remington speedmaster 552 manual
The Remington Speedmaster 552, introduced in 1957, is a semi-automatic rifle designed for ․22 caliber cartridges, offering reliability and accuracy for hunting and target shooting enthusiasts․
1․1 Historical Background and Development
Introduced in 1957, the Remington Speedmaster 552 was designed by engineers L․R․ Crittendon and E․W․ Hailston as a semi-automatic ․22 caliber rifle․ It was crafted to be versatile, firing ․22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle cartridges․ Known for its blowback action, the rifle quickly gained popularity for its reliability and accuracy, becoming a beloved choice for hunting and target shooting, with production continuing for decades․
1․2 Key Features and Design Overview
The Remington Speedmaster 552 features a self-loading, blowback action with a left-side bolt handle, offering a sleek profile․ It accepts ․22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle cartridges, with a magazine capacity of 20 Shorts or 15 Long Rifles․ The rifle includes open sights and a 3/8″ dovetail rail for scope mounting․ Its 25-inch barrel, 42-inch overall length, and 5․5-pound weight make it durable and easy to handle, ideal for plinking, hunting, and target shooting․
The Remington Speedmaster 552 Manual
The manual provides comprehensive guidance on operating, maintaining, and safely handling the firearm, ensuring users understand its features and proper care to maximize performance and longevity․
2․1 Overview of the Manual’s Content
The Remington Speedmaster 552 manual provides detailed instructions on rifle operation, maintenance, and safety․ It includes sections on assembly, disassembly, and troubleshooting, along with diagrams to guide users․ The manual emphasizes proper handling and care to ensure optimal performance․ Additional tips for shooters and a comprehensive parts list are included, making it an essential resource for both new and experienced users․
2․2 Obtaining the Manual (Digital and Print Options)
The Remington Speedmaster 552 manual is accessible in both digital and print formats․ Remington offers free downloads from their official website, ensuring easy access for current and vintage models․ Additionally, reprinted versions are available for purchase online, featuring high-quality scans of original documents․ These options provide shooters with convenient ways to obtain essential information for maintaining and operating their rifle effectively․
Rifle Specifications and Capabilities
The Remington Speedmaster 552 is a semi-automatic ;22 caliber rifle, chambered for Short, Long, and Long Rifle cartridges․ It features a 20-round capacity for ․22 Short, 17 for Long, and 15 for Long Rifle, with a 25-inch barrel and an overall length of 42 inches, weighing approximately 5․5 pounds․ Its blowback action and self-loading mechanism make it ideal for plinking, small-game hunting, and target shooting, offering reliable performance and smooth operation․
3․1 Caliber and Magazine Capacity
The Remington Speedmaster 552 is chambered for ․22 caliber cartridges, including ․22 Short, ․22 Long, and ․22 Long Rifle․ It features a tubular magazine with capacities of 20 rounds for ․22 Short, 17 rounds for ․22 Long, and 15 rounds for ․22 Long Rifle, providing versatility for various shooting applications and ensuring extended shooting sessions without frequent reloads․
3․2 Barrel Length, Weight, and Overall Dimensions
The Remington Speedmaster 552 features a 25-inch barrel, contributing to its accuracy and balance․ The overall length is 42 inches, making it a manageable yet substantial rifle․ Weighing approximately 6․5 pounds, it offers a comfortable weight distribution, enhancing handling and portability for shooters of various skill levels and preferences․
Operational Features
The Remington Speedmaster 552 operates with a blowback action, featuring a self-loading mechanism that ensures smooth and reliable cycling, ideal for consistent performance in various shooting conditions․
4․1 Blowback Action and Self-Loading Mechanism
The Remington Speedmaster 552 utilizes a blowback action, where the bolt is not locked and relies on the cartridge’s recoil to cycle․ This self-loading mechanism allows for seamless shell ejection and chambering of the next round, making it a reliable choice for shooters․ The design ensures smooth operation and consistent performance, ideal for target shooting and hunting small game efficiently․ Its simplicity contributes to minimal maintenance and durability over time․
4․2 Safety Mechanisms and Controls
The Remington Speedmaster 552 features a safety mechanism located on the rifle’s receiver, designed to prevent accidental discharge․ This control ensures the firearm can only fire when intentionally aimed and triggered․ Proper handling and adherence to safety guidelines are emphasized in the manual, aligning with responsible firearm ownership and operation practices to minimize risks and ensure user safety at all times during use․
