Winchester Model 52-D 52D .22 LR 28″ Single Shot Bolt Action Rifle 1964 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,300
WOA#: WY240316MC016
Make: Winchester
Model: 52 Type D Target
Serial Number: 116246D
Year of Manufacture: 1964
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Shot, Bolt Action, Rimfire Target Rifle
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “-WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK- / -MADE IN U.S.A.-“, “-MODEL 52-22 L. RIFLE- / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-” and with an ovalled “WP” proof. The proof is also marked on the left of the chamber ring next to the serial number “116246D”. The right of the chamber is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”. The bolt is hand-scribed “116246”.
Barrel Length: 28?, Tapers from approximately 1.05″ at the receiver to approximately 0.86″ at the muzzle. This is a Heavy Target barrel for the 52D.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Redfield International globe-style sight with a clear plastic aperture insert installed, mounted to a sight block near the muzzle. There are two pairs of drilled, tapped, and filled holes on the barrel, one just in front of the receiver and the other rear of center, for installing additional mounting blocks (none present). The left-rear of the receiver is drilled and tapped with a Marble-Goss aperture sight installed on a mounting rail, adjustable for windage and elevation. Please note: the stock is not properly inlet for the 52BH mounting plate that has been used to mount the Marble-Goss sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece smooth walnut with a pistol grip, straight comb, and serrated black rubber Winchester buttpad. The forend has an inlet 13 1/2″ factory accessory rail. The stock has several scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a patch of adhesive residue on the left of the buttstock. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The pad shows light wear, most notable at the heel. The stock is in Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original, the trigger assembly has been replaced.
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 94% of its metal finish. The balance is mostly in scattered spots of minor surface oxidation, primarily on the chamber ring. There is wear in the accessory rail and on the trigger guard. The bolt knob shows handling wear and minor oxidation. There are a few other scattered minor marks. The safety assembly has been removed. The action shows operational wear. The screwheads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fair-Good condition (see Mechanics).
Mechanics: The trigger assembly has been replaced and is not functioning. The sear does not catch and the bolt is not properly retained (the eyepiece of the receiver sight does stop the bolt from being removed. The safety assembly has been removed. 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: None.
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 waned 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. Considered one of the greatest of all time American 22 rifles, Winchester continued to market and produce the Model 52 for decades. It is such a beloved favorite that Winchester continued to manufacture this rifle at a loss to the company during its final years. Evolving from a first-class general target rifle into a precision tool that represented the United States in world competitions, the Model 52 is a classic design that belongs in your collection.
This example is a 52D Target model with a 28″ heavy barrel. This one appears to have seen its intended use, having a Camp Perry National Match sticker on the trigger guard, evidence of use on the range, a nice set of Redfield and Marble-Goss target sights, though you’ll want to get the Marble-Goss properly mounted. The trigger assembly has been replaced and the safety assembly removed, this will need to be addressed before this rifle can be fired. Once that’s done, this rifle’s great bore and design still ought to make for a fine target rifle for the lucky winner. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
