Make: Made by Miroku of Japan for Winchester

Model: 52 Sporter

Serial Number: BS1790

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1993

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle, Detachable Magazine, Adjustable Trigger

Barrel Length: 24"

Sights/Optics: There is no provision for iron sights on this rifle. The receiver is drilled and tapped with two-piece Burris bases and engraved rings holding a Leupold M8 4x scope with duplex reticle. The scope has some light wear in the body with clear glass.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut with ebony capped forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb with cheekpiece, checkered steel Winchester buttplate and sling mounts front and rear with QD swivels installed. The stock has a few scattered minor marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has a few minor marks. Overall, the stock is in Fine-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The action shows minor operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions properly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This rifle includes a single 5-round magazine and the installed scope.

Our Assessment: "The piece de resistance of all sporting rifles. It's a diamond in a field of chipped glass, the rifle for the connoisseur" said Esquire magazine. Field & Stream named the 52 Sporter one of the "50 Best Guns Ever Made" calling it "unrivalled in beauty and accuracy". Understandably, the Sporter represented only a small percentage of Model 52s produced between 1934 and its discontinuation in 1959, it is today the most collectible of all 52 variants and a good Sporter will generally bring double or more the price of a comparable Target. This is a Japanese reproduction of the 52 Sporter made by Miroku for Winchester ca. 1993. Like its progenitor, this rifle is handsome and well-built, the craftsman at Miroku obviously put a lot of love into these. If the original is out of reach, this version may be the way to go. The rifle shows little sign of use and comes equipped with a nice Leupold scope, perfect for any collection or for taking out to the range or in the field. Good luck and happy bidding!