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01-26-2010, 12:09 AM
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" Smith & Wesson .38 Master Model 52-2"
Hello ! I am a New & proud owner of a Model 52-2 in Excellent condition. I know little about this model & would appreciate any info from the experts/ shooters & owners , about this fine piece ( value,production numbers, etc..) ---- Also any tips on handloading for this beauty, would be greatly appreciated .
Hope I'm not asking TOO much !!
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01-26-2010, 12:38 AM
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Can't help with the handloading but the 52-2, according to SCSW was an improved version of the Model 52-1 with a more efficient extractor system. Introduced in 1971. Features an adjustable trigger stop, serrated hammer, and a counterweight was offered as an accessory. Produced 1971-1993. The Model 52 came with a 5" barrel with a 5 shot magazine. Adjustable rear sight for windage and elevation. Bright blue finish, checkered walnut grips with S&W monograms. Shipped with two magazines, barrel bushing wrench, screw driver, instruction sheet and cleaning kit. Serial range begins at 50,000. Course with certain autoloaders, starting in 1970, serial numbers begin with the "A" prefix. Certain models have an "A" suffix.
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01-26-2010, 11:56 AM
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You are on the money regarding serial #. -- Mine has An "A" suffix
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01-26-2010, 05:11 PM
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There have been many discussions recently on the reloading sub-forum. Winchester offers a flush wadcutter in their silverbox line, but you won't find it everywhere.
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01-26-2010, 06:04 PM
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When you begin your handloading for the 52-2, you might want to obtain 3-4 boxes of quality .38 wadcutter factory loads (probably Remington) and keep these for comparative testing as you proceed. You will probably never equal them. Reloading for the 52 can get a little confusing, especially if you are not always testing from a machine rest. It helps to have something to compare with that is constant. Watching your brass carefully helps, too. Try to use brass that has only been fired a time or two for your testing, and be sure to check the length.
I always had better luck with swaged bullets than with cast bullets, though some cast loads did shoot very well. I shot more hollow-base Hornadys than anything else. Got the usual "tipping" with everything I tried.
In those days I used 452AA powder, but many powders were being used then, and some shooters actually preferred slower powders, like Unique in the 52.
My ammunition always shot better than I did, but not as good as factory loads from any of the three major manufacturers.
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01-27-2010, 12:46 PM
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My Model 52-1 has shot exceptionally well with the 148 gr. Remington LHBWC using 2.8 gr. Bullseye and Rem SP primer. I seat the bullet flush with the case mouth and apply a very slight roll crimp. The ammo feeds flawlessly and is extremely accurate.
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02-02-2010, 04:01 PM
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Appreciate the replies ! ----I just read in another forum " 52-1" ,. A gentleman was using 2.7 grains of 700x --- I've got lots of it --but , how 's this stuff in the accuracy dept. compared to other powders??
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02-02-2010, 05:08 PM
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700X works well. I would not consider it second-string at all. I use it more in .32s than .38s, but along with Bullseye, it was one of the most popular powders for this purpose, two or three decades ago, or maybe four.
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02-02-2010, 05:54 PM
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I leave just enough of the bullet stick out of the case that I can use a decent roll crimp on it- not too far though. Check the feed out of the magazine to ensure bullets aren't too long. Point being, when I first started, I seated the bullets to the top of the case, then used a taper crimp. That isn't necessary.
148DEWC with 3.0 (3.2)gr W231 make a jagged hole at 50' - any further, I can't see well enought.
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02-02-2010, 10:07 PM
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Thunderflash,
I used 700X because that is what I had on hand and it is what I have loaded for years for use in my K38 Target Masterpiece. I had a box of factory W-W Match 148gr HBWC that I shot a few of after I tried my handloads of 700X with Speer HBWC. The handload grouped about 1/2" larger than the factory Match ammo. I am going to work the load a bit with the 700X to see if I can get it better. I'll post the results.
Any pictures of your 52-2 ?
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02-02-2010, 10:23 PM
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I use the Remington 148 HBWC with 3.1 of WW 231. Works great.
Having said that, the same bullet with the 2.8 Bullseye load as TSQUARE posted is very accurate as well.
Keep it clean and lube the rails slightly and it will never give you a problem.
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02-02-2010, 10:35 PM
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Loading for 52
3.0 to 3.3 grains of 231 is a real nice load that I shoot out of my 52. I seat the bullets flush with a little crimp. I would load a few and check that they are seated deep enough to fit in your magazine. These guns are impresive to shoot.
