The History of the Winchester Model 52 Bolt Action 22 Rifle | MidwayUSA Gunsmithing

[@corrioliseffect]

I own a 1992 era Browning model 52C Sporter, made by Miroku, Japan. Only 5,000 were made. It was my first firearm. Once I brought it home in 1993, I realized the thing was so beautiful, I didn't want to shoot it. The blued surfaces of the barrel and receiver are so incredible, that when I aimed it at the wall in my bedroom, looking down the barrel (no sights), the barrel would disappear into the walls; that's how reflective it is. My mom purchased the limited edition 2-piece model 52 base and rings pictured on the rifle in the July, 1992 Shooting Times article by Rick Jamison. Those I believe were about $80 together, and I think they were made by Leupold. I was 15 at the time. I still own the rifle today, and I've never fired it! Mine is the only one I've ever seen.

[@nickdipaolofan5948]

That’s a hell of a first rifle!! It is a shame you haven’t shot it all these years but I am sure you enjoy owning it like a fine piece of art. I bought an already used Browning 52 and it is by far my most accurate gun.

[@Drewallen86]

Grew up shooting a 52 C. Absolutely one of the finest target rifles ever made.

[@raycarl7933]

Just brought one home, doing my homework. Didn’t need it but couldn’t live without it especially at the price I got it for.

[@kyleparish5773]

Yup, I have a model 52 circa 1932, shoots like a dream.

[@prayfortruejustice]

The History of the Winchester 22LR... This was one of the most accurate rifles ever built and imagine back then in America you could even find and purchase 22LR ammunition to actually load it and go shooting. They called it "plinking" in those days. It's a great story to tell your Grand kids.

[@jeffroach9413]

I was able to make a trade for a Winchester 52 made in 1935. The stock has been cut down and reshaped, which I wish somebody had left alone. I put an Athlon 10x40x50 Argos BTR scope on and hit the range with some Lapua CenterX, Polar Biathlon, Eley Match, RWS, Norma Match22 and had a blast! The Lapua CenterX and Polar Biathlon was the most accurate shooting 5 shot groups less than 1/2" (with a .334" group being the best) consistently at 100 yards! I was awestruck and cant wait to push on out to 200 yards and beyond. Just an amazing .22 rifle, the Winchester 52.

[@Bayan1905]

I have a pre-64 Model 52B sporting model that I am caretaking for, I have shot this gun only a couple of times because I don't like taking it out of the safe. It's the most beautiful .22 rifle I have ever seen or held.

[@gaildimick1831]

I have a Model C and it is awesome and “mint shape”. Thanks for your video, nice History Lesson?

[@mickeycruz912]

Great Video , Thank You Larry. I just picked up a 52B, #49XXX and looking forward to punching little holes in Paper.

[@DCBird13]

I have a 1923 Winchester Model 52 with a Winchester A5 scope, it's a pleasure to shoot. Winchester did it right, both the rifle and scope.

[@ktaylor93414]

Great video Larry, I would enjoy a similar one on Remington 37's and 40x varieties !

[@ibrahim10910]

Very good post. Very informative. Thank you.

[@carterstaekwondo268]

going through the model E now, and wish it were put together from the factory as well as the D I worked on recently . The D was bedded and perfect from factory i believe. The E had an improperly ground down forearm barrel tunner, and the front pillar was too short And not even touching the receiver. they just didn't even try on the E I'm working on. We'll see how it shoots this morning however! took almost a month to bed and go through. took 3 days for the D

[@paulsimmons5726]

The fact that Winchester always had brilliant designs and first rate craftsmanship and yet still managed to go belly up should speak volumes about their leadership, or lack thereof. The Model 52 is a great shooting rifle, too bad Winchesters aren't "Made in America" any more. PS (2Yrs Later) - I recently picked up one of the Japanese 52's from a guy who was liquidating his father's estate. I paid the lower end of present market value and am happy to say that this rifle is crazy accurate. This rifle is marked "Made in Japan. Imported to New Haven, CT." It appears to be one of the first Japanese 52's and it's as well made as any older US 52 I've ever seen. The bluing is deep and the wood to metal fittings are as tight as the Inca stoneworks. The coolest part is the trigger, possibly the best trigger I've ever felt. Overall, it's a fantastic rifle and I may need to reevaluate my estimation of the Japanese Winchesters!

[@Mr_goneV2]

Sir I have winchester model 69 still working very very accurate

[@JohnLoganMcKee03]

Great. Good history lesson, very interesting.

[@kyleparish5773]

I have a mod 52 circa 1932 and it is a shooter!

[@tominva4121]

Are you sure about the 750 examples of Winchester 52Ds? I have two in the safe, as well as a 52E. Received when I used to volunteer for the CMP.

[@jerryw6699]

Sounds to me like they still belong to the the CMP

[@dehoyosrudolph8885]

I just bought a type A today, looking forward to trying it out, the serial number is 18xxx.

