The Remington Speedmaster 552 is a semi-automatic‚ ․22 caliber rifle known for its reliability and free-floating barrel design․ Introduced in 1957‚ it remains popular among shooters due to its durability and accuracy․ This manual provides comprehensive guidance on operation‚ maintenance‚ and troubleshooting‚ ensuring safe and effective use of this iconic firearm․
1․1 Historical Background and Development
Introduced in 1957‚ the Remington Speedmaster 552 was developed as a reliable semi-automatic ․22 caliber rifle․ Designed to mirror the centerfire Model 742‚ it featured a free-floating barrel and durable construction․ Its creation catered to hunters and sport shooters‚ emphasizing accuracy and versatility․ Over decades‚ it has remained popular‚ with variants like the 552C and Gallery Special‚ showcasing its enduring appeal and adaptability․
1․2 Key Features and Design Overview
The Remington Speedmaster 552 features a semi-automatic action with a free-floating barrel for enhanced accuracy․ Its lightweight design and ergonomic stock ensure comfortable handling․ The rifle operates with a tubular magazine‚ offering reliable feeding․ Available in various models‚ including the 552C with a 21-inch barrel‚ it accommodates different shooting preferences․ Durable construction and minimal recoil make it ideal for both novice and experienced shooters․
Specifications and Variants
The Remington Speedmaster 552 is chambered in ․22 LR‚ with variants including the 552C carbine and Gallery Special․ It features a 21-inch barrel and tubular magazine‚ weighing approximately 5․5 pounds․
2․1 Caliber and Barrel Length Options
The Remington Speedmaster 552 is chambered in ․22 Long Rifle (LR)‚ offering versatility for various shooting applications․ Barrel lengths include a standard 23-inch and a shorter 21-inch option for the 552C carbine model․ The rifle’s design accommodates ․22 Short‚ Long‚ and Long Rifle cartridges‚ making it adaptable for target shooting‚ hunting‚ and recreational use․ Its free-floating barrel enhances accuracy and consistency․
2․2 Weight and Dimensions
The Remington Speedmaster 552 weighs approximately 5․5 pounds without a scope‚ making it lightweight and easy to handle․ Its overall length is about 41 inches‚ with a 23-inch barrel․ The 552C carbine variant features a shorter 21-inch barrel‚ reducing its length slightly․ The rifle’s balanced design enhances portability and accuracy‚ making it suitable for both younger shooters and experienced users․
2․3 Available Models (e․g․‚ 552C‚ Gallery Special)
The Remington Speedmaster 552 is offered in several variants‚ including the 552C Carbine with a 21-inch barrel for compact handling and the Gallery Special‚ chambered exclusively for ․22 Short cartridges․ Additionally‚ a 150th Anniversary Edition was produced to celebrate Remington’s heritage․ Each model retains the rifle’s core features while catering to specific preferences and shooting scenarios․
Safety Guidelines and Precautions
Always treat the rifle as loaded‚ keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction‚ and wear eye protection․ Ensure proper handling and follow loading procedures carefully․
3․1 General Safety Tips for Handling the Rifle
Always treat the Remington Speedmaster 552 as if it were loaded․ Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and avoid touching the trigger until ready to shoot․ Wear protective eyewear and ensure the area is clear of obstacles; Never handle the rifle when fatigued or under the influence of alcohol․ Regularly inspect the firearm for damage or wear․
3․2 Proper Storage and Transportation
Store the Remington Speedmaster 552 in a dry‚ secure location‚ ideally in a locked cabinet or safe․ Use a protective case to prevent scratches and damage during transport․ Always store the rifle unloaded‚ separating ammunition from the firearm․ Comply with local laws regarding firearm storage and transportation‚ and consider using a locking container for added security․
Operating the Rifle
Operating the Remington Speedmaster 552 involves loading‚ chambering‚ and firing safely․ Always ensure the rifle is unloaded when not in use․ Follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents and maintain control during firing․ Practice proper handling techniques to ensure accuracy and reliability‚ making it a versatile choice for both novice and experienced shooters․
4․1 Loading and Chambering a Round
Load the Remington Speedmaster 552 by inserting ․22 caliber rounds into the magazine․ Ensure the rifle is pointed in a safe direction․ Chamber a round by pulling the bolt handle back and releasing it․ Always engage the safety catch before handling the rifle․ Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire․ Follow all safety guidelines to avoid accidents․ Store unused rounds securely․
4․2 Firing and Ejection Processes
To fire the Remington Speedmaster 552‚ pull the trigger smoothly while maintaining proper aim․ The bolt will move rearward‚ ejecting the spent casing‚ and chambering the next round from the magazine․ The rifle operates reliably‚ ensuring consistent ejection and chambering․ Always ensure the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction during firing․ The semi-automatic design allows for quick follow-up shots with minimal recoil․
4․4 Unloading and Safe Handling
To unload the Remington Speedmaster 552‚ remove the magazine and ensure the chamber is empty․ Always point the muzzle in a safe direction․ Engage the safety and visually inspect the chamber to confirm it is unloaded․ Store the rifle and ammunition separately in a secure‚ dry location․ Follow all safety protocols to prevent accidents․ Regular inspection ensures proper function and safety․
Maintenance and Care
Regular cleaning of the barrel and action ensures optimal performance․ Lubricate moving parts to prevent wear․ Inspect for damage or excessive wear․ Store in a dry‚ secure location to maintain condition and functionality․ Proper care extends the rifle’s lifespan and reliability․ Always follow recommended maintenance procedures outlined in the manual․
5․1 Cleaning the Barrel and Action
