Winchester Model 52
Winchester Repeating Arms · Rifle · Discontinued · 1920
Also known as: King of the .22's
Overview
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.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4500 g (158.7 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4513 g (159.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1162 mm (45.75") |
| Barrel Length | 711 mm (27.99") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 29 N (6.5 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 330 m/s (1083 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 141 J (104 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine, Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Match Grade Barrel, Speed Lock Mechanism, Adjustable Target Trigger, Single Loading Capable, Drilled And Tapped Receiver, Walnut Target Stock
Variants
- Winchester Model 52-B — Refined Action
- Winchester Model 52-C — Micro Motion Trigger
- Winchester Model 52-D — Single Shot Match
- Winchester Model 52 Sporter — Sporting Rifle
Service history
Operators
- United States competitive and military marksmanship programs
Production
Estimated total produced: 125,419 · Production years: 1920-1980
125,419 rifles total; peak production in the mid-1950s; ultimately too costly to hand-build
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: T.C. Johnson
Discontinued: 1980
Notes
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.
Background
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'.