[@GunBigotHater]

Thank you for that information, Larry. I saw these rifles in use at Carlise Military School in the early 70's. I was mystified at how nearly every shot by our rifle team was a bullseye! I was a year too young to try. At another school, Fishburne Military School, the standards were different and I was still a year too young. The next time I saw one was 1988, a safe queen, owned by a man who wouldn't sell it. They were the epitome of what I thought a match rifle should be. Perhaps I'll get to finally shoot one before my arthritis takes over, and I won't be able to heft it. Thanks again!

[@jasonmontanye1072]

I never knew that so little of the winchesters 52D were made. When I was in high school around 20 years ago my high school had a shooting team. Luck have it my grandfather who was president of a shooting club knew of a man who had a winchester 52D which he had no use for. I was told that he would sell it to me for $350.00 it included everything from a 20 power lyman scope, tube sites, butt plate and some other things. So I saved every little penny and bought it. Though I sold the scope to my coach which I can kick myself for selling it but, when your a kid you don't think of thoughs things. In thoughs days I just needed money but, I am so glad I still have the gun and everything else. Now I am happy to say I can pass the gun onto either my son or daughter. I would like for my children to get into target shooting so they can use the gun but, don't know who to talk to in my area. I am looking to replace the scope that I did sell if I can find one for the right price. Question how much do you think the gun is worth the gun is in terrific condition? The stock I have not seen another like it. It has a place for fingers and hole to put thumb through.

[@hopefloats7573]

I know this is an old post but did you go to SLUH? I remember shooting 52Ds. Didn't know anything about them except I always expected to hit the bullseye.

[@susanlancaster9576]

Can you please post a video on how to replace the safety on a Winchester 52.

[@mikejensen-fogt4662]

I didn't know about these rifles... ill be keeping my eyes out for one at gun shows :)

[@geradebowden3293]

I doubt you will find one.

[@joeguzman3558]

In the 1930s the depression affecting evry American company winchester had to let go 60%of the employees they kept only the very best and told them to work slowly -so you have the best workers taking their time _one worker did a rifle from beginning to end at winchester no computers only machine and brains -the results the best winchester rifles ever made .

[@garyhammond2213]

My favorite rimfire. Wish Midway would carry extra mags. Brownells carries the Wisner reproduction mags which are supposed to be pretty good. I have some but have not used them yet.

[@MrEmarioyoshibro]

After sighting in at 60 feet, I could easily cover 5 shots with a nickel kzbin.infoUgkxQt2uORDRfFOVSrO4idv4B90ThT6EOnEL ! Truly a pleasure to shoot! Scope was easy to adjust for eye relief. Only problem the varmints must have seen it delivered lol!Update: So impressed with shot groups at 30 yards I purchased a Hammers 3×9 with adjustable Objective scope! Now a true nail driver!

[@daveybass655]

I like the original. With bolt cockin upon closin. I like that scoped one too.

[@daveybass655]

That sporterized is tits too !

[@andregross7420]

Winchester needs to remake the 52, and do it right.

[@aaravraylan5253]

I know I am quite randomly asking but does anybody know of a good website to watch new series online ?

[@nickolasgus2711]

@Aarav Raylan I would suggest Flixzone. You can find it on google :)

[@tobymiller8508]

@Nickolas Gus Yea, I have been watching on flixzone for years myself :D

[@aaravraylan5253]

@Nickolas Gus Thanks, I signed up and it seems to work :D I really appreciate it!

[@nickolasgus2711]

@Aarav Raylan happy to help :)

[@thomashaley5284]

Larry, those 52's are really cool. One is on my bucket list since I work for Winchester ammo. My problem at the moment is finding steel 5 round clips for a Remington 541-S. I inherited one as of late, and plastic hanging out the bottom of it is a sin. Please help!

[@jergensenC6]

Great video, very informative.

[@Aint1S]

I love these history videos with the best private collections ever... what else could he show us that we will drool over for the next two weeks? I want one, but I may settle for the 1894 in 45-70. I would love the 1895 in 7.62x54r, that's an interesting marriage!

[@robpennington9237]

love this channel larry! super informative and educational! I have a Remington model 341. would you have any information about that model? i also have questions about the action and a problem with the extractor. it works very sporadically. maybe a video on how to disassemble the bolt would be nice too.

[@Stoney429b]

great, now I want one.

[@goonerdotcom]

Why the hell do I listen to these awesome presentations. Now I want one too !!!

[@223dmr7]

I have a Western Field 58 semi automatic I need a magazine for it. have any ideas where I can find one?

[@airgreek]

EXCELLENT video

[@Xelbiuj]

He's Larry Potterfield, and that's the way it was.

[@saretrob]

Great video. Thanks!

[@rls303]

Great rifles/info, Thanks

[@armedtexan7023]

Thanks Larry..

[@WojciechP915]

From the video I noticed it looks like it doesn't have locking lugs besides the bolt handle. Is that so?

