The Remington Speedmaster 552, introduced in 1957, is a classic semi-automatic rifle chambered in ․22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle cartridges, known for its reliability and versatility․
History and Development
The Remington Speedmaster 552 was introduced in 1957 by the Remington Arms Company as a ․22 caliber semi-automatic rifle․ Designed to be the rimfire counterpart to the Model 742, it quickly gained popularity for its reliability and versatility․ Chambered for ․22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle cartridges, the Speedmaster 552 was intended for plinking, small-game hunting, and target shooting․ Its blowback-operated design made it lightweight and easy to handle, appealing to both novice and experienced shooters․ Over the years, it has become a beloved firearm, with its production continuing to meet the demands of shooters and collectors alike․
Significance in the Firearms Industry
The Remington Speedmaster 552 holds a revered place in the firearms industry as an iconic semi-automatic rifle․ Introduced in 1957, it set benchmarks for reliability, affordability, and versatility in rimfire firearms․ Its ability to chamber ․22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle cartridges made it highly adaptable for various shooting applications․ The Speedmaster 552 became a benchmark for ․22 caliber rifles, influencing later designs and earning a loyal following among shooters and collectors․ Its enduring popularity underscores its importance as a timeless firearm that balances performance, simplicity, and accessibility, making it a staple in shooting sports and hunting for generations․
Purpose of the Remington Speedmaster 552 Manual
The manual provides essential guidance for safe and effective use, detailing operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure users maximize the rifle’s performance and longevity․
Comprehensive Guide for Users
The Remington Speedmaster 552 manual serves as an exhaustive resource, offering detailed instructions on rifle assembly, disassembly, and operation․ It covers essential safety protocols, maintenance routines, and troubleshooting tips to ensure users can handle the firearm confidently․ The guide is designed for both novice and experienced shooters, providing clear, step-by-step information to enhance their understanding and use of the rifle․ By adhering to the manual, users can optimize the rifle’s performance, extend its lifespan, and ensure safe handling in various shooting scenarios․ This comprehensive guide is indispensable for anyone seeking to master the Speedmaster 552․
Importance of Adhering to Instructions
Adhering to the Remington Speedmaster 552 manual is crucial for ensuring safe and effective use of the rifle․ The manual provides detailed instructions to prevent accidents, maintain performance, and prolong the firearm’s lifespan․ By following the guidelines, users can avoid potential malfunctions and ensure proper handling under various conditions․ The instructions also cover essential maintenance and troubleshooting steps, helping users address issues promptly․ Compliance with the manual’s recommendations is vital for both novice and experienced shooters to handle the firearm responsibly and maximize its reliability․ Proper adherence ensures a safe and enjoyable shooting experience while preserving the rifle’s functionality and longevity․
Safety Guidelines and Precautions
Always wear eye and ear protection when firing․ Ensure the rifle is unloaded when not in use․ Keep fingers off the trigger until ready to shoot․ Store safely․
General Safety Tips
Always treat the firearm as if it were loaded․ Wear eye and ear protection when shooting․ Keep the rifle pointed in a safe direction away from people and objects․ Never place your finger on the trigger until ready to shoot․ Ensure the rifle is unloaded before cleaning, transporting, or storing․ Store the unloaded rifle and ammunition separately in a locked, secure location․ Be aware of your surroundings and ensure a safe backstop․ Follow all local laws and regulations․ Regularly inspect the rifle for wear or damage․ Always use the correct caliber ammunition․ Maintain control of the rifle at all times․ Follow the manual’s guidelines for safe operation․
Specific Warnings and Cautions
