Remington Speedmaster 552 price?

[Magnuumpwr]

I have an opportunity to purchase a Remington speed master 552 in 97 - 99% condition for $250 from an individual (older gentleman). Is this a decent price? I have not fired the gun but he assures me that it functions flawlessly with 22 short, long, and long rifle. And just for clarification (to not discuss it) assurances are kin to assuming!

 

[slumlord44]

In that condition I would jump on it. Nice ones bring that much. This one sounds a lot better than nice.

 

[MachIVshooter]

If its clean, its worth that easily.

he assures me that it functions flawlessly with 22 short, long, and long rifle.

Expect issues with shorts. I've seen plenty of these that run great with long and LR, but none were "flawless" with shorts. It takes a dedicated short gun (or revolver) to achieve that

 

[Magnuumpwr]

Mach, he might have said it functions flawlessly (long & long rifle) and I just added in short.

Is there anything to be aware of about these guns or what to look for when handling it before buying?

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I would already own it.

 

[stonecutter2]

I owned one and had a lot of fun plinking with it. The only thing about mine was it had a knack for getting brass stuck in that shield that partially covers the ejection port. Not a big deal. Also someone had almost stripped the takedown screw so you had to tighten it just right or it'd just spin.

Nice looking rifle, I'd go for it!

 

[fiddleharp]

I noticed a quote about left-handed people in your posts.
Are you a left-handed shooter? If so, I would urge caution when shooting a 552, even with the shell deflector in place.
A few years ago, an elderly neighbor offered to sell me his Speedmaster and let me go test fire it. It was in great shape, but lacked a shell deflector.
Intuition told me to wear shooting glasses, and man, I'm sure glad I did!
That first shot blasted the right side of my face with hot, gritty gas and powder residue. If not for the glasses, my right eye would have been injured.
A few more shots convinced me to give this rifle back with a "Thanks, but no thanks!"

 

[Magnuumpwr]

Fiddleharp, correct on being left handed. That issue never crossed my mind. Thanks for the input all.

 

[Fishbed77]

Sounds like a great deal, considering how expensive new Speedmasters are, and how new Remington quality can't touch old Remington quality.

 

[Sniper66]

I've been watching this model for awhile...a friend wants one. This is VERY GOOD DEAL.

 

[Txhillbilly]

I noticed a quote about left-handed people in your posts.
Are you a left-handed shooter? If so, I would urge caution when shooting a 552, even with the shell deflector in place.
A few years ago, an elderly neighbor offered to sell me his Speedmaster and let me go test fire it. It was in great shape, but lacked a shell deflector.
Intuition told me to wear shooting glasses, and man, I'm sure glad I did!
That first shot blasted the right side of my face with hot, gritty gas and powder residue. If not for the glasses, my right eye would have been injured.
A few more shots convinced me to give this rifle back with a "Thanks, but no thanks!"

I shoot LH,and have never had any issues with my 552 or any other RH semi auto rifle. Yes,you will get some blowback in your face,but wearing the proper shooting safety gear - Safety Glasses -you will never have any problems.

 

[earlthegoat2]

There is one at my LGS with $499 on the tag and this shop is known for fair prices.

 

[Magnuumpwr]

He sold it yesterday morning. Not buying it then and there allowed someone else to do it!

 

[fiddleharp]

Well, don't feel too bad about losing out on that buy. In order to clean a 552, you've got to remove the barrel from the receiver. Whatta pain! Also, the action doesn't stay open after the last shot, and you can't keep it open manually to access the chamber for cleaning. That's a pain too.
The charging handle is on the left side, running in a slit past the forearm. As a left-handed shooter, your fingertips will be dangerously close to that flying charging handle. Ouch!
Separating the barrel from the receiver over and over again will eventually cause a loose fit. If you scope it, your scope won't be able to hold its zero because the receiver and barrel wiggle a bit.
And because the receiver is aluminum, it's ridiculously easy to collect scratches, especially when you're removing and re-installing that maddenly tight-fitting piece of metal in the bottom, just ahead of the trigger guard.
Too many negatives with this rifle to suit me, especially as a left-handed shooter.
You'll find a better rifle someday.

 

[Fishbed77]

In order to clean a 552, you've got to remove the barrel from the receiver. Whatta pain!

My father has owned a 552 for about 30 years now and we have never removed the barrel to clean it.

Just hold the bolt open, clean around inside the receiver and chamber, and run a few patches down the barrel. Use an air compressor to blow excess oil/crud out of the receiver and trigger group.

It runs just fine. It's a neat reminder of a time when Remington made quality firearms.