Clean the barrel using a high-quality cleaning rod and brush․ Apply a solvent to remove residue and fouling․ Use patches to wipe the chamber and bolt face․ Repeat until clean․ Inspect and dry thoroughly to prevent rust․ Detailed cleaning instructions are provided in the Remington Speedmaster 552 manual for optimal maintenance and functionality․
5․2 Lubrication and Inspection
Lubricate the bolt‚ receiver‚ and trigger mechanism with a high-quality gun oil․ Inspect for wear‚ corrosion‚ or damage․ Regularly check the barrel for obstructions and ensure all moving parts function smoothly․ Refer to the Remington Speedmaster 552 manual for specific lubrication points and inspection schedules to maintain optimal performance and longevity of the firearm․
Disassembly and Reassembly
Disassembling the Remington Speedmaster 552 involves removing the bolt and barrel․ Reassembly requires reversing these steps‚ ensuring proper alignment and function․ Always follow the manual․
6․1 Step-by-Step Disassembly Guide
- Remove the bolt by pulling it back and lifting it out of the receiver․
- Take out the barrel by unscrewing it from the receiver․
- Disconnect the stock from the receiver by removing the mounting screws․
- Set aside all components and ensure they are securely stored․
Always follow the manual for detailed instructions and safety precautions․
6․2 Reassembly Process and Tips
- Align the barrel with the receiver and screw it in securely․
- Reattach the stock by tightening the mounting screws firmly․
- Reinsert the bolt into the receiver and ensure smooth operation․
Reassembly requires careful alignment and tightening to maintain functionality․ Always refer to the manual for precise torque specifications and ensure all parts are clean and lubricated before reassembly to prevent damage․
Troubleshooting Common Issues
The Remington Speedmaster 552 may experience jams‚ feeding issues‚ or accuracy problems․ Regular cleaning‚ proper lubrication‚ and inspecting the barrel can often resolve these concerns effectively․
7․1 Jamming and Feeding Problems
Jamming and feeding issues in the Remington Speedmaster 552 often stem from chamber fouling‚ incorrect ammunition‚ or magazine misalignment․ Ensure the chamber is clean and free of residue․ Use high-quality ․22 caliber ammunition to minimize feeding problems․ Check the magazine for proper seating and inspect for damage․ Regular cleaning and lubrication of the action can also prevent these issues from occurring․
7․2 Accuracy and Sight Alignment Issues
Accuracy issues with the Remington Speedmaster 552 often arise from improper sight alignment or barrel obstruction․ Ensure the rear and front sights are properly aligned and adjusted according to the manual․ Clean the barrel regularly to prevent residue buildup‚ which can affect precision․ Use high-quality ammunition and verify scope mounting if equipped․ Testing with different ammo types may also resolve inconsistencies․
Accessories and Upgrades
Enhance your Remington Speedmaster 552 with high-quality accessories like scopes‚ slings‚ and aftermarket stocks․ Upgrades such as muzzle brakes or custom triggers can improve functionality and performance․
8․1 Recommended Optics and Scopes
For the Remington Speedmaster 552‚ consider optics like red dot sights or 3-9×40 scopes for improved accuracy․ Brands such as Nikon‚ Bushnell‚ and Leupold offer durable‚ high-quality options․ Weaver mounts are ideal for securing scopes‚ ensuring stability․ Optics with adjustable magnification and clear reticles enhance target acquisition‚ making them suitable for both target shooting and hunting applications․
8․2 Aftermarket Parts and Modifications
Enhance your Remington Speedmaster 552 with aftermarket parts like high-capacity magazines‚ tactical stocks‚ or muzzle brakes․ Trusted brands offer durable components designed to improve performance and aesthetics․ Modifications such as custom triggers or rail systems can also be installed; Always ensure compatibility and consult the manual before making any alterations to maintain safety and functionality․
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Ensure compliance with local firearms laws and regulations․ Ethical ownership requires responsible use‚ proper storage‚ and adherence to safety guidelines to prevent accidents and misuse․
9․1 Local Laws and Regulations
Owners must comply with all local‚ state‚ and federal firearms laws․ Regulations may include age restrictions‚ storage requirements‚ and permissible uses․ Ensure the Remington Speedmaster 552 is used only in accordance with legal guidelines to avoid penalties and ensure public safety․ Always verify current laws in your jurisdiction before possession or use of the firearm․
9․2 Responsible Ownership and Use
Responsible ownership of the Remington Speedmaster 552 involves using the firearm safely‚ ethically‚ and lawfully․ Always handle the rifle with caution‚ follow safety guidelines‚ and store it securely to prevent unauthorized access․ Use the firearm only for its intended purposes‚ such as target shooting or hunting‚ and promote firearm safety within your community․ Proper education and adherence to best practices are essential․
The Remington Speedmaster 552 is a reliable and durable rifle‚ ideal for hunters and sport shooters․ Proper care and responsible use ensure its longevity and safety․
10․1 Final Tips for Owners
Regularly clean and lubricate the rifle to maintain performance․ Store safely and follow local laws․ Use appropriate ․22 caliber ammunition for optimal accuracy․ Always wear eye and ear protection while shooting․ Practice proper shooting techniques to enhance safety and precision․ Enjoy your Remington Speedmaster 552 responsibly‚ ensuring it remains a reliable and accurate firearm for years to come․
10․2 Resources for Further Information
For deeper understanding‚ refer to Remington’s official website for historical manuals and specifications․ Explore firearms forums and communities for user experiences․ Consult local gunsmiths for hands-on guidance․ Utilize instructional videos and shooting courses for practical training․ Visit Remington’s archives for vintage models like the 552 Speedmaster‚ ensuring accurate and reliable information to enhance your ownership experience․
