I've spent a lot of time at the range lately, and I finally sat down to write this remington speedmaster 552 review because it's a rifle that deserves some real talk. In a world where every new rimfire is made of polymer and looks like a space gun, the 552 is a refreshing blast from the past. It's been around since the late 1950s, and honestly, there is a very good reason why Remington kept making them for over sixty years.
If you're looking for a rifle that feels like a "real" gun—meaning wood and steel rather than plastic and pins—this might be exactly what you're after. But it's not perfect, and we should definitely talk about the quirks before you go scouring the used racks for one.
What Makes the Speedmaster Different?
Most semi-auto .22s are picky eaters. If you've ever owned a Ruger 10/22 or a Marlin 60, you know they generally want .22 Long Rifle (LR) high-velocity rounds to cycle the action. Try putting a .22 Short in them, and you've essentially turned your semi-auto into a very slow bolt action.
The Remington 552 Speedmaster is a different beast entirely. It's one of the very few semi-auto rifles that can reliably cycle .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle interchangeably. You can even mix them up in the tube magazine, and the gun just works. It's pretty impressive to hear the difference in "pop" as you move from a Short to a Long Rifle without having to clear a jam every three seconds.
This versatility is why a lot of old-school hunters love this gun. If you're clearing garden pests and don't want to wake the neighbors, you can throw some .22 Shorts in there. If you're out squirrel hunting and need some reach, swap to Long Rifles. It handles it all.
The Build Quality and Feel
The first thing you notice when you pick up a 552 is the weight. It's not a heavy gun, per se, but it has a substantial feel. It weighs about 5.75 pounds, which is a nice middle ground. It feels steady in the hands, unlike some of the featherweight modern rifles that feel like they might blow away in a stiff breeze.
The stock is usually a beautiful piece of American walnut. Even the later models, though maybe not as "fancy" as the ones from the 60s, still look classy. It has a high comb that aligns your eye perfectly with the iron sights. Speaking of sights, the factory ones are actually decent. They're adjustable, and the front blade is easy to pick up, though most people (myself included) eventually end up putting a small rimfire scope on the grooved receiver.
One thing I love about the design is the shell deflector. It's a little piece of metal that sits behind the ejection port. It's a lifesaver for left-handed shooters because it keeps hot brass from flying directly into your face. It's a small detail, but it shows that Remington was thinking about the user experience.
Performance on the Range
During my time testing for this remington speedmaster 552 review, I took it out with a variety of ammo. I started with some standard CCI Mini-Mags, moved to some bulk-box Federal, and then finished off with some old .22 Shorts I had rolling around in a drawer.
The action is smooth. It's a blowback-operated system, but it feels more "mechanical" and satisfying than a lot of other rimfires. The trigger is well, it's a hunting trigger. It's not a match-grade 2-pound trigger that you'd find on a target rifle. It's a bit heavier, probably around 5 or 6 pounds, with a little bit of creep. It's perfectly fine for hitting a squirrel at 40 yards, but don't expect to win any Olympic gold medals with it.
Accuracy-wise, it's a solid performer. It's not a benchrest rifle, but I was consistently hitting 1-inch groups at 50 yards with decent ammo. For a semi-auto that's designed to eat three different types of cartridges, that's more than enough. The barrel is 21 inches long, which gives you a nice long sight radius if you're sticking with the irons.
The Tubular Magazine
I know some people hate tubular magazines. They can be a bit slower to load than a detachable box magazine like the ones in a 10/22. But honestly? I kind of like them. There's something nostalgic about sliding that inner tube out and dropping rounds down the throat of the rifle.
Plus, the capacity is great. It holds 15 rounds of .22 LR, 17 rounds of .22 Long, or a whopping 20 rounds of .22 Short. That's a lot of shooting before you have to stop and reload. Also, you never have to worry about losing your magazine or having it fall out in the woods. As long as you have the inner tube, you're good to go.
The One Big Downside: Cleaning
I have to be honest here—cleaning the Remington 552 is a bit of a nightmare. Unlike some modern rifles that pop apart with one or two pins, the 552 is a puzzle. Taking the bolt out requires some patience and maybe a few choice words.
Because it's a semi-auto rimfire, it gets dirty fast. Rimfire ammo is notoriously "sooty," and that gunk builds up inside the receiver. If you don't clean it, eventually that "cycles everything" magic starts to fade, and you'll get some failures to extract.
I usually tell people to get a Bore Snake for quick cleans, but every few hundred rounds, you're going to have to do a deep dive. My advice? Watch a YouTube video the first three times you do it, or you'll end up with a pile of parts and a very confused expression.
Is It Worth Buying Today?
Remington discontinued the 552 fairly recently (though the "New Remington" or RemArms might bring it back eventually), so you're mostly looking at the used market. Prices have definitely gone up. You used to be able to find these for $250 all day long, but now you're looking at anywhere from $400 to $600 depending on the condition.
So, is it worth that much?
Yes, if you value craftsmanship. If you want a rifle that you can pass down to your kids, the 552 is a great choice. It's a "heirloom" quality rimfire.
Yes, if you want versatility. If the idea of shooting .22 Shorts sounds fun to you (and it really is), this is the king of the mountain.
Maybe not, if you want a project gun. If you want to swap out the barrel, the trigger, and the stock, just buy a Ruger 10/22. The 552 isn't meant for customizing; it's meant to be enjoyed exactly as it is.
Final Thoughts
Wrapping up this remington speedmaster 552 review, I have to say that this rifle occupies a very specific niche. It's the gentleman's rimfire. It's elegant, it's versatile, and it has a pedigree that most modern rifles can't touch.
It has its flaws—mostly the cleaning aspect and the lack of aftermarket parts—but when you're out in the woods on a crisp morning, the feel of that walnut stock against your cheek makes it all worth it. It's a classic for a reason. If you find one in good shape at a decent price, don't let it get away. They really don't make them like this anymore, and that's a shame.