The Remington Speedmaster 552 manual emphasizes critical precautions to ensure safe operation․ Never modify the rifle’s design or tamper with its mechanisms․ Use only ․22 Short, Long, or Long Rifle cartridges; other ammunition can cause damage or injury․ Avoid using damaged or corroded cartridges, as they may fail to fire or rupture․ Always ensure the rifle is unloaded before disassembly or cleaning․ Never attempt to load or fire the rifle near flammable materials․ Keep the rifle out of reach of children and unauthorized individuals․ Always wear protective eyewear when shooting․ Follow the manual’s disassembly and reassembly instructions precisely to avoid accidental discharge․ Adhere to all safety guidelines to ensure safe and reliable operation․
Understanding the Rifle’s Design
The Remington Speedmaster 552 features a blowback-operated design, chambered for ․22 cartridges, with a 20-round tubular magazine, 25-inch barrel, and weighs 5․5 pounds, ensuring smooth, reliable performance․
Key Features and Components
The Remington Speedmaster 552 is a semi-automatic rifle featuring a blowback-operated action, chambered for ․22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle cartridges․ It boasts a tubular magazine with capacities of 20 rounds for ․22 Short, 17 for ․22 Long, and 15 for ․22 Long Rifle․ The rifle measures 42 inches in overall length with a 25-inch barrel, weighing approximately 5․5 pounds․ Key components include a cross-bolt safety, a cocking lever, and a tubular magazine system․ Its durable design and smooth operation have made it a favorite among shooters and collectors, offering reliability and versatility for hunting, target shooting, and recreational use․
Caliber and Magazine Capacity
The Remington Speedmaster 552 is chambered for ․22 Short, ․22 Long, and ․22 Long Rifle cartridges, offering versatility for various shooting applications․ Its tubular magazine system provides different capacities depending on the cartridge: 20 rounds for ․22 Short, 17 rounds for ․22 Long, and 15 rounds for ․22 Long Rifle․ This allows users to adapt the rifle to their specific needs, whether for target shooting, hunting, or plinking․ The rifle’s magazine capacity and caliber options make it a practical choice for both casual shooters and enthusiasts, ensuring a reliable and enjoyable shooting experience across different scenarios and preferences․
Assembly and Disassembly
Assembly and disassembly of the Remington Speedmaster 552 are straightforward processes requiring careful attention to detail․ Always follow the manual’s instructions for proper reassembly after maintenance or cleaning․
Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions
Assembling the Remington Speedmaster 552 requires attention to detail and adherence to the manual․ Begin by ensuring all parts are clean and free from debris․ Start with the receiver, attaching the barrel securely․ Next, install the bolt assembly, aligning it properly with the receiver’s guide rails․ Reattach the stock, ensuring it is tightly fitted․ Replace the magazine tube and spring, making sure they are fully seated․ Reinstall the trigger mechanism, carefully aligning the safety and trigger components․ Finally, reassemble any additional components like the scope mount or sling swivels․ Always refer to the manual for precise instructions and diagrams to ensure correct assembly․ Safety is paramount, so double-check all parts before use․
Disassembly for Maintenance
Disassembling the Remington Speedmaster 552 for maintenance requires careful steps to ensure safety and prevent damage․ Begin by removing the inner magazine tube and cycling the action to cock the hammer․ Use a non-marring tool to remove the stock screws and gently separate the stock from the receiver․ Next, remove the trigger assembly by taking out the retaining pins․ The bolt can then be slid out of the receiver․ Be cautious with fragile components like the firing pin and extractor․ Store all parts in a clean, organized manner․ Always refer to the manual for specific guidance to avoid accidentally damaging the firearm․ Proper disassembly ensures thorough cleaning and maintenance, extending the rifle’s lifespan and reliability․
Operating the Remington Speedmaster 552
Chamber a round by cycling the bolt, aim carefully, and squeeze the trigger to fire․ Always follow safety guidelines and ensure the rifle is unloaded when not in use․
Chambering and Firing
Chambering and firing the Remington Speedmaster 552 involves loading the magazine with ․22 Short, Long, or Long Rifle cartridges․ Insert the loaded magazine into the rifle, ensuring it clicks securely․ Pull the bolt rearward to chamber a round, then release it to lock․ Aim safely, ensuring the muzzle points away from people and objects․ Engage the safety if needed․ To fire, squeeze the trigger smoothly․ The rifle will automatically eject the spent shell and chamber the next round․ Always follow safety guidelines and ensure the rifle is unloaded when not in use․ Refer to the manual for detailed instructions․
