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 smallbore match rifle. Good buy on that Winchester. It looks like a beauty. Our junior club had Remington 513 rifles and a, I Think, couple of Mossbergs. The league that I shot with had more than a few of the guys shooting Winchester 52's and a scattering of Anshutz target rifles.
Winchester 52 Serial Numbers
- Your serial number indicates that your Winchester model 52 bolt action.22cal rifle was made in the year 1960.This model of Winchester was made from 1919-1979,with a total production of 125,419.
- The Winchester Model 69 is a bolt-action.22 caliber repeating rifle first produced in 1935 by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. It was marketed as Winchester's mid-priced bolt-action rimfire sporting rifle, positioned above inexpensive single-shot rifles such as the Model 68 and beneath the prestigious Model 52. An uncommon Model 69 variant, the Model 697, was offered with a telescopic sight and no provisions for iron sights. Production ended in 1963.
- To the maximum extent possible, the dates of manufacture shown were obtained from the original Winchester Factory Polishing Room serialization records; otherwise estimates were made using multiple sources of information (e.g. George Madis, Ned Schwing, etc.), in which case the data was extrapolated to the best of our ability.
- Up until last night, I'd thought a 52 was a 52; but the afore-mentioned posts disabused me of that notion. After arriving home, I pulled out the rifle[, cleared it] and did some research. Apparently mine is a pre-marked* M52A, with a pretty low serial number model (.
Serial Numbers Microsoft
The Model 52 Winchester has status, in it’s 60 year history, the rifle was unsurpassed for trigger control, accuracy and dependability.
The long 26” heavy barreled rifle was an instant classic in the small bore world of shooting competitors, and justly so. But putting all the mumbo jumbo aside, the rifle had one purpose, shooting “bullseye” and with Anshutz and other rifles taking center stage, the old “52” has seen her time in the lime lights come and go.
Here is my dilemma the old 12 pound rifle sits in its slot in my gun cabinet, rarely pulled out and shot, not for want or need, but simply because the old bull barreled rifle is to dog gone heavy!
My particular Winchester 52 rifle was purchased nearly 22 years ago, it had two stocks that came with the rifle, a Fajen thumb holed stock, and a nice original stock somebody had checkered, and nicely done.
The rifle was not original when I purchased it, the trigger work was done by someone wanting a lighter trigger pull, and a canjar trigger installed and the factory safety removed.
Since collector value is about zip on my particular rifle, I was thinking about sporterizing the old 22 for a more enjoyable accurate plinker rifle. Finding a suitable stock may be tougher than finding a lighter barrel.
Any suggestions would be appreciated; those folks thinking I should allow the old gun to rest in peace, your comments are welcome also.
Thanks
Chris45
The long 26” heavy barreled rifle was an instant classic in the small bore world of shooting competitors, and justly so. But putting all the mumbo jumbo aside, the rifle had one purpose, shooting “bullseye” and with Anshutz and other rifles taking center stage, the old “52” has seen her time in the lime lights come and go.
Here is my dilemma the old 12 pound rifle sits in its slot in my gun cabinet, rarely pulled out and shot, not for want or need, but simply because the old bull barreled rifle is to dog gone heavy!
My particular Winchester 52 rifle was purchased nearly 22 years ago, it had two stocks that came with the rifle, a Fajen thumb holed stock, and a nice original stock somebody had checkered, and nicely done.
The rifle was not original when I purchased it, the trigger work was done by someone wanting a lighter trigger pull, and a canjar trigger installed and the factory safety removed.
Since collector value is about zip on my particular rifle, I was thinking about sporterizing the old 22 for a more enjoyable accurate plinker rifle. Finding a suitable stock may be tougher than finding a lighter barrel.
Any suggestions would be appreciated; those folks thinking I should allow the old gun to rest in peace, your comments are welcome also.
Thanks
Chris45