Anyone have directions on how to switch the Model 52 (no dash) from single to double action or visa/versa??

I have an owners manual, but there does not seem to be instructions for this procedure.

I am aware that only the no dash 52 had this feature, not the 52-1 or 52-2

Thanks!

3D

I have one and have done it myself. Be advised that it will likely mess up any adjustment you currently have for take up and overtravel on the single action pull if you do this. There is a screw that is located in the magazine well behind the trigger, it is easier to see with the pistol disassembled from the top side of the frame down into the mag well. This screw is what keeps the trigger in SA mode, if it is turned in a few turns it will release the trigger and allow it to move forward into DA position, you may need to adjust the overtravel screw to get everything working together from that point. When you want to go back to SA only it is just the reverse, but the resetting of the trigger into SA mode took some time for me to get things just right again. The screw that holds the trigger in SA mode also functions as a take up adjustment, and you need a little take up but not too much or too little to get the pistol to function correctly.

I keep mine in SA mode from now on.

Threedflyer, I'm sure no expert on the 52, so I referred to the 3rd Edition of The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson; specifically on page 287 of that book to try to answer your question.

In the book there is a picture of the first Model 52-A which was made apparantly for the military which was chambered for a .38 AMU cartridge (Army Marksmanship Training Unit). The pistol is similar in design to the Model 39 and has the double action feature and a 4" barrel.

It is too rare to evaluate but NIB sales have been reported in the $4000 to $6000 range according to the book.

It is not clear to me in the book, but it looks like a 52 (no dash) was manufactured beginning in 1961 and it had a set screw to lock out the double action function.

In 1963, at some point, the lockwork was changed to incorporate a true single action and I believe it was a Model 52-1. In 1971, there were some changes to the extractor system and the model number was changed to a 52-2. All Model 52's from the time the design was changed in 1963 until it was discontinued in 1993 were manufactured for single action only as far as I can tell.

You might want to get hold of your own copy of the book and read all of this for yourself. But I feel relatively sure a collector might see your post and answer your question better than I can. Hope this helps.

Threedflyer, sorry; I read your post again and realized I had missread it the first time. That'll teach me!

Thanks for the direction on the switch from DA to SA.
I am planning to leave mine in the SA mode (which it is in currently) but was curious how to make the change.

I notice a lot of travel in the 52 no dash in SA mode and would like to decrease that if possible. Not sure if that can be done or how?

3D

The manual that is in the box does not explain the procedure.
Does anyone have documentation from S&W on the DA/SA conversion for the 52??
3D

Another way to get a single/double action M52 is to mount a M52 upper on a M39 lower (that had been opened up to accept M52 mags).
Mark

This is a case where curious is best skipped. Don't fix what ain't broke, you will regert it - thought I'd never get back to SA and as noted above - never got back the great trigger before "fixin it".

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TOMBECK

Thanks for the tips and advise.....
I will be keeping my 52 in SA mode as shooting it DA does not meet my needs as a Bullseye shooter.

There must be some S&W publication out there that details making this switch....but that info has proven to be illusive!

If anyone has actual S&W documentation, I would be grateful to get a copy!

3D

I am finding ZERO information on the DA/SA conversion of the 52 no dash.

Does anyone out there have paperwork describing this feature?

While comparing my no dash with my 52-2, I see NO noticeable differences.

3D

Call S&W and ask for Vito - he is an expert on S&W 41 and believe he knows the 52s also.

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TOMBECK

Thanks for the suggestion Tom, I'll give that a try.

As I mentioned, it's not that I am planning to make the change to DA, I am just baffled that there is no documentation/instruction in the manual that instructs on the process.

3D