ASK THE GUN EDITOR
No Mystery About The 5.6X52MM
Q I was recently given a European single shot rifle chambered for the 5.6x52R (at least that's what is stamped on the barrel). I've never heard of this calibre, but my friend, an Austrian tells me that the cartridge is commonly used to take fox and chamois in Germanic countries. He says that he as heard the cartridge described as the 5.6x52 Savage. Since Savage is an American company I am wondering if the cartridge may have been chambered in some Savage rifles? What can you tell me about it? – Edgar Harrison
A The cartridge designated as the 5.6x52R in Europe originated in America where is known as the .22 Savage High Power. It was designed by Charles Newton and introduced by Savage Arms Co. in its Savage Model 99 lever-action about 1912. In the U.S only Savage chambered a commercial rifle for it, but in Europe it was known as the 5.6x52R
