Winchester Model 52C 52-C .22 LR Bolt-Action Target Rifle 1957 C&R Redfield
SOLD FOR: $2275
LSB#: 220112WG022
Make: Winchester
Model: 52C Target Rifle
Serial Number: 96283C
Year of Manufacture: 1957
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Bolt Action with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left of the chamber ring is marked with a circled “WP” proof and the serial number. The right side of the receiver’s chamber ring is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”. The left-rear of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK / MADE IN U.S.A.”, “-MODEL -52-22 L. RIFLE- / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-” and with another circled “WP” proof.
Barrel Length: 28”
Sights/Optics: The top of the barrel has three male dovetail mounts screwed to it, one at the front with a Redfield Olympic globe sight installed. The front sight accepts interchangable inserts with only the installed transparent aperture with scribed crosshair insert included. The rear-left of the receiver has Redfield Olympic peep sight installed, adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a one-piece smooth walnut with beavertail forend which has a forend rail, pistol grip, fluted straight comb, and a checkered sheet steel buttplate. There are sling swivels front and rear with a combination hand-stop/swivel installed on the forend rail. The stock has some scattered light compressions and nicks. There are no cracks or chips. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger shoe to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some scattered light marks with sharp checkering. Overall, the stock is in Very Good-to-Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion, but very minor fouling can be seen in spots.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The barrel has scant few marks with some very minor nicks through the finish and a few spots of very minor surface oxidation in between the last two male dovetail mount. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger breaks crisply at about 4oz. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This rifle includes a single 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 1980s because it was costly to manufacture, and its popularity had lost 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. This is a model 52C which has been set up for bench-rest shooting with a fine pair of Redfield Olympic target sights. The rifle is in about Fine-Excellent condition with a bright bore and strong mechanics. This rifle will make a nice benchrest rifle for the lucky winner. Good luck and happy bidding!