Winchester Model 52 Pre A .22 LR 28” Bolt Action Rifle, MFD 1929 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,000.00
LSB#: LSB260517CP003
Make: Winchester
Model: 52
Serial Number: 17185
Year of Manufacture: 1929 / C&R
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Bolt Action, Rimfire Target Rifle fed by Detachable Magazines
Barrel Length: 28”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a hooded globe style dovetailed to a base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a Marble-Goss adjustable peep sight screwed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut with semi pistol grip, straight comb, banded barrel with sling ring, and a checkered sheet steel buttplate. There are scratches and compression marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the plate. Overall, the stock is in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows handling and storage wear. There are scratches and thinning throughout. There is thinning on the receiver, trigger guard, muzzle and barrel. There is faint surface rust forming throughout the barrel. There are a few deep scratches on the receiver. The buttplate has thinned and has spots of corrosion pitting. The screw heads range from sharp to tooled with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This rifle includes one Winchester magazine.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 52 is one of the most respected American bolt-action target rifles ever produced and was developed as Winchester’s premier smallbore competition rifle. Introduced in the early 20th century, the Model 52 quickly earned a reputation for exceptional accuracy and was widely used in competitive shooting, military marksmanship training, and by serious target shooters. This early pre-A production example from 1929 represents the beginning of Winchester’s long-running Model 52 legacy, combining a precision action, heavy target barrel, and finely made stock that continue to make these rifles highly desirable among collectors and competitive shooting enthusiasts.
This rifle is in about Good condition overall and retains about 90% of its original blued finish, with handling and storage wear, thinning, scratches, faint surface rust, and areas of corrosion pitting on the buttplate. The original walnut stock rates in about Very Good condition, showing scattered scratches and compression marks without chips or cracks. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion; in this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10. The action functions correctly. This example includes one Winchester magazine and retains desirable early Model 52 features, including its long target barrel and receiver-mounted target sighting system. This Winchester Model 52 should appeal to collectors of early Winchester target rifles, prewar precision firearms, and classic American smallbore competition rifles looking for a historically significant example. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -N.P