Description
Winchester built the Xpert line to be the bolt-action answer to their Wildcat autoloader, and this Thumbhole Target version is the one for folks who care about group size. Chambered in 21 Sharp, Winchester's modern rimfire cartridge that pushes a true .21 caliber bullet flatter and harder than a standard 22 LR, this rifle is a natural fit for squirrel woods, steel plates, and long afternoons at the bench. The 18 inch button-rifled bull barrel wears a recessed target crown and a Bentz-style semi-match chamber, which tightens things up for accuracy while still feeding everyday ammo without a fuss.
A Thumbhole Stock That Fits You, Not the Other Way Around
The gray laminate thumbhole stock is the star here. Laminate is stiffer and more stable than plain hardwood, so your zero stays put when the weather changes. The adjustable comb and length of pull let you dial in a proper cheek weld behind a scope, whether you are a smaller-framed shooter or a tall guy who always feels cramped on factory stocks. Sling swivel studs come standard, and the vertical grip angle gives you a relaxed, straight-back trigger press.
Xpert Trigger and Optics-Ready Receiver
Speaking of triggers, the three-lever Rimfire M.O.A. Trigger borrows its design from Winchester's Model 70 and XPR rifles, breaking clean with next to no creep or overtravel. The steel receiver is drilled and tapped and ships with a Picatinny rail already installed, so mounting glass takes minutes. An extended bolt handle with an oversize knob makes cycling quick even with gloves on, and the hemispherical firing pin helps with consistent rimfire ignition.
Feeding the Xpert Thumbhole Target 21 Sharp
The rifle comes with a 10-round rotary magazine and features an ambidextrous release, and it also accepts aftermarket 10/22 pattern magazines in 21 Sharp, so spares are easy to come by. The muzzle is threaded 1/2×28 with a knurled protector, ready for a suppressor whenever you are. For anyone wanting to get into the 21 Sharp cartridge with a genuinely accurate platform, this one checks all the boxes.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Winchester Repeating Arms
- Model: Xpert Thumbhole Target
- MPN: 5252271003
- UPC: 048702029165
- Caliber: 21 Sharp
- Action: Bolt Action
- Barrel Length: 18"
- Barrel Type: Button-Rifled Bull Barrel with Target Crown
- Muzzle Thread: 1/2×28 TPI with Knurled Thread Protector
- Chamber: Bentz-Style Semi-Match
- Capacity: 10+1
- Magazine: Rotary, Accepts 10/22 Pattern (21 Sharp)
- Stock: Gray Laminate Thumbhole, Adjustable Comb and LOP
- Receiver: Steel, Drilled and Tapped, Matte Black
- Optics Mount: Picatinny Rail Installed
- Trigger: Three-Lever Adjustable Rimfire M.O.A. Trigger
What’s Included
- Winchester Xpert Thumbhole Target rifle
- One 10-round rotary magazine
- Knurled thread protector (installed)
- Owner's manual
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 21 Sharp cartridge and why choose it over 22 LR?
21 Sharp is Winchester's modern rimfire cartridge that uses a true .21 caliber, non-heeled bullet instead of the old heeled design found on 22 LR. That means better bullet construction options, flatter trajectory, and improved downrange energy for small game and target work. It is a great match for an accuracy-focused rifle like this one.
Does the Winchester Xpert Thumbhole Target come optics ready?
Yes. The steel receiver is drilled and tapped and ships with a Picatinny rail already installed, so you can bolt on a scope or red dot right away. Keep in mind this Target model relies on optics rather than traditional iron sights, which is how most buyers set it up anyway.
Will the Xpert 21 Sharp accept Ruger 10/22 magazines?
It ships with one 10-round rotary magazine and accepts aftermarket 10/22 pattern magazines chambered for 21 Sharp. The magazine release is ambidextrous, which is handy for left-handed folks. Just make sure any spare mags you pick up are specifically made for 21 Sharp, not 22 LR.
Is the muzzle threaded for a suppressor?
Yes, the 18 inch bull barrel is threaded 1/2×28 TPI, which is the standard rimfire suppressor pattern, and it comes with a knurled thread protector installed. Pair it with a can and the bolt action, and this makes for an exceptionally quiet small game and range rifle.





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