Reloading and Unloading Procedures
Reloading the Remington Speedmaster 552 involves inserting a loaded magazine into the rifle, ensuring it clicks securely․ Always use ․22 Short, Long, or Long Rifle cartridges․ To reload, pull the bolt rearward slightly to chamber a new round․ For unloading, remove the magazine and ensure the chamber is empty by visually inspecting it․ Engage the safety before storing the rifle․ Always handle the firearm with care, keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction․ Follow these steps to ensure safe and proper reloading and unloading procedures, as outlined in the manual․
Maintenance and Care
Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for the Remington Speedmaster 552’s performance․ Use a soft brush and gun solvent to clean the barrel and action․ Lightly lubricate moving parts to ensure smooth operation․ Store the rifle in a dry place, away from direct sunlight, and use a protective case to prevent damage․ Proper maintenance extends the rifle’s lifespan and reliability․
Cleaning the Rifle
Cleaning the Remington Speedmaster 552 is crucial for maintaining its performance and longevity․ Start by ensuring the rifle is unloaded․ Remove the magazine and pull the bolt back to check the chamber․ Use a high-quality gun cleaning solvent and a soft-bristle brush to scrub the barrel and action, removing any residue or fouling․ Wipe down all exterior surfaces with a clean, dry cloth to prevent rust․ Pay special attention to the bolt face and ejector area, ensuring they are free from debris․ Regular cleaning ensures smooth operation and prevents corrosion, keeping your rifle in optimal condition for years of reliable use․
Lubrication and Storage Tips
Proper lubrication and storage are essential for maintaining the Remington Speedmaster 552․ Apply a high-quality gun oil to moving parts, such as the bolt and ejector, to ensure smooth operation and prevent corrosion․ Avoid over-lubrication, as it can attract dirt and debris․ For storage, clean the rifle thoroughly, then wipe it down with a dry cloth․ Store in a dry, cool place, preferably in a protective case or gun safe․ Do not store the rifle fully assembled, as this can cause parts to stick together․ Always check local regulations for storage requirements․ Proper care ensures the rifle remains in excellent condition for future use․
Troubleshooting Common Issues
The Remington Speedmaster 552 may experience issues like jamming or failure to feed, often due to poor maintenance․ Regular cleaning and lubrication can resolve most problems effectively․
Identifying and Resolving Malfunctions
Common malfunctions with the Remington Speedmaster 552 include jamming, failure to feed, or misfires․ Always start by ensuring the rifle is unloaded before troubleshooting․ Check the magazine for proper cartridge alignment and ensure it is fully seated․ Inspect the chamber and barrel for obstructions, cleaning thoroughly if necessary․ Lubricate moving parts as outlined in the manual․ For persistent issues, examine the extractor for wear or damage, as this can cause feeding problems․ If problems persist, consult a professional gunsmith or refer to the manual for further guidance․ Regular maintenance and proper handling can prevent most malfunctions․
Common Problems and Solutions
One common issue with the Remington Speedmaster 552 is magazine-related feeding problems․ Ensure the magazine is clean and properly seated․ If misfeeds occur, check cartridge alignment and ensure the magazine tube is free from debris․ Another issue is the failure of the rifle to cycle correctly, often due to insufficient lubrication․ Apply a small amount of gun oil to the bolt and action․ For ejecting issues, inspect the ejector for wear and clean the chamber thoroughly․ If problems persist, refer to the manual or consult a professional; Regular maintenance and correct handling can prevent these issues and ensure smooth operation․
Legacy and Popularity
The Remington Speedmaster 552, introduced in 1957, is a beloved semi-automatic rifle known for its reliability, affordability, and versatility in chambering ․22 cartridges, making it a favorite among shooters and collectors alike;
Why the Speedmaster 552 is Beloved
