Winchester Model 52 Type C Target Rifle “U.S. Property” .22 LR 28″ 1951 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,900.00
LSB#: LSB260409MF008
Make: Winchester
Model: 52 Type C Target (G5221R)
Serial Number: 98163C
Year of Manufacture: 1951; C&R.
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Bolt Action, fed by Detachable Magazine.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “- WINCHESTER – MODEL 52 – 22 L. RIFLE – / – TRADE MARK – – WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL – / – MADE IN U.S.A.”, along with a circled “WP” proof mark. The left side of the receiver is marked with a circled “WP” proof mark, the serial number, and “U.S. PROPERTY” (electropenciled). The right side of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”.
Barrel Length: 28″ Heavy Contour Target Barrel
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Redfield Olympic globe sight screwed to a dovetailed base on the barrel. The rear sight is a Redfield Olympic Master Sighting Disc adjustable aperture sight mounted to a Redfield W670 base. The barrel is mounted with a two-piece Unertl style scope base for the included, but not attached, Lyman Super Targetspot scope. The scope has a fine crosshair reticle, and the glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows light handling wear, with a few light scratches and dings scattered throughout, along with some spots of thinning finish. Overall, the scope rates in Very Good condition. The scope comes with its own wood box, and the original threaded lens covers. Also included are 13 replacement globe sight reticle inserts.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece smooth wood stock, with a pistol grip, fluted straight comb, checkered steel buttplate, a wide semi-beavertail target forend with a 7-slot rail with forend stop, and sling rings front and rear. The LOP measures 13 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock shows light wear, with scattered scratches, dings, and compressions throughout. The stock’s finish is largely intact. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There is an unknown stamp on the pommel of the pistol grip; the stamp can be described as an eagle under 3 stars in a box. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Very Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 5rd factory magazine, in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with thinning and patina on the bolt handle, along with light scratches and dings scattered throughout all of the metal surfaces and the front sight, but most notably on the barrel. The bluing on the barrel, receiver, and bottom metal is otherwise, largely intact, deep, and dark. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are tooled, but retain strong and serviceable slots.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. The trigger has a crisp and clean break; the trigger is also adjustable for pull weight and over-travel by two screws on the bottom metal. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the scope, scope box, globe sight reticle inserts, and the magazine as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: Winchester’s Model 52 is one of the great American bolt-action target rifles, long respected for its accuracy, build quality, and dominance in rimfire competition circles through much of the 20th century. This 1951 C&R-eligible Type C Target rifle is chambered in .22 Long Rifle, the classic rimfire cartridge prized for precision target work, economical practice, and low-recoil shooting. This example features a 28″ heavy-contour target barrel, electropenciled “U.S. PROPERTY” marking on the receiver, Redfield Olympic globe front sight, Redfield Olympic Master adjustable aperture rear sight, Unertl-style scope blocks, and an included Lyman Super Targetspot scope with wood box, threaded lens covers, and 13 replacement globe sight inserts. The U.S. Property marking, full target sight setup, Lyman target scope package, and excellent bore should appeal strongly to Winchester collectors, vintage target rifle enthusiasts, and rimfire competitors who appreciate classic American match and training rifles.
This rifle retains about 90% of its original blued finish, with light wear, thinning and patina on the bolt handle, and scattered light scratches and dings throughout the metal surfaces, most notably on the barrel and front sight. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 10/10 in this writer’s opinion. The smooth target stock rates in Very Good condition, showing scattered scratches, dings, and compressions while retaining a largely intact finish, tight fit, and no chips or cracks; the pistol grip pommel also bears an unknown boxed eagle-and-stars style stamp. The Lyman Super Targetspot scope rates in Very Good condition with clear glass, light handling wear, scattered scratches and dings, and some finish thinning. The markings are clear and legible, the screw heads are tooled but serviceable, and the action, safety, and adjustable target trigger function correctly. This rifle includes one 5-round factory magazine in Fine condition, the scope and box, lens covers, and globe sight inserts. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.