I'm looking at a 52-2 that is in very nice shape, except that the stud that protrudes from the bottom of the mainspring housing seems to be missing:



I've never seen one that didn't look like this:



The owner of the gun is the original owner and hasn't any more of a clue than I do as to what happened.

Does anyone have an idea about what happened, and what it is going to cost for a repair, factory or otherwise?

Thanks for your input.


Bullseye

Hi:
An un-educated guess (shot in the dark)- the missing part is some type lanyard ring??
If it is -fairly inexpensive to replace.
Jimmy

Bullseye,

I,am looking at my 52-2 and it has the same hole as yours does.
Looking at the manual the only thing I can see is item #42 called the mainspring plunger that in that area.
My gun is unfired, so I have to believe it's unmolested.
Does the gun function as it should?
May be a non issue.

Hope this helps.

Sam

__________________
N FRAMES the spice of life!

Some of these models were sold without a lanyard ring for the commercial market. The lanyard ring is what you could hook a lanyard to in order to secure the gun to your person. It is also commonly known as the dummy cord. The military still issues lanyards for use with the Beretta 92 (I had one in Iraq). It doesn't affect the functioning of the gun in any way. If it's an issue to you do a Google for lanyard rings for the Smith 52 and see what is out there.

The back strap was made from carbon steel (439 series were also aluminum). The hole's primary purpose was to release the main spring cup with a drift if stuck. Inside edge has a taper counterpart to hold the cup from slipping. Most of the factory backstraps had a loop on the end for the lanyard purpose. Inside the leading edge of the mag well should be a stamped letter or number of the fitter who built it. I built them for a few years in the early 90's...interested in knowing stamp if any.

Mine has the stud. I didn't take it off, but it looks like it is one piece with the rear grip insert, not a separate part. Look at the picture of item #27 on Numrich Gun Parts:

Smith & Wesson*|*52-2*|*e-GunParts.com

Looks like the part is $62, seems like a lot!

Thanks guys. I have decided to take a pass on this gun. I have located another, NIB, for about the same money, that has no issues. Much safer that way.

Thanks again for your responses.



Bullseye