I have 3 -52s, 3 Russian TT-33s (sans add-on Safety) and 8 other -33 Variants (along with 1 store-bought AK-47 Variant and several more that I built with demil kits).
From what I have seen I think that you may be
generally correct regarding the comparison of the 2 designs.
However, I do not agree with the use of the term "clunker" to describe the latter.
A dozen years ago, given the choice of ordering a -52 or a Polish -33 from SOG, I selected the former. I thought it to be the (much) better-looking pistol. The -33s I thought to be a bit on the ugly side, y'know?
Before I acquired my first -33 (a Polish Variant) over a year later, I had given up on the -52 being anything but a range toy. I think it too heavy and uncomfortable.
That first -33 was a EYE-OPENER! It felt great in my hand (which
just fit on the grip), it was accurate, small, flat ... comfortable, accurate and concealable. I was hooked.
At that point, the -33, to my eye, experienced a metamorphosis, changing from an ugly little pistol to a beooootiful little pistol.