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02-03-2010, 06:39 PM
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Have any pictures? I haven't seen one in years. I used a Giles 52 back in the 60s. Won center fire a couple of times. It was hard to beat the military shooters in 45 class, but occasionally you could top them in center fire. Bulls eye shooting is almost unheard of around here these days I would love to see a picture, just for memory's sake. Good Shooting..
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02-04-2010, 12:05 AM
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3.0 grains of W231
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ducman38
3.0 to 3.3 grains of 231 is a real nice load that I shoot out of my 52. I seat the bullets flush with a little crimp. I would load a few and check that they are seated deep enough to fit in your magazine. These guns are impresive to shoot.
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Here is my 52-1 loaded with 3.0 grains of 231.
Last edited by 625smith; 10-19-2010 at 10:24 PM.
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02-04-2010, 10:39 PM
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If you are in to old Gun Digests in the 1963 GD there is a comprehensive article on the new 38 S&W Master now model 52 it starts on page 184 and a great handloading article by Elvin Bellah on the cartridge for the 52, the gun article was by shooting expert Gil Hebard. Also the price of the 63 GD is worth the price because there is also a great article on handloading the great model 53 S&W Remington center fire Magnum or 22 Remington Jet. Jeff
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02-05-2010, 09:12 AM
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625Smith:
thanks for the picture, brings back some very pleasant memories...
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03-25-2010, 09:59 AM
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Smtih Wesson Model 52-2
I have had good luck with with the 148 gr. Remington LHBWC using 2.8 gr. Bullseye and Rem SP primer. Find the correct reload and at 25 yards cleaning the x-ring is not out of the question. It is certainly accurate enough for international style shooting which is shot at 25 meters. There is no 50 yard match which requires a lot of money to build custom guns. My version seems to like Winchester factory ammo which I tend to shoot in matches.
The 52 will shoot extremely accurate groups right from the factory and does not require extensive modification like the 45 to shoot bullseye 50-yard accuracy. Most shooters today will shoot 45 in both NRA competitions because of having only to learn one gun.
I never shoot without the counterweight. It seems to help with keeping the aim on line (some refer to followthrough) which helps to eliminate those flyers (e.g., one shot out in the 8 ring). That is the major knock on the 52 and there are all sorts of explanations for this issue.
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03-25-2010, 10:10 AM
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I have one but I have not shot it in months because I cant find any 148g hollow base wadcutters.
Last edited by s&wchad; 09-07-2010 at 08:59 PM.
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03-26-2010, 07:48 PM
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I use my Smith 52-2 to compete in Bullseye meets (no optics, thank you very much) and, over the years, have found that 2.7 up to 2.9 grains of Bullseye powder is the most accurate in my pistol. I like to keep my brass shortened to an oal of 1.045" (minimum 1.04"-maximum 1.06"). This size will allow me to crimp in the crimping groove but the oal of the loaded cartridge with the standard 148 grain wadcutter bullet will not go past the maximum length of the factory wadcutter round. Measure each case. New and once-fired cases should be chamfered if they require it. I bell the case mouth if I'm using cast bullets-otherwise they won't seat well without digging into the lead base.
For those who use hollow base wadcutter bullets, I refer you to an admonition I came across years ago in the Handloader magazine, published in 1979, where the author of an article recounted the following experience"...Walking downrange to have a look at the target (I found) lying on the floor of my indoor range were the just-fired wadcutter bullets, each with a hole clear through it from end to end...I suddenly realized what had happened. The extemely deep hollow bases had allowed the thin center web to shoot out at higher velocity, triggering the chronograph screens, while the main cylindrical portion of the bullet, acting like a sabot, had dropped off.
"Hard on the heels of that thought came the realization that one of those tubular bullets might have well lodged in the barrel after the escape of driving powder gas through its center hole. Hurrying back to the shooting bench with that dread possibility in mind, I picked up the Ruger and checked the breech. And there it was. The fifth (and last) bullet fired had done just that, its hollow base flared out and wedged in the barrel breech., its center shot out!
"What if that had occurred with the second, third, or fourth shot instead of the last round? I don't know, but in pondering what the consequences might have been, I recalled those reports we've been hearing of late, of quality revolvers blowing up with light target loads with wadcutter bullets.
