S&W 52-2 semi-auto 38 Special ??? up for sale
- Thread starter Mark_Mark
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earlthegoat2
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Only one. Had one in the pawn shop I worked at back in 2008-10. 38 Spl wadcutter only.
trackskippy
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Cool guns. Its a "wadcutter" target-type pistol. Very accurate.
NIGHTLORD40K
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Oh ya, Ive seen quite a few over the years. Never shot one before. They will only accept full wadcutter ammunition and, IIRC the mag only holds 5 rounds.
Very specialized target gun with collector cache, so usually priced accordingly. The mags themselves go for significant $$.
What are they asking for it?
Very specialized target gun with collector cache, so usually priced accordingly. The mags themselves go for significant $$.
What are they asking for it?
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Mark_Mark
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trackskippy
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Its a target gun meant for bullseye type shooting.
There were a few Colt 1911's chambered in the caliber too, supposedly Colt was dabbling with them as competition to the 52's, or so I was told. I passed on one in a local shop that was stupid cheap back in the 90's not knowing what it really was.
There were a few Colt 1911's chambered in the caliber too, supposedly Colt was dabbling with them as competition to the 52's, or so I was told. I passed on one in a local shop that was stupid cheap back in the 90's not knowing what it really was.
Starter52
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I've had one for years. An outstanding pistol. I'd recommend it for any dedicated shooter who reloads .38 Specials.
NIGHTLORD40K
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That is an excellent price. Ive seen the mags listed for over $200 and the last M52 I saw by itself (about 5 years ago) had $1200 on the tag.
Ive only ever seen one of the magazines for the .38SPL Colt. The seller was asking $500.
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Mark_Mark
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$500 a mag!!! WOE!That is an excellent price. Ive seen the mags listed for over $200 and the last M52 I saw by itself (about 5 years ago) had $1200 on the tag.
Ive only ever seen one of the magazines for the .38SPL Colt. The seller was asking $500.
rabid wombat
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Buy it or send the address 
It is a grail gun, at a great price….supposed to be a great shooter. Parts and service are not easy to get….
It is a grail gun, at a great price….supposed to be a great shooter. Parts and service are not easy to get….
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Mark_Mark
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uuuuggghhhhh in a good way! lolBuy it or send the address
It is a grail gun, at a great price….supposed to be a great shooter. Parts and service are not easy to get….
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Mark_Mark
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Well this shop, they don’t open tomorrow or Monday. So, if it’s still their Tuesday….. my wallet is empty AGAIN! I just saved up a couple of stacks too
I meantion my main honey hole shop who ships on a previous thread, next day, someone ordered $7,000 worth of old classics! lol
I meantion my main honey hole shop who ships on a previous thread, next day, someone ordered $7,000 worth of old classics! lol
243winxb
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Used for the Center Fire Precision Pistol matches. Ammo uses a 148 gr wadcutter. Light load of Bullseye powder. The bullet is seated flush with the case mouth.
Hand loading may require brass that came as factory wadcutter Ammo. Thinner brass will not swage the bullet diameter smaller. A special expander is needed that goes deeper into the case.
Most all will fire the Center Fire Stage with there 45 acp. I have one friend that still shoots his M52 for fun.
A really boring gun. Work up 1 load & thats it. No trying different style bullets.
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Mark_Mark
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I’m going to be loading these for my other 38’s. Better start looking for special expander die
243winxb
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Mark_Mark
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very cool! I do like Noe M expanders
doubleh
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I have loaded a fair amount of wadcutter 38 ammo over the years and never knew it took a special expander die. Dumb me----but it has worked just fine with the regular die,
Speedo66
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I seem to remember reading about some custom gunsmiths back then making their own versions on 1911’s.
Old_Grouch
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The Model 52 is fairly rare. Even more so in the 52-A variant (less than 100 made). Produced for the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit and chambered in .38 AMU, a rimless .38 Spl HBWC round.
lightman
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The model 52 is on my want list. I would buy that one at that price.
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Mark_Mark
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I like the idea that it only shoot .38 Wadecutter! hopefully it’s still there Tuesday, put it on health Layaway!
I do like target shooting
PistoleroWadcutterGANG
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Make sure the barrel bushing and bushing slide seat are not boogered and allow easy install and removal. Be thinking about picking up a complete spring set. And I know you know; this is a target gun so keep the velocity below 825 with waddies. Even slower with hollow base waddies. If it's a -2 alloy. Take the slide off and look around the trigger for alterations. Back in the day every BE shooter with a 52 had "His Master trigger worked" some people were good at it: MOST we're not and permanently ruined them. Take a snap cap back with you to try the trigger. Feeling for consistent operation and feel. if it changes then someone dumped his screwed-up pistol down the road.
