Winchester Model 52Target 28” .22 LR Bolt Action & Unertl Scope MFD 1923

SOLD FOR: $2,010.00

LSB#: WY240905SP161

Make: Winchester

Model: 52 Type Target

Serial Number: 756

Year of Manufacture: 1923

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Bolt Action, detachable magazine fed,  Rimfire Target Rifle (No mag provided)

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 “756”. The right of the chamber is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”. The bottom of the bolt has “NS” hand-scribed.

Barrel Length: 28” Heavy Round Barrel

Sights / Optics:  The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel.  The top of the barrel has two sight-block mounts screwed to it, with a J. Unertl Scope mounted to them with a fine wire reticle and the picture is clear. The rear sight is a fully adjustable ladder sight mounted to the top of the receiver.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is smooth walnut with , pistol grip, straight comb, sling loop in the belly, and a checkered metal buttplate.  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.  The stock is in about Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. There are a few light nicks and scratches. There is rust freckling throughout the receiver.  The action shows 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 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: One 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 its 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. The 52B rifle is in Very good condition with 90% of its metal finish, a strong bore, and good mechanics. 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 on your bids!-C.M

Winchester Model 52Target 28” .22 LR Bolt Action & Unertl Scope MFD 1923
Winchester Model 52Target 28” .22 LR Bolt Action & Unertl Scope MFD 1923