Winchester Model 52D Target 28″ .22 LR Single Shot Bolt Rifle, 1961 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,275.00
WOA#: WY240527WH026
Make: Winchester
Model: 52 Type D Target
Serial Number: 105264D
Year of Manufacture: 1961
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Shot, Bolt Action, Rimfire Target Rifle
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “-WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK- / -MADE IN U.S.A.-“, “-MODEL 52-22 L. RIFLE- / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-” and with an ovalled “WP” proof. The proof is also marked on the left of the chamber ring next to the serial number “105264D”. The right of the chamber is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”. The bottom of the bolt has “105264” hand-scribed.
Barrel Length: 28?
Sights / Optics: The top of the barrel has three sight-block mounts screwed to it, one at the front for a front sight and two at the rear. A Redfield International globe-style sight is installed with an aperture insert. A Redfield International aperture sight is installed on a mount screwed to the left-rear of the receiver. The sight is adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is smooth walnut with beavertail forend, pistol grip, straight comb and serrated black rubber Mershon White-Line buttpad. The forend has an inlet 13 1/2? factory accessory rail with a handstop/sling mount installed. The rear 1 1/4″ of the stock was cut off and glued back in place. There are some scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The accessory rail has wear from installing and removing accessories. The LOP measures 13 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad, 11 5/8″ to the cut in the wood. The pad has light wear, its fit to the wood indicates it is not original to the gun (or was possibly fit when the stock was cut). The stock is in about Very Good overall condition as refinished and modified.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright, the rifling is sharp. There is some minor erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The safety lever is missing from the right of the receiver. There is infrequent minor surface oxidation. There are a few light nicks and scratches. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The safety lever is missing from the left of the receiver. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. The trigger breaks crisply with no over-travel. 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: This rifle comes with the installed sights.
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 way 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 52D which appears to have seen responsible use and has been equipped with a nice set of Redfield target sights. he rifle is in Very good condition with 96% of its metal finish, light wear in the customized stock, a strong bore, and good mechanics apart from the missing safety lever. This rifle will make a nice benchrest rifle for the lucky winner or addition to a Winchester collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
