Winchester Model 52 Speed Lock 28″ .22 LR Bolt Action Rifle, MFD 1934 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1125
LSB#: 210907BW80
Make: Winchester
Model: 52 Speed Lock
Serial Number: 28618
Year of Manufacture: 1934
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER / PROOF STEEL”, “-MODEL 52-“, “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”, “-22 LONG R.-“. The left-rear of the barrel and left-front of the receiver each have an ovalled “WP” proof. The left of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The bottom of the bolt has inspection marks, there is no serial number marking. The right of the barrel is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO NEW HAVEN CONN. / PATENTED NOV.11.18.25. DEC.9.1919. FEB.17. MAR.30. APRIL 27.1920.”. The right side of the chamber ring is marked “PAT. PENDING”.
Barrel Length: 28″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Redfield globe sight that is dovetailed into a raised base on the barrel. The globe has provisions for replaceable sight inserts, and the insert presently installed is a post. There are two mounting blocks screwed to the top of the barrel for mounting a scope (none included). The rear sight is a flip-up aperture peep sight, adjustable for windage & elevation, and is in a base dovetailed into the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece custom checkered walnut with a barrel band at the front of the semi-beavertail forend, pistol grip, straight comb, checkered steel buttplate, a sling swivel in the belly and another on the bottom of the barrel band. The forend has custom oak leaf clusters and acorns. A custom “PY” brand is carved into the butt of the pistol grip. The stock has several scattered nicks, dings, scuffs, compressions and scratches. There is some minor discoloration and thinning finish. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some scattered oxidation, finish loss, and there is scabbing and erosion on the heel. Overall, the stock is in about Very Good condition as customized.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, with sharp rifling. There is one little tiny freckle of pinprick erosion in bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is finish loss on the edges. There are some scattered nicks and scratches on the receiver. There are some spots of oxidation on the receiver. The trigger guard and magazine well have some scattered scratches, scrapes, and oxidation. The barrel has scattered little nicks, scuffs, and hairline scratches. There are some little spots of thinning and a few spots of oxidation. There is some thinning on the edge of the muzzle. The barrel band has some scratches, oxidation, and a few light scabs. The bolt handle has some thinning and discoloration. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is light and crisp. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a 5-round magazine.
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 1980 because it was costly to manufacture, and its popularity had lost way to expensive European rifles. The Model 52 underwent several changes over its life, and although different model names were not always advertised, and some barrel markings remained the same, letter suffixes were added to the serial number to designate significant design changes. Both target and sporter models were manufactured. This rifle is a Model 52 Speed-Lock with a 28” barrel and a custom checkered walnut stock with pistol grip. This rifle is in about Very Good overall condition with about 90% of its current metal finish remaining. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and is a shooter for sure. This is a nice old Winchester with decades of shooting left in it. Please see our photos and good luck!