Winchester Model 52 Sporter
Winchester Repeating Arms · Rifle · Discontinued · 1934
Also known as: Winchester Model 52 Sporting Rifle, Model 52 Sporting
Overview
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.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3289 g (116.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3302 g (116.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1041 mm (40.98") |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| 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: Lightweight Sporter Barrel, Figured Walnut Stock, Pistol Grip, Cheekpiece, High Comb, Hand Checkering, Lyman 48f Aperture Sight, Speed Lock Mechanism
Base model
Service history
Operators
- United States civilian sportsmen and target shooters
Production
Production years: 1934-1959
Small-volume sporting variant within the broader 1920-1980 Model 52 production run of ~125,000 rifles
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Thomas Crossley Johnson
Discontinued: 1959
Notes
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.
Background
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'.