Should I purchase S&W Model 52?

Status
Not open for further replies.
jell-dog

jell-dog

Member.
Joined
Apr 17, 2014
Messages
650
Location
Buffalo Commons
New to the Model 52 platform, so here goes:
My LGS has a Model 52 (forgot -#, he is out of town for a week).38 Special Semi-Auto for sale, used, looks to be in GREAT condition, 2 mags, black grips, no tools, no box,no factory paperwork.
Finish shows little wear, no dings, scuffs, scratches or rust/pitting.
Barrel is clean and bright. Lockup seams tight, trigger is smooth.
My question is, since they have been out of production since early 1990's and replacement parts are getting difficult to find, would this be a wise purchase? I would be buying the model 52 as a shooter. Just wondering, if good care is taken of this Smith, will it give long service?
Are there known problems with 52's?
Thank you all for any information/opinions in advance!!
 
They were mainly for Bullseye competition, as they only shoot the wad cutter seated even with the case mouth. Light target loads. No, i would not buy it for a shooter.
 
I bought one last year and have never regretted it. Yes, it is a bullseye gun but nothing I have shoots any better. It helps me work on my technique, if I am not hitting with it, the problem is me, not the gun. The trigger is excellent and the sights are first class.
2.8 gr Bullseye behind a 148 wadcutter puts all on the same ragged hole if I do my part. If you buy it, don't be tempted to hot rod it and you won't break any parts. There are no problem areas I am aware of. The advice I get says to not monkey with the trigger adjustments, they are a little tricky. So far, I have stayed out of the internals.
 
They are one of the best if not the best pistol S&W ever made. I went to a S&W armorer school probably 15 years ago and the instructor and I got talking during a break. He told me every 52 was fired for accuracy before it left the plant. If it did not meet the standard @ 50 yards, it did not leave. (Don't recall what it was now) He went on to say they never made much money on them as they were more shooting advertisement than a money maker.

The good thing is that most people who bought them knew what they had so they tend to be in better condition for their age than "regular guns." If it is stock and not too bad physically I don't see how you would lose money as they are always in demand and hard to find. Good luck with your decision.
 
Last edited:
shoots only .38spl wadcutters med load

I already load for my s&w 640 38spl (not +p) and s&w 686-5 + 357mag so have all components to feed the model 52, mostly asking about longevity of 52 with good care.
I just found 52 history interesting as target pistol.
not decided yet, LGS also has a nice model 27-2 in good shape.
 
About all I ever seen break on one in the AMU was the threaded barrel bushings.
But that was after a whole lot of rounds.

I had to make one for a guy a few years ago because we couldn't find a replacement anywhere.

If you can find a current source for those, not much else I would be worried about going wrong.

rc
 
I bought a Model 52-1, ca 1965, last year. It's a ball to shoot. It's very accurate, and I've only shot mild WC ammo in it. I did add a red dot scope to help my 66 year old eyes, and it will punch cloverleafs at 25 yards.
 
rcmodel
there are 3 of those bushings on e-bay right now, "good used" condition.
I think the bushing has to be fit to barrel.
 
I had a 52-2 and it was a marvelous shooter. I had a SIG P-210-6 at the same time, and it was a tossup as to which was more accurate. A unique trigger -- soft without being mushy.

The only negative I had was finding ammo -- I don't reload. The bullet itself must be absolutely flush with the case or it won't fit in the mag, and if you don't reload, you'll have trouble finding it. Since the OP reloads, it shouldn't be an issue.

Mags are rare, and parts may be getting rare, too.
 
the 52 was intended for bullseye competition at which it excelled. They are extremely accurate and very durable. The midrange wadcutter ammunition they require is mild and they were designed for long life as a target pistol. If in fact you can reload your own I wouldn't hesitate for a minute to acquire it. Fully understand that they are very limited in the ammunition they'll be able to use and therefore MAY not be the best gun for general shooting.
 
quote "horsemen61 How much is he asking and yes I would get it" end quote

Price tag in display case $1450.00, have negoitated better price by a couple hundred $, still room to negotiate.
I have purchased revolvers/pistols & accesories from this one man LGS for years. We have a good owner/buyer relationship, he knows I don't waist his time negotiating if I am not searious and it's become a friendly challange to see what final price will be so we both feel we won!
I only hope many of the THR members have a favorite/friendly LGS.
say, maybe a "how did your favorite LGS go above and beyond for you" thread should be started?
 
I would think for that price it would have to be in virtually unfired condition...and be pre-Bangor Punta production. You'll know if it's during the Bangor Punta reign...they actually had "Bangor-Punta" stamped into the frame.
 
If you reload, you will love it. Suggest using a 9mm taper crimp die. Love mine and have shot it for 25 yrs.
 
Anyone who has/had a 52 needs to reload. A trick I learned was that you could very much use a slight roll crimp over the top of the wadcutter. That would leave no lead at all showing. That seemed to work well.

Also, you can have a machine shop extend the slot on the magazine sides. If you do that, you can get 6 rounds in the magazine instead of only 5. The guns were truly set up for NRA Bullseye shooting. You can still get magazines for it...they're about $50.00.
 
A bushing wrench is almost required. The bushing has notches all the way around and screws in. There is a spring loaded locating pin that pops out and locks the bushing in place. The bushing wrench simultaneously depresses the pin and allows you to unscrew the bushing.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

S
  • Locked
Opinion's on my S&W 52-2, I just purchased?
Replies
6
Views
526
Walt Sherrill
W
A
  • Locked
Owners Manual - S&W Model 52
Replies
9
Views
4K
Adam41
A
L
  • Locked
CZ-52 Range report
Replies
11
Views
1K
P95Carry
P
B
  • Locked
School me on the S&W model 59
2 3
Replies
52
Views
25K
Red Cent
R
mikemyers
  • Locked
RCBS Pro2000 making ammunition for S&W Model 52
Replies
17
Views
1K
mikemyers
mikemyers
Back
Top