Winchester Model 72 Sporting Rifle .22 LR Bolt-Action, 25 in Barrel, Tube Magazine, Aperture Sights, Blued/Walnut
The Winchester Model 72 Sporting Rifle is a notable American rimfire from the 1938–1959 era, recognized as Winchester's first tube-fed bolt-action .22. This example features its classic receiver-mounted aperture rear sight, a hooded front sight assembly on a ramp, and a round, tapered 25 in barrel. It bears Winchester oval WP proofs and retains its blued finish over a one-piece walnut stock. With an under-barrel tubular magazine holding up to 15 rounds and a single-screw takedown design, it represents a key Winchester rimfire pattern that was produced without serial numbers, with approximately 161,000 made.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Specific Condition Notes: This firearm is in solid shape. Scratches and blemishes are present throughout, and the blued finish shows consistent pitting. The bore is clean and shiny.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
What's Included
- Winchester Model 72 Sporting Rifle (.22 LR)
Winchester introduced the Model 72 as its first tube-fed bolt-action rimfire, and this Sporting Rifle configuration stays true to that formula with an under-barrel tubular magazine rated for up to 15 rounds of .22 LR. The bolt-action system includes a manual safety and a smooth-face trigger, providing a straightforward, reliable operating setup.
The sighting package is a highlight: a receiver-mounted aperture rear sight with a vertical slide and knurled lock knob pairs with a hooded front sight assembly. Period sources note a typical sight radius of about 28.5 in, supporting precise target alignment with the long 25 in round, tapered barrel.
Construction and finish details include a blued steel receiver and barrel with Winchester oval WP proofs on the barrel and receiver. The rifle uses a single-screw takedown design for convenient maintenance. It retains its one-piece walnut stock with a semi-pistol grip and straight comb, capped by a hard-rubber, checkered buttplate marked with the Winchester Repeating Arms logo.
As a U.S.-made rimfire produced between 1938 and 1959 with approximately 161,000 built, the Model 72 holds clear historical interest. These rifles were not serial-numbered by the factory, aligning with Winchester's practices for the model in that period. A 13.75 in length of pull rounds out the handling dimensions on this classic sporting .22.