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Winchester .22 Long Rifle Model 52 Sporting Rifle

Winchester introduced the Model 52 in 1919 as a bolt action rimfire target rifle and it had a better locking system than most rimfire target rifles on the market. Around 1934 Winchester offered the Model 52 Sporting Rifle which had a shorter and lighter weight barrel and was stocked with  "Extra Finish" fancy grade walnut with a lighter, "sporter" style stock. In the same configuration as the Model 54, and later the Model 70 Super grades, the 52 Sporter had a right hand cheekpiece, inletted "Super Grade" type sling swivels, a capped pistol grip, a checkered steel butt, a checkered pistol grip and a fancy "diamond" checkering pattern on the forend with a black composite forend tip. The Model 52 action was slightly changed throughout its history and had many model designations (e.g. Model 52, 52-A, 52-B, 52-C, and 52-D) and the sporter saw some slight changes in its stock shape during its run that ended in 1958.

This Model 52 Sporting Rifle was made in 1936 and this is the first version of the Model 52 sporter with the original style safety on the left side of the receiver and the lower profile comb and cheekpiece. Factory Lyman #57 peep sight mounted to the receiver. All Model 52 barrels had their front sight ramps forged into the barrel and this is topped with the factory Lyman #17 front sight which Winchester noted as the "Series 67 Globe" front sight in their catalogs. Checkered steel butt plate, 24" lightweight barrel, and a five shot detachable magazine. 

The rifle remains in good condition, stock was stripped and re-oiled sometime in its history but checkering remains sharp. The original rust blue finish remains at about 80% with some wear and small traces of surface rust. Bore is perfect and stock is crack free. Overall a nice example of a Pre-War, First Series Model 52 Sporter. 

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