Winchester Model 52

[David LaPell]

I have been given a few guns to take care of from a friend of my mother's. They were his fathers and they were on a farm and moved because there was a worry that they were going to be stolen or sold. The owner has said that I can shoot the guns if I choose to. One of the guns is this excellent pre-64 Model 52B Winchester Sporter. I had never shot one of these and had never seen what the big deal with the Model 52's was, until today. This gun has to have the nicest trigger of any .22 rifle I have ever shot or owned. The Lyman receiver sight is beautiful in its detail. I decided since this was a special rifle that it needed some ammunition that befits its status, so I broke out my box of CCI Green Tag. I have been told its been more than thirty years since this gun has been shot. It was used apparently back in the 60's and 70's and won a few matches, and I can see why.

This is after twenty five shots. Other than the one flyer, all the bullets are in that one hole.

This is after fifty rounds. Amazing considering the gun is wearing open sights.

 

[gjamison]

I have 2 in my collection. There outstanding shooters.

 

[bgrafsr]

I've had two of them. A 52B with bull barrel and Redfield 3200 20X scope. It was a tack driver.

The other one was a CMP 52D with Redfield target sights. I usually shot this one with a Unertl 20X target scope. It too was a tack driver.

I don't have them anymore, but wish I still did.

The one you have is worth a ton of money.

 

[Lee Barner]

david, what a gem. that's a 52B Sporter, the rare of the rare. take especially good care of it. thanks for sharing. lee

 

[cougar14]

I have a Model 75 which my Dad bought in the 1940's, just one ragged hole at 50 yards, not too much bigger at 100.

 

[gjamison]

Only 22 that I have shot better than a 52 was a Remington model 37.

Besides s&w collecting I also have several 22 target models, love all those target models.

 

[ACP230]

I shot several brands of .22 ammo through a 1930s era 52 target rifle some years ago.

It liked most everything but was really happy with Federal
Gold Medal. The stuff one level below the top of the line shot a hair
better than the more expensive Gold Medal.

Some CCI high speed ammo shot about as well as Green Tag.

 

[mstuhr]

Cool!

Hi David,
What a nice rifle. I'd love to take that one to the squirrel woods!
Thanks for the pictures.
Mike

 

[Cyrano]

Here's mine. Belonged to a friend; I shot it some in the 1950s. Got it from his estate; won't ever let it go in memory of him.

 

[TACC1]

Nice groups, nice rifle! Looks like the arm is coming back?
TACC1

 

[Cdog]

Fantastic rifles. Hard to imagine the kind of performance these rifles can deliver.

I've seen several at benchrest matches that shoot better than most are capable of shooting them.