Winchester Model 52

About the Winchester Model 52

The Winchester Model 52 is a .22 LR bolt-action smallbore match rifle, designed largely by T.C. Johnson and introduced in 1920. Nicknamed the 'King of the .22's', it dominated American and international smallbore target competition for decades. It features a clean single-stage target trigger (later the adjustable 'Micro-Motion'), the accuracy-enhancing 'Speed-Lock' firing mechanism that cut lock time to under a third of the original, a five-round detachable magazine, and single-loading capability for match use. It was produced through five major lettered design revisions (52 through 52-E) plus a rare Sporter, until 1980.

The Model 52 debuted at the 1919 National Matches before it was even in production, fielded as twelve hand-built guns; its decades-long dominance of smallbore competition earned it the enduring title 'King of the .22's', and Winchester historian Herbert Houze called it 'perfection in design'.

Winchester Model 52 specifications

Weight varies 3.9-5.9kg (9-13lb) across target configurations; Sporter ~3.3kg with 610mm barrel. Total production 125,419 rifles (1920-1980). 52-D and 52-E are commonly single-shot match configurations. Sight radius depends on the aperture target sights fitted.