Winchester Model 52 Sporter

About the Winchester Model 52 Sporter

The Winchester Model 52 Sporter is a .22 LR bolt-action sporting rifle, a lightweight hunting-configured version of the celebrated Model 52 smallbore target rifle. Introduced in 1934, it paired the accurate Model 52 target action with a lighter 24-inch tapered barrel, a finely figured walnut stock with pistol grip, high comb, cheekpiece and hand checkering, and a Lyman 48-F receiver aperture sight. Feeding from a five-round detachable box magazine, the Sporter combined match-grade accuracy with field-carry weight of about 7.25 pounds. Produced only in small numbers before being discontinued in the late 1950s, it is today one of the most sought-after collectible Winchester rimfire rifles.

The Sporter grew out of a personal Model 52 remodeled by a gunsmith for a friend of a Winchester executive in 1931; the elegant result led Winchester to develop a factory sporting version, prized ever since as the finest expression of the 'King of the .22's'.

Winchester Model 52 Sporter specifications

The Sporter represented only a small fraction of total Model 52 production, making original examples highly collectible. Weight roughly 3.29 kg (7.25 lb) versus the heavier target versions. Chambered in .22 Long Rifle.