What's happening with my S&W 52?

[Grimmy]

I have been reloading my S&M 52 for many years now. And just recently it will not eject all the time, maybe once in 50 shots or so the emptily is still in the chamber. I am using 2.7 gr. of V. V. N310 and Remington 148 gr. HBWC with CCI primers. The brass varies in brands. Has anyone experienced this problem before? How do you resolve it?

Thanks; Grimmy (the Muddy Dog)

 

[NCsmitty]

Just a guess, perhaps your extractor is worn or bent? Parts for S&W M52 are hard to find as you probably know.
This link was hijacked from another site and I'm not sure if it's still valid. Perhaps you can do a Google search for "S&W 52 extractor problems" as I did.

http://www.e-gunparts.com/DisplayAd.asp?chrProductSKU=359790B&chrSuperSKU=359790&MC

Just a question, does the FTE occur with any particular brand of brass or is it indiscriminate?

NCsmitty

 

[loadedround]

I have a Model 52 also and NC Smitty is absolutely correct. If your extrator is not completely worn a good 'smith may be able to adjust the tension slightly to correct your problem. If you want to replace your extractor, both Gun Parts Inc(Numrich Arms) and Gunbroker online lists parts for your S&W 52. BTW, these pistols must be kept squeaky clean for 100% functioning...they're not like a GI 45 as you well know.

 

[Grimmy]

It seems that any brand of brass will FTE. But, I will try to find a extractor and try that.

Thanks to NC Smitty and loadedround..

 

[GooseGestapo]

I had a S&W PPC-9 do the same thing.

The extractor had a chip broken off from the bottom of the "hook" where it engages the rim.

A new extractor had in working like new. Cost about $30.

BTW: even the Perf. CTR gunsmiths were stumped until I remembered some local S.O. deputies had similar problems with their M59' back in the mid '80's....

Most likely cause is dropping slide on a chambered round. Bad JuJu with an S&W auto.....

 

[Steve C]

If the case is sticking in the chamber and the slide isn't coming back and the extractor looks good then look for a dirty chamber, solft brass or heavier powder charge.

Clean the chamber well, pull a coupld rounds of the offending ammo batch and check the powder charge to make sure its the correct load and you didn't get a little heaveir load accidentally.

 

[ReloaderFred]

If the Model 52 uses the same extractor as the Model 59 and Model 39, then you may be in luck, if that's the problem. If it is, and the same extractor is called for with all three models, send me a PM.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[Grimmy]

Update: I shot 120 rounds last night an only one FTE an it was a Winchester brass, the Federal and Remington loads functioned smoothly.

Grimmy

 

[ilbob]

I have not had any stick in the chamber. When I switched to plated bullets I had to up the charge a hair to get reliable functioning. Just did not always seem to have enough oomph to bring the slide back far enough to eject the spent round and strip off a new one.