[@charleskeith8380]

you forgot to mention the browning model 52

[@shooterx-1512]

I have a model 52 Winchester that was made around 1995 or 96 I bought it new it is marked model 52 on the barrel but it was made in Japan the quality looks excellent The gun is an excellent shooter do you know how many were made and what kind of value they would have today mine is in excellent condition and I have the box any information or comments would be appreciated thank you I just wished it was American made🏁

[@tannerman6851]

Hello, I was not sure on this one. With 22 diffrent models of the 52, pin pointing it was not easy. Yet, Japan gave it away without question. The only Winchester 52 made in Miroku Japan in the 90s was the Model 52B Sporter (1993 Re-issue). It was produced from 1993-2002. As for the price, brand new MSRP: $1,100, if you took care it $800 for 90% condition. If you really just beat the living snot out of It, 60% $450. Also, guns made in Japan are typically higher quality from FN, Browning, and Winchester alike. I hope this helped!

[@bigrobcanuck]

These reproductions were made by Miroku in Japan. Browning had about 5,000 made 1991-1992, and Winchester had about 10,000 made 1992-1998. Value depends on condition of course, but $1000+ seems the rule. Yours being in excellent condition and with the original box would no doubt be much more.

[@wrcoe]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@ronaldbeatty9423]

Q/A Do you know anything about the Harrington and Richardson Sportster 22cal rifle model 250. I need a clip for it and if you do how much will it cost?

[@woodenbeast9337]

I have a 72a that needs a bolt any help?

[@TeensierPython]

Wish I had one. Could never afford one when they were available. I have a CZ 452. So I’m at least a bit closer.

[@jerhalco]

You are completely wrong on the D and E numbers. Houze was talking about the international models as far as amount built not numbers in total for D and E models.

[@comodice905]

Great vid bl9ke

[@fja4301]

please confirm if you think this is accurate. Winchester model 52 target rifles, the 52D is the 2nd rarest of all 52 models with only 17200 made . The rarest of all 52 target rifles is the 52E model with only 3,442 manufactured. Yes, the 52D uses the "Micro-Motion" trigger.

[@tominva4121]

I thought his figures of 750 52Ds and 40 52Es sounded a little low. I have examples of both in exc. shape in my safe.

[@fja4301]

@@tominva4121 when i was about 14 I was shooting competitively in juniors around the state of fl. I bought a 52D for 95.00 and still have it today, Redfield iron sites & 20 X Lyman scoop with the pistol grip stock. I saved a 100yd target that had 10 shots all going thru the same hole from the prone position. The gun looks like it came out of the box from Winchester yesterday.😀

[@Ben_not_10]

I will say I had to do a double take. At first when I saw the accuracy table I thought “1.25 inches at 100 yards is good but not great by todays standards 😂.” But I realized I misread 200 for 100 and that means by 1937 (with ammunition and manufacturing qualities of that time) the 52 was a sub MOA gun.

[@williampeoples4478]

I have a model 52 with a Al freeland metal case and stock accessories plus could be? Can any one tell me about my gun. Redfield Olympic sights. Thanks

[@bobmeier8072]

+William Peoples What is it your looking to find out? I shoot smallbore and have ran across many of them. Which one do you have( is there a letter after the serial# ?)?

[@yeahbee8237]

1,25 at 200 yards? MOA? with open sights? that is pretty good

[@Bayan1905]

I have a Sporter version of the Model 52B that was made in the late 1950's and this thing at 25 yards will compete with a Remington bolt action with a scope. It's scary to see how accurate the Model 52 is.

[@BeadsbyNicole]

I’ll keep my Anschutz, thanks.

[@3ducs]

Because it's either/or, right? You know you can have and appreciate both.

[@nickdipaolofan5948]

They are still making Anschutz. Although expensive, you can buy one any day of the week. Winchester 52's and other classics are not being made anymore. I'd love to have one of each, but I'd probably take a mint 52 first if I had the chance because I may never have the chance again.

[@srspower]

Wasn't changing it to cock when opening rather than closing a step backward in terms of safety? I think the old Lee Enfield .303's cock on closing.

[@Bent099]

srspower the SMLE does and doesn't. Technically it does cock on opening the bolt, not during the unlocking movement. Once you get the action open a few inches (to where the hammer is past the sear) if you push it ahead the hammer is held back.

[@godsmx3]

I loved the video but your information is incomplete .... there is an entire group of 52 E models that dont seem to be covered anywhere .... i have a 52 E international match with all the freeland assories.... what hapened to them?

[@wolfy9549]

0:42 enjoy 😉

[@joeguzman3558]

Today only one company do that kind of work CZ

[@nodresiak]

+Joe Guzman No offense but the quality of older Winchesters is much better than anything CZ puts out today. I owned several 452 rifles and while they are insanely accurate they in no way shape or form are as nice as a 52 sporter plus the triggers are much nicer on a 52.

[@joeguzman3558]

nodresiak yes you right the old winchester rifles are better

[@Harleysandguns]

I've got both and it's hard to tell which is more accurate

[@paulvenn4447]

Anschultz...

[@3ducs]

@@paulvenn4447 "AnschuLtz"? OK...

[@paullavallee1631]

A lot better than the plastic junk they are peddling today

[@johnchambers427]

That was back when companies took pride in what they produced. It's sure not like that today. It's all about prophet today.

[@woodenbeast9337]

anyone here to help for a 72a

[@IssamuradmohamadNuman]

😂ASC8995T52002ASE😂

[@IssamuradmohamadNuman]

😂ASE8995T52002ASE😂

[@krysks04]

Your videos are great. :)