I finally shot a S&W 52-2. WOW! :)

Mark_Mark said:
that gun is impossible to find! 2 things need to happen. 1st, last owner has to be a bull-eye shooter from the 80’s - 2nd you have to work at a gun shop or get luck! (me).
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I have a NIB 52.

I can’t decide if I want to keep it. I don’t shoot paper anymore.

I know it’s a grail gun, that’s what has me indecisive.

Also, I never got along with SW metal autos.
 
Don't think I'd carry one for CCW but for home defense....I have seen pictures of LEOs-LAPD ?-carrying S&W M-14s. Technically that is a target revolver as opposed to the M-15/Combat Masterpiece. The Colt Officer's Model Match is the target version of the Official Police. Holster or CCW-? Bedside...
 
Mark_Mark said:
Man… it’s the most unique gun ever! perfect for hand loaders. I paid $1050-Ithink for my gun, no box but came with a take down tool and 3 or 5 factory mags.

After I get my 9mm 147 RMR dial down, I’m going back to 52-2 loads, try some different powders and bullet combos
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I’d start with 148 grain HBWC and 2.8 grains of bullseye. Use that as your baseline load and there’s a pretty good chance nothing else will be any noticeably better.


I’ll send you some 38 special wadcutter brass and recommended bullets if you want to trade one of those magazines.
 
Reinz said:
I have a NIB 52.

I can’t decide if I want to keep it. I don’t shoot paper anymore.

I know it’s a grail gun, that’s what has me indecisive.

Also, I never got along with SW metal autos.
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I don’t like the safety but it’s period correct. Sell that bad boy and set it free to be shot
 
reddog81 said:
I’d start with 148 grain HBWC and 2.8 grains of bullseye. Use that as your baseline load and there’s a pretty good chance nothing else will be any noticeably better.


I’ll send you some 38 special wadcutter brass and recommended bullets if you want to trade one of those magazines.
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Thanks for the offer, but I’ll pass for
now. On a early post, looks like they make after market mags. I’m going to give those a run
 
I have never actually seen one of those. I hear stories, and I know a guy who has 3, but he keeps them locked up and they only come out on special occasion. He also has a Coonan 357 that I have seen 1 time. He bought it at lunch as an impulse buy, and I was driving.

Those 52s are rare and to find one on the market is extremely rare, especially around here. Seems anything target oriented gets snatched up quicker than a dropped $100 bill. Makes a fella wonder why the new market is so dead set on pocket guns and tactical gear. About the only thing I can say I have seen available recently is a King Cobra target, and a K6 target gun. I almost bought the k6.
 
WestKentucky said:
I have never actually seen one of those. I hear stories, and I know a guy who has 3, but he keeps them locked up and they only come out on special occasion. He also has a Coonan 357 that I have seen 1 time. He bought it at lunch as an impulse buy, and I was driving.

Those 52s are rare and to find one on the market is extremely rare, especially around here. Seems anything target oriented gets snatched up quicker than a dropped $100 bill. Makes a fella wonder why the new market is so dead set on pocket guns and tactical gear. About the only thing I can say I have seen available recently is a King Cobra target, and a K6 target gun. I almost bought the k6.
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Well any gun can be a target gun. even s plain old Glock 17 or cheapo T-Sauce 1911.

OP is a good shooter and he can probably turn a HiPoint into a target gun
 
I owned and competed in Bullseye 2400 matches using a S&W 52 in the "Any Centerfire" portion of the matches back about 30 years ago. I shot a High Standard Supermatic military grip for the .22 stage, and a S&W IPSC 745 in .45ACP for the .45 stage. The Model 52 is one of the finest match pistols I ever owned, although the 745 is a very close 2nd. The only issue anyone ever had was OAL of loaded ammo. You have to make sure those full wadcutters are seated flush. If they extend even a small amount they either wont fit the magazines or wont feed properly. But load your ammo correctly and they're flawless.
I sold mine to a friend after I quit match shooting, and still have regrets about letting it go.
 
Strange as I hadn't thought about a model 52 Smith in years. Couple days ago a buddy mentioned setting up at the Ohio Gun Collector show upcoming and selling off some of his collection. Then today, I see this thread.
Among things he mentioned selling were Woodsman mags, Colt Ace conversion mags and model 52 Smith mags.
And a Hi Power Renaissance, Colt Lady Special...blah blah
 
BLACKHAWKNJ said:
I have fired one. Only objection I can think of it's a little too specialized, takes only one type of ammunition, flush seated 38 WCs, Strictly a paper puncher. Though in a pinch it would do for home defense.
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Well it’s a bullseye gun. Thats all it’s designed for. I’ve owned a number of them.

Still have a mint condition no dash model.

 
I know where a nickel(?) or stainless 52-2 is for sale, with the original box etc. I fondled it and drooled, but such craftsmanship is wasted on me, at my level of proficiency. It sure seemed like a nice gun though, and not one you see often.
 
Mark_Mark said:
that’s a ton of money in 1990
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That is 1946 dollars and a nickle today, thanks to inflation and politicians that will do nothing to control it.

I paid little attention to S&W autos until the M&P came out so had to google the 52-2. It is certainly accurate but specialized. I would love to shoot one but wouldn't want to own one. I will stick with my model 19 which came with the factor extras. It's certainly more accurate than I am now and although I hate to admit it one of only two Smith handguns I own. No brass to find and pickup which is another plus.
 
Mosin77 said:
I know where a nickel(?) or stainless 52-2 is for sale, with the original box etc. I fondled it and drooled, but such craftsmanship is wasted on me, at my level of proficiency. It sure seemed like a nice gun though, and not one you see often.
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They were never stainless, nor were they ever factory nickel plated
 
BLACKHAWKNJ said:
Without getting into caliber wars the effectiveness of the 38 WC at close range is considerable, the light recoil allows for better accuracy, the steel frame of the S&W M52 allows for faster follow up shots.
I would try another magazine if the last 38 WC is not feeling in that Colt M1911.
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Why would anyone use a model 52 for defense of any kind or even discuss it for that matter? It’s a purpose built bullseye pistol. The ammo is generally lightly loaded and the bullets neither expand or deeply penetrate.
 
bc1023 said:
Why would anyone use a model 52 for defense of any kind or even discuss it for that matter? It’s a purpose built bullseye pistol. The ammo is generally lightly loaded and the bullets neither expand or deeply penetrate.
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My light load for my 52-2 has just enough to shoot straight. I also shoot it in my 6” and below revolvers but got stuck in my 7.5” Colt

that how under power it is.

IMG_0311.jpeg
 
Mark_Mark said:
My light load for my 52-2 has just enough to shoot straight. I also shoot it in my 6” and below revolvers but got stuck in my 7.5” Colt

that how under power it is.

View attachment 1197373
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Hopefully that was the first...and last one you shot in it.
I don't generally pick favorites, but I think you might be my favorite now lol
 
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