Make: Winchester
Model: 52C Target
Serial Number: 94903C
Year of Manufacture: 1956 / ATF Classification: C&R
Caliber/Gauge: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Bolt action, accepts detachable magazines
Barrel Length: 28" heavy barrel profile (1" at the receiver and 0.875" at the muzzle)
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a Redfield Olympic Globe sight screwed into the barrel. The rear sight is a fully adjustable Redfield Olympic aperture screwed into the left side of the receiver. There are two pairs of taps in the barrel for mounting an optic, though none is present.
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is one piece wood with a semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and a checkered metal buttplate. The buttplate has light edge wear. The furniture shows pressure dings, scratches, and drag lines. There is a sling swivel attached to the forend accessory rail, the rear swivel has been removed. LOP measures 13.25" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are no chips or cracks. The furniture rates in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp with light fouling. There is very light erosion at the muzzle end of the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its original metal finish. There is heavy freckling on the receiver and right side of the barrel. Edge wear and scattered scratches are also present. The screw heads show light tooling and retain turnable slots. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The bolt and magazine are missing, so the action cannot be function tested. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Shooters mat / bag, NO MAGAZINE OR BOLT INCLUDED
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 52 is widely regarded as one of the finest American .22 caliber target rifles ever produced. Introduced in 1919, the Model 52 was designed for competitive shooting and remained in production through several generations, with the Model 52C representing the postwar target rifle improvements produced during the 1950s. The Model 52C featured Winchester’s refined target action, heavy barrel, adjustable target sights, and precision stock configuration, making it a dominant rifle in competitive smallbore shooting during its era. This example, serial number 94903C, was manufactured in 1956 and is configured with a 28" heavy target barrel, Redfield Olympic Globe front sight, and Redfield Olympic aperture rear sight.
This rifle retains about 85% of its original blued finish, with heavy freckling on the receiver and right side of the barrel, along with edge wear and scattered scratches. The one-piece target stock remains in Very Good condition with scattered pressure dings, scratches, and drag lines, but no chips or cracks. The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling and light fouling, with very light erosion near the muzzle, rating 9/10. The rifle includes desirable Redfield Olympic target sights and a shooter’s mat/bag, but the original bolt and magazine are missing, preventing function testing and significantly affecting completeness. The markings remain clear and complete, and the rifle retains many of the desirable features associated with the Model 52C Target. Overall, this Winchester Model 52C rates in Very Good condition as a C&R target rifle. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!