"There has been the usual nonsensical speculation as to whether the powder detonated in those cases, which didn't make any sense and which I didn't accept. The NRA's recent series of tests disproved that theory. Now I think we know the answer as to what really happened-an unnoticed obstruction in the barrel! No one checks the barrel of a revolver after each shot, yet there's no other way the presence of an obstruction such as this would be known.
"...this occurence should furnish enough incentive (for) makers of hollow-base wadcutters to investigate the possibility of it happening with their product. As a double-check, I reran the same load tests, this time using solid-based wadcutters, and had no trouble whatsoever, obtaining fine accuracy and normal velocities..."
Anyhow, whether you agree with the author or not or whether your experience(s) contradicts his or not, it seems food for thought, at least. Speaking for myself, I have switched from hollow-based wadcutters to solid-based ones, predicated on the old adage:-better safe than sorry.
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03-26-2010, 09:40 PM
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Even though I don't reload, and I bought my first 52-2 about 2 months ago, I have to agree with WMO---Lucky enough to have a reloader close by--he always uses W231 but if supply is short he goes to Bulleye--funny thing is he uses the EXACT same charges WMO does. He used to reload for the city of Boston PD and their shooting team for about 15 yrs. before he went out on his own--so knows his stuff I believe.
He also recommends copper flashed or plated wadcutters--and I agree--a LOT less smokey and cleaner burning.
I did have trouble with feeding, but it was only on 2 of the 5 mags--nose of wadcutter hit top of breachface/barrel. It was an easy solve by bending ears of the problematic mags inward to keep the bullet from rising so fast--problem solved in about 10 min.
Next, I do use a red dot--went with an Aimtech grip mount Weaver rail so I wouldn't have to alter the gun. Works great till you have to take it off to take slide off, but thats not too often with copper bullets and by removing the left grip and using spray cleaner. Be aware with my aimtech if found the trigger has a tiny bit more pre travel (about 1/16") before it gets to break--almost like a 2 stage trigger. That's because the screw that replaces the trigger screw seems to have a slightly different grove contour in the middle. But the letoff is as crisp as ever--better than most other CF guns for sure. If you use an Aimtech make sure to use medium strenght Loctite on the screws.
Remember too you can adjust the trigger pre-travel to a degree with the little internal set screw just in front of the mag well, and on top of the trigger. You can even do it with the Aimtech mounted with a long handle allen wrench especially if you bend the allen wrench a little bit
Mine was lucky enough to come with the bbl. weight--you'll need to use med. strenght Loctite on it too if you have one.
Also, parts can be hard to come by from some of my BE friends who shot them for years, but if you ever need any, many of the 39 parts fit--the 52 was developed from the 39.
I'll guarrantee you if you go to a league night with it, you'll have half the people drooling over it, if they've been shooting BE for 10 years or more.
By the way, I also put a Hoge rubber finger groove slip on grip over the grip as well. (I know, not a purist with the dot and the grip--but the gun is enough for me)
So I agree with the other guys too--keep it clean and well oiled, like most good target guns--same way I treat my Hamden High Standard 22's too.
Only trouble is, If I have a low score on league night, I have to blame the guy in the mirror, and not the gun!
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09-02-2010, 11:02 AM
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Easy to reload for S&W Model 52
Note the Model 52 does NOT shoot "38 specials" as most seem to write. The magazine only holds a flush-mounted 38 special mid-range wadcutter. Even a 38 special regular target load won't fit in the magazine.
However, it's an easy (and relatively inexpensive ) reload. Buy DEWC ( double-ended wad cutters ), use 2.5 grains of Bullseye, and flush mount the bullet with just the tiniest crimp to give a smoother edge for feeding.
This pistol was designed expressly for the centerfire pistol in the 3-gun national match course. ( I took 9th centerfire/slow fire Expert at Camp Perry with mine back in the late 60's.
With such a small powder charge, there's little recoil and brass lasts forever. In my opinion, this is the finest centerfire target pistol ever made... and absolutely useless for much of anything else past shooting rats at the dump.
Until the 52 came along, you either had to shoot your .45 or a wheelgun for your centirefire pistol in the NMC.
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09-03-2010, 09:02 AM
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Note the Model 52 does NOT shoot "38 specials" as most seem to write. The magazine only holds a flush-mounted 38 special mid-range wadcutter. [Quote]
I'm not sure what you mean here. When the type of bullet to be used in the Model 52 was referenced, all of the posters on this thread advocated using wadcutters. And the Model 52 is assuredly chambered in .38 Special-says so right on the pistol (with the caveat "midrange").
