Winchester 52B Sporting Rifle Order Number 5262 .22 LR Blue 24″ Bolt Action Rifle, MFD 1937 C&R

SOLD FOR:$2,662.00
LSB#: 180207BS03

Make: Winchester Repeating Arms Co.

Model: Model 52B Sporting Rifle

Serial Number: 45745B

Year of Manufacture: 1937 (“The Winchester Model 52”, Houze, P168)

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Bolt Action, Removable Magazine Fed Rifle (no magazine included)

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER / PROOF STEEL / -MODEL 52- / WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK- / -.22 LONG R.-” and with a “WP” in oval proof mark. The left side of the receiver at the chamber ring is marked with the same proof mark and “45745 B”. The shoulder to the right of the bolt is marked “5”. The right side of the receiver is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / -NEW HVAEN, CONN.-PATENTED” behind the ejection port and “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK” on the chamber ring. The right side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / -NEW HAVEN, CONN.-“. The trigger guard assembly forward of the trigger guard is marked “SPORTING”.

Barrel Length: 24” Round Standard Weight

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a gold-bead post marked “REDFIELD” dovetailed into a textured ramped base integral to the barrel which is grooved for a hood which is present. The rear sight is a Lyman 57FH peep sight with no aperture installed, adjustable for windage and elevation. The barrel is drilled and tapped in two locations for a rear sight, one just in front of the receiver and another 6″ in front of the receiver. These have cap screws except for the rear hole.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The one piece walnut stock features checkering on the grip and forend, straight comb, cheekpiece, black plastic forend cap, black hard-rubber pistol grip cap, checkered steel buttplate and quick release sling swivels mounted to the forend and buttstock. There are several light scuffs and compressions scattered throughout the stock and endcap. The pistol grip cap has crisp lettering reading “WINCHESTER REPEATING / ARMS CO.” around its edge and has only minor wear. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Finish thinning and minor wear is visible in the buttplate though finish is strong inside the checkering. The buttplate is in Fine condition. The stock rates in about Fine-plus overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is lightly worn. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its metal finish. Finish is thinning at the muzzle, the edges of the front sight hood and base and lightly on the edges of the receiver. The barrel’s finish is slightly thin forward of the stock, there are a couple of light marks scattered throughout the barrel and there is light wear around the rear sight holes from the previous mounting of rear iron sights. The trigger guard assembly has moderate scratches and scuffing which has been filled with light surface oxidation throughout. The bolt and action have light-moderate operational wear. The screw heads have very light tool markings with strong slots. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition and is easily Excellent if you leave out the trigger guard assembly.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 its installed sights and sling swivels as described.

Our Assessment: For many years the Winchester Model 52 was the premier small bore match rifle in the the world. Known as the “King of the .22’s,” the Model 52 has been called one of the 50 best guns ever made by Field & Stream magazine. This is a Model 52B Sporting Rifle with a beautiful walnut stock. The 52B Sporting Rifle was equipped with a Redfield gold bead front sight and Lyman 57FH rear sight which are still present despite the extra mount holes drilled on the barrel for other rear sights. This rifle retains about 75% of its original metal finish with most of the loss on the trigger guard assembly. Only a few marks and scattered incidents of freckling are visible on the metal surfaces and several minor marks are present on the stocks. In Very Good condition overall, this is a lovely collectors’ piece as long as you don’t show off its bottom. Please see our photos and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This C&R eligible rifle can be transferred in California.