Winchester Model 52, 52B .22 LR Bolt Action Target Rifle – 1948 C&R – w/ Targetspot Scope

Make: Winchester
Model: Model 52 B
Serial Number: 62443B
Year of Manufacture: 1948
Caliber: .22 LR
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “Winchester / Proof Steel / Model 52 / Winchester / Trade Mark . .22 Long R.”. There is a Winchester Proof Mark on the left side of the barrel and the frame. The left side of the frame is marked “62443 B”. The right side of the receiver is marked “Made In U.S.A. Winchester Repeating Arms Co. / New Haven, Conn. – Patented -” and “Winchester / Trade Mark”. The right side of the barrel is marked “Made In U.S.A. Winchester Repeating Arms Co. / New Haven, Conn.”. The top of the barrel band is marked “U.S.A. / Pat. Pend”. The scope is marked with standard Targetspot markings and the serial number “12642”.
Barrel Length: 28″
Sights / Optics: This rifle is mounted with an adjustable globe front sight and donut insert. The front sight is marked “77”. The rear iron sight is a windage and elevation adjustable flip up ladder. A Lyman 15x Targetspot with “Scopelevel” is mounted to the rails on the barrel. The scope retains both caps and the rear eyepiece. The crosshairs are fine and the scope is very clear. There is thinning and wear to the exterior of the scope, though no dents.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are nicely figured oiled wood. The wood is sound and free of splits or cracks. There are only scattered marks and depressions. The wood shows appropriate age and original finish. The LOP measures a hair over 13 1/4″. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is little wear and no pitting or erosion in the bore. This is a great bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows slight thinning and very scattered marking on the barrel. The muzzle shows thinning at the edges. The bolt handle, rear of the receiver and the lower tang also show thinning. The frame shows very slight discoloration and one mark on the left side beneath the rear sight. The Screw heads are a bit worn, but very serviceable. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine – Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: A scope, mounts, cap and eyepiece are provided.
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 “perfection in design.” However, by the 1970s the World War I-era design was showing its age and had given way in top-level competition to newer match rifles from Walther and Anschütz; and the costly-to-produce Model 52, which had been a loss-leader prestige product for some time, was finally discontinued when US Repeating Arms took over Winchester in 1980.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves, and though no longer made, many still consider the Model 52 the best .22 target rifle ever made.

Sold For: $2,150