Winchester Model 52-D 52D .22 LR 28″ Single Shot Bolt Action Rifle 1964 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,300.00
LSB#: WY240801RM005
Make: Winchester
Model: 52 Type D Target
Serial Number: 114081D
Year of Manufacture: 1964
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Shot, Bolt Action, Rimfire Target Rifle
Barrel Length: 28?, Tapers from approximately 1.05? at the receiver to approximately 0.860? at the muzzle. This is a Heavy Target barrel for the 52D.
Sights / Optics: There is a sight block installed at the front of the barrel. The left-rear of the receiver is drilled and tapped for a receiver sight (none present). The bridge and chamber ring are drilled, tapped and filled for an optic mount (none present). There are sight blocks installed at the middle and rear of the barrel with rings holding a Lyman Super Targetspot 15x scope with crosshair reticle. The body has some light wear, the glass is fairly clear but could use a good cleaning. Threaded lense caps are included.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece smooth walnut with a pistol grip, straight comb, and serrated black rubber white-line buttpad. The forend has an inlet 13? accessory rail. The front edges of the forearm have holes for barrel tension adjustment screws, the screw assemblies are missing. The chamber area is bedded to the stock. There are a few light nicks and scratches, most notable is a nick in the front of the comb from bolt removal. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The pad shows light wear. The stock is in about Fine overall condition as missing the barrel tension screws.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished. The alloy trigger guard is not original to the gun. The bolt is scribed “114091”, we suspect this is a factory error.
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 96% of its current metal finish. The barrel has a few scattered light nicks and scratches. The after-market alloy trigger guard is in the white. The action shows operational wear and there is handling wear on the bolt knob. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, the barrel’s Winchester Proof is double-struck, the receiver’s proof has soft edges. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition as refinished.
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: Included is 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 wained 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. So, bid on this beauty and enjoy!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