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09-04-2010, 11:19 PM
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It uses the exact same case as any other 38 Special. So, it does shoot "38 Special". However, it will only chanber 38 Special ammunition that is flush seated. Velocities are in the 700-800 fps range.
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09-05-2010, 03:58 PM
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I only have one 52 and had to look no farther than my first load of 2.6 grains of Bullseye under a 148 DEWC to find a load it likes. A full roll crimp and it just keeps on running. I wish I could shoot it to close to it's potential standing on my two hind legs but unfortunately I have to bench it to come close. Here's a picture of mine since this thread is light on pics.
Keith
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09-05-2010, 05:36 PM
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I have a model 52-2 about 30 yrs old, but in excellent condition. Unfortunately, I can shoot it very rarely, as 38s LWC ammo from the big 3 never seems to appear in the Chicago area, with Magtech being only available occasionally. Sellier & Bellot won't cycle half the time, and Fiocchi fails to cycle every time. (The spent casings do not clear the exit portal). Could it be that my recoil spring is becoming too stiff with age? I never had this problem years ago. Can anyone recommend a maker and source of LWCs with enough kick to cycle the gun's action properly?
Sadly, I cannot reload, as I now live in a condo building.
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09-05-2010, 07:16 PM
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I've had this pair since 1980. Hi Standard Trophy Citation with 7 1/4 ' barrel and my 52-2 both bought new back then. The 52 loves DEWC in front of 2.9 grains of Bullseye. All cases are trimmed to 1.124" OAL and the bullet flush seated with a roll crimp. Once I figured out the length it became totally reliable.
About 1982 I started shooting the IPA or IDPA police course and modified all of my magazines, lengthening the slots so that they will hold 6 rounds. A holster for a 39 will hold the 52 perfectly. After a year or so, I got a Colt 45 for the IPA and went back to using the 52-2 only for Bullseye. They are an extremely accurate gun.
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09-07-2010, 08:55 PM
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Many thanks for the tip on sources of 38s LWC. I will be ordering from Midsouth shortly. Their prices are also less than 3/4 of what I pay locally in N Illinois!
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09-08-2010, 10:45 AM
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THUNDERFLASH, I shot a Model 52 in competition for over 30 years. The load to use is 2.7 GRAINS BULLSEYE POWDER AND A 148 GRAIN HOLLOWBASE LEAD BULLET. I retired from competition in 2005. I still have several 1000 bullets left if you need any. I would let them go for a very reasonable price. Cheaper than you can buy them anyplace else. I even have a Dillon 1050 to go along with it. CookE
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09-16-2010, 07:09 PM
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I concur with T Square.
The most accurate, consistent load I've found so far for my 52-2 is 2.8 gn BE under a 148 gn HBWC . Tried it the other day and was very pleased. Not much recoil either.
FWIW this is the same load that Gil Hebard (author of the Pistol Shooter's Treasury) advocated back in the early sixties.
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09-18-2010, 12:27 AM
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2.5 grains of Clays under 148g HBWC, seated flush with a light crimp.
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10-24-2011, 10:02 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CookE
THUNDERFLASH, I shot a Model 52 in competition for over 30 years. The load to use is 2.7 GRAINS BULLSEYE POWDER AND A 148 GRAIN HOLLOWBASE LEAD BULLET. I retired from competition in 2005. I still have several 1000 bullets left if you need any. I would let them go for a very reasonable price. Cheaper than you can buy them anyplace else. I even have a Dillon 1050 to go along with it. CookE
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Cooke
I am thinking of purchasing a Model 52-2. Do you still have the 1000
Bullets available and or the 1050?
Thanks
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10-24-2011, 02:09 PM
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Gratuitous photo op:
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02-16-2012, 12:39 PM
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I have the fortunate opportunity to purchase a 52-2 Master NI never fired. Since it sounds very difficult to get ammo for it I wonder if I should pass or just get it as a safe queen. I have no idea what it's worth. My source s=just told me he had one as well as a Model 39 NIB. I really want them both. Do you think it would be difficult to sell teh 52-2 someday? (I would actually love to shoot it but i don't reload)
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02-16-2012, 11:47 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lopez
I have one but I have not shot it in months because I cant find any 148g hollow base wadcutters.