The Remington Speedmaster 552 has earned a loyal following due to its smooth operation, reliability, and versatility․ Its ability to chamber ․22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle cartridges makes it a versatile choice for plinking, small-game hunting, and target shooting․ Introduced in 1957, it has become a staple in many shooters’ collections, cherished for its durability and ease of use․ The rifle’s classic design and affordability have made it accessible to generations of shooters, ensuring its enduring popularity among both casual users and collectors․ Its reputation for accuracy and dependability further solidifies its place as a cherished firearm․
Collectibility and Historical Value
The Remington Speedmaster 552 holds significant collectibility and historical value, particularly for enthusiasts of classic firearms․ Introduced in 1957, it represents a pivotal era in rimfire rifle design, blending innovation with practicality․ Variants like the 552C Carbine and Gallery Special add to its appeal, with collectors seeking rare or well-preserved models․ The rifle’s enduring production and timeless design make it a sought-after piece, especially for those interested in mid-century firearms․ Its historical value lies in its role as a reliable, versatile shooter, cherished for generations․ For collectors, the Speedmaster 552 embodies a blend of functionality, heritage, and nostalgic charm, making it a treasured addition to any collection․
The Remington Speedmaster 552 manual provides comprehensive guidance, ensuring safe handling and maintenance․ This timeless rifle, with its rich history, continues to inspire shooters and collectors alike․
Final Thoughts on the Manual
The Remington Speedmaster 552 manual is an indispensable resource for both new and experienced users․ It provides detailed instructions on operation, maintenance, and safety, ensuring optimal performance․ The manual’s clarity and thoroughness make it an essential guide for understanding the rifle’s design and functionality․ By following the manual, users can maximize the rifle’s reliability and longevity while adhering to safety protocols․ Whether for target shooting or hunting, the manual empowers shooters to use the Speedmaster 552 confidently and effectively․ Its value extends to collectors, offering insights into the rifle’s historical significance and proper care․
Encouragement for Safe and Enjoyable Use
Safe handling and responsible use of the Remington Speedmaster 552 ensure a rewarding shooting experience․ Always follow the manual’s guidelines to maintain reliability and longevity․ Whether for target practice, hunting, or casual plinking, this rifle offers unparalleled performance․ By adhering to safety protocols and proper maintenance, users can enjoy years of dependable service․ The Speedmaster 552 is a timeless firearm that combines accuracy and versatility, making it a joy to own and shoot; Remember, responsible ownership and safe practices are key to preserving this classic rifle for future generations․ Embrace the tradition of excellence and enjoy the Speedmaster 552 with confidence and care․
References and Additional Resources
Visit the official Remington Arms website for the latest manuals and support․ Additional resources, including historical manuals, can be found on the Internet Archive and RemArms․com․
Where to Find the Manual
The Remington Speedmaster 552 manual can be found on the official Remington Arms website or through authorized dealers․ Additional resources include the Internet Archive, which hosts historical manuals, and firearm forums like RemArms․com․ Reprinted versions are available from specialty retailers, offering high-quality scans of original documents․ Some manuals are free to download, while others may require purchase․ Ensure authenticity by verifying sources, as counterfeit manuals may lack critical information․ For the most accurate guidance, refer to Remington’s official publications or trusted firearm communities․ Always prioritize safety by following verified instructions․
Recommended Reading and Links
For further understanding of the Remington Speedmaster 552, explore the official Remington website and forums like RemArms․com for detailed resources․ The Internet Archive offers historical manuals, providing insights into the rifle’s evolution․ Reputable firearm communities and specialty retailers often share reprinted manuals and guides․ Visit Remington’s official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information․ Additionally, consider exploring forums and archives dedicated to classic firearms for user experiences and maintenance tips․ These resources ensure a comprehensive understanding of the Speedmaster 552, enhancing both safety and performance․ Always cross-check information for accuracy and reliability․