the rifle has no US Property markings. This rifle will make a nice benchrest rifle and add to a Winchester or military competition rifle collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