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try Midway USA, thats where I got my last batch.
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02-16-2012, 11:49 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TSQUARED
My Model 52-1 has shot exceptionally well with the 148 gr. Remington LHBWC using 2.8 gr. Bullseye and Rem SP primer. I seat the bullet flush with the case mouth and apply a very slight roll crimp. The ammo feeds flawlessly and is extremely accurate.
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I concur, mine likes load as well
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02-17-2012, 03:30 PM
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my 52-2 likes Zero 148gr. HBWC with 2.7 bullseye and CCI primers
new to forum how do I find 52 shooters
wesson522
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02-18-2012, 02:39 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wesson522
new to forum how do I find 52 shooters
wesson522
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Welcome to the Forum. Try clicking on the "Model 52" tag at the bottom of the page to find all threads where the Model 52 is mentioned. Its a good source of info and you'll see which members shoot their 52s. Here's my 52-2:
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12-13-2013, 01:36 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bert S
I have a model 52-2 about 30 yrs old, but in excellent condition. Unfortunately, I can shoot it very rarely, as 38s LWC ammo from the big 3 never seems to appear in the Chicago area, with Magtech being only available occasionally. Sellier & Bellot won't cycle half the time, and Fiocchi fails to cycle every time. (The spent casings do not clear the exit portal). Could it be that my recoil spring is becoming too stiff with age? I never had this problem years ago. Can anyone recommend a maker and source of LWCs with enough kick to cycle the gun's action properly?
Sadly, I cannot reload, as I now live in a condo building.
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Hi! my name is Ippolito and I am from Italy (Florence)
I have exactly the same problem and here only Sellier & Bellot, Fiocchi and Geco are avalable: none works well!!!
I'll try to change the recoil spring whith a softer one but what I can't understand is the fact that She works the first magazine quite well an then...it's frustrating.
Good luck and...sorry for my english
Ippolito
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12-13-2013, 01:41 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thunderflash
Hello ! I am a New & proud owner of a Model 52-2 in Excellent condition. I know little about this model & would appreciate any info from the experts/ shooters & owners , about this fine piece ( value,production numbers, etc..) ---- Also any tips on handloading for this beauty, would be greatly appreciated .
Hope I'm not asking TOO much !!
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When I shot a SW 52 the load was 2.8 gr Bullseye or 3.2 gr W-231 behind the 148 gr. Remington LHBWC seated flush with a very slight roll crimp.
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12-13-2013, 06:58 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IPPOLITO
...I have exactly the same problem and here only Sellier & Bellot, Fiocchi and Geco are avalable: none works well!!!
I'll try to change the recoil spring whith a softer one but what I can't understand is the fact that She works the first magazine quite well an then...it's frustrating.
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If you cannot find any U.S.-made commercial wadcutters you may have to load your own cartridges. We always aimed for 750-775 FPS with our handloads and had very few problems - as long as the gun was kept clean and lightly lubricated with LSA or similar.
My particular 52 seems to have a tight chamber. The failures I've had with my gun were always failures to return fully to battery, which is probably a tired recoil spring, rather than one that is too heavy - or not-to-spec ammunition. I started checking every round with a maximum ammunition gage and my fail to return to battery problems decreased dramatically, but did not go away entirely. A bit more experimenting later I determined I was probably to blame for the remaining trouble. Even though a light recoiling gun, 52s do seem to require a pretty firm grip. When I put a Pachmayr grip on my 52 (and checked my ammo), that seemed to cure my problems, so I imagine my shot-to-shot grip on the pistol may not have been as perfect/uniform as it should have been. I didn't care for the feel of the Pachmayrs though and eventually replaced them with the standard stocks and a Hogue Handall, which is an ugly but comfortable combination for me.
Some 52 shooters will trim their brass slightly shorter than the usual trim-to length and they claim that aids function with touchy guns. (1.140" or so) I have never tried it but intend to the next time I start shooting my 52 again. Another common "52 trick" is to use .38 brass that came from factory wadcutters rather than .38 service loads. The theory is that there is some slight difference between the two and I believe that is the case with both the R-P and W-W brass that I was using at the time.
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12-13-2013, 07:40 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: (outside) Charleston, SC
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Help me understand this.....
Quote:
Originally Posted by dgludwig
I use my Smith 52-2 to compete in Bullseye meets (no optics, thank