Maintenance and Care
Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to maintain the Remington Speedmaster 552’s performance․ Proper storage and handling, as outlined in the manual, ensure longevity and reliability․
5․1 Cleaning and Lubrication Guidelines
The Remington Speedmaster 552 requires thorough cleaning after each use to prevent residue buildup․ Use a soft brush and solvent to clean the barrel and action․ Lightly lubricate moving parts with gun oil to ensure smooth operation․ Avoid excessive lubrication to prevent dirt accumulation․ Regular maintenance ensures reliability and extends the rifle’s lifespan․
5․2 Storage and Transportation Recommendations
Store the Remington Speedmaster 552 in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight․ Use a protective case or gun safe to prevent damage and unauthorized access․ Ensure the rifle is unloaded during storage․ For transportation, use a sturdy, padded case to safeguard the firearm․ Always follow local laws and regulations when transporting firearms, and keep them out of reach of children and unauthorized individuals․
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Troubleshooting the Remington Speedmaster 552 involves identifying issues like jamming or feeding problems․ Regular cleaning and lubrication often resolve these․ Inspect the magazine and ensure proper cartridge alignment for reliable operation․
6․1 Identifying and Resolving Jamming Problems
Jamming issues in the Remington Speedmaster 552 often stem from poor maintenance or incorrect cartridge alignment․ Regular cleaning of the chamber and magazine area can prevent fouling․ Ensure cartridges are seated properly in the magazine and that the rifle is lubricated․ If a jam occurs, carefully remove the magazine, eject the round, and check for obstructions․ Consult the manual for detailed disassembly and troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue effectively․
6․2 Diagnosing and Addressing Accuracy Concerns
Accuracy issues with the Remington Speedmaster 552 often arise from improper scope mounting or barrel damage․ Ensure the 3/8 dovetail rail is secure and the scope is properly aligned․ Regularly clean the barrel and inspect for wear․ Test different ․22 cartridges to find optimal performance․ Adjust the rear sight for windage and elevation, and verify the front sight alignment․ Consult the manual for detailed sighting-in procedures to enhance precision and reliability․
Accessories and Customization
The Remington Speedmaster 552 supports various accessories, including scope mounts and aftermarket modifications, allowing users to enhance functionality and personalize their rifle for specific shooting needs and preferences․
7․1 Scope Mounting and Sighting Options
The Remington Speedmaster 552 features a 3/8″ dovetail rail, allowing easy installation of scopes for improved accuracy․ Shooters can choose from various mounting systems, ensuring compatibility with different optics․ The rifle’s design accommodates both traditional and modern sighting options, making it versatile for target shooting and hunting․ Proper mounting ensures optimal performance, enhancing the rifle’s inherent accuracy and reliability․
7․2 Available Aftermarket Modifications
The Remington Speedmaster 552 can be customized with various aftermarket modifications, including upgraded stocks, triggers, and muzzle devices․ Shooters can enhance performance and aesthetics with compatibility with the rifle’s blowback action․ Modifications like tactical rails, custom sights, and ergonomic grips are also available, allowing users to tailor the rifle to their preferences for improved functionality and personalization․
Comparison with Other Remington Models
The Remington Speedmaster 552 stands out among other models like the Model 572, sharing similar reliability but differing in design and features, each catering to specific shooter preferences․
8․1 Similarities and Differences with the Model 572
The Remington Speedmaster 552 and Model 572 share the same ․22 caliber and design philosophy, both renowned for their reliability and durability․ While the 572 features a tubular magazine and a slightly heavier build, the 552 is celebrated for its versatility, sleek profile, and ease of use, making it a favorite for plinking and small-game hunting․ Each model caters to different shooter preferences, ensuring a wide range of applications․
8․2 Historical Context and Market Position
Introduced in 1957, the Remington Speedmaster 552 was designed by L․R․ Crittendon and E․W․ Hailston, quickly gaining popularity for its reliability and versatility in ․22 caliber shooting․ Its sleek design and affordability made it a favorite for plinking, small-game hunting, and target shooting․ Over six decades in production, the Speedmaster 552 has solidified its reputation as a timeless, accessible firearm, cherished by generations of shooters․
Collector’s Value and Historical Significance
The Remington Speedmaster 552 holds significant collector value due to its historical production run and enduring popularity as a reliable, versatile ․22 caliber rifle design․
9․1 Rarity and Demand in the Market
The Remington Speedmaster 552, while not rare due to its long production run, maintains steady demand among collectors and shooters․ Its reliability and versatility in firing ․22 cartridges make it a sought-after piece․ Specific variants, such as the BDL model with the NRA logo, are particularly prized, contributing to its enduring market value and collectibility․
9․2 Historical Production Numbers and Variants
Produced since 1957, the Remington Speedmaster 552 has seen various iterations, including the deluxe BDL model featuring a walnut stock and NRA logo․ While exact production numbers aren’t disclosed, its long manufacturing run and multiple configurations highlight its popularity and adaptability, making it a staple in Remington’s lineup with enduring appeal among shooters and collectors alike․
User Reviews and Feedback
Users praise the Remington Speedmaster 552 for its reliability and accuracy․ Many appreciate its smooth operation and versatility for various shooting applications․ Some note the manual could be more detailed, while others commend its durability and ease of maintenance over the years․
10․1 Shooter Impressions and Experiences
Shooters often commend the Remington Speedmaster 552 for its reliability and smooth operation․ Many highlight its accuracy and versatility for plinking, target shooting, and small-game hunting․ Users appreciate its lightweight design and easy handling, making it a favorite among both novice and experienced shooters․ The rifle’s ability to cycle reliably with various ․22 cartridges is frequently praised․ Some shooters note that the manual provides clear guidance, enhancing their shooting experience․
10․2 Common Praise and Criticisms
The Remington Speedmaster 552 is often praised for its reliability, accuracy, and affordability, making it a popular choice for plinking and small-game hunting․ Critics occasionally note its slightly heavier weight compared to other ․22 rifles and the fixed magazine tube, which can make reloading less convenient․ Despite this, its durability and smooth operation have solidified its reputation as a dependable firearm for shooters of all skill levels․
Legal and Safety Considerations
Always follow firearm safety guidelines, ensuring proper handling and storage․ Adhere to local laws regarding ownership and use of the Remington Speedmaster 552․
11․1 Firearm Safety Guidelines
Always treat the rifle as loaded, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and ensure the safety is engaged until ready to shoot․ Store the firearm unloaded in a secure location, out of reach of children․ Wear eye and ear protection when shooting․ Follow proper handling techniques and avoid altering the rifle’s safety mechanisms․ Regular maintenance ensures reliable operation, as outlined in the Remington Speedmaster 552 manual․
11․2 Legal Restrictions and Ownership Requirements
Ownership of the Remington Speedmaster 552 requires adherence to federal, state, and local firearm laws․ Buyers must pass background checks and meet age requirements․ Some jurisdictions may impose additional restrictions on semi-automatic rifles․ Ensure compliance with all legal standards, including proper storage and transportation, to avoid penalties․ Always verify local regulations before purchasing or transferring ownership of the firearm․
The Remington Speedmaster 552 remains a timeless choice for shooters, blending reliability, accuracy, and affordability․ Its enduring popularity underscores its value as both a functional and collectible firearm․
12․1 Summary of the Rifle’s Legacy
The Remington Speedmaster 552, introduced in 1957, has left a lasting impact as a reliable and accurate semi-automatic rifle․ Its ability to chamber ․22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle cartridges made it versatile for hunting and target shooting․ With a sturdy design and comprehensive manual, it has become a favorite among collectors and shooters, ensuring its legacy as a durable and trusted firearm for generations․
12․2 Final Thoughts on Ownership and Use
Owning the Remington Speedmaster 552 offers a blend of reliability, accuracy, and timeless design․ Its versatility with ․22 cartridges makes it ideal for both casual shooting and hunting․ Regular maintenance, as outlined in the manual, ensures optimal performance․ The rifle’s durability and historical significance add to its appeal, making it a cherished possession for collectors and shooters alike, while its ease of use suits both newcomers and experienced enthusiasts․
