Remington Model 552 Speedmaster First-Year Production .22 LR Semi-Automatic Rifle
This Remington Model 552 Speedmaster is a first-year production example from August 1957, identifiable by its barrel date code “WD” and early receiver without scope grooves. Built to cycle .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle interchangeably, it features a 23-inch steel barrel, blued finish, and walnut furniture. Its early production status and long service life of the 552 line make this rifle notable to both shooters and collectors.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair – Extensive signs of prior use and handling. Rifle is in functional condition with widespread scratching, blemishing, and pitting.
Bore Condition: Fair – Generally clean with some residue, slight corrosion, and worn rifling showing a slight loss of definition.
What’s Included
- Remington Model 552 Speedmaster rifle
Introduced in 1957, the Model 552 Speedmaster quickly earned a reputation for reliable cycling of all three common .22 rimfire cartridge lengths. This early example retains that tri-purpose chambering, offering flexibility for varied range sessions or small-game roles.
The 23-inch steel barrel wears the original blued finish and is stamped with U.S. Patent 2,675,638, underscoring its place at the start of the Speedmaster lineage. The barrel date code “WD” confirms August 1957 production, placing it in the very first months of manufacture.
A walnut straight-comb stock and matching forend provide classic Remington lines. Both pieces remain un-checkered as per early production standards, giving a clean, utilitarian appearance while keeping weight balanced.
The steel receiver lacks factory scope grooves, a feature found only on the earliest 552 rifles before Remington added grooved tops later in the run. Iron sights consist of a pinned front bead on a ramp and a drift-adjustable rear leaf with elevator for precise elevation changes.
Mechanically, the blowback-operated action feeds from a 15-round tubular magazine and is secured with a cross-bolt safety. The 13.5-inch length of pull suits most adult shooters and maintains the rifle’s well-known fast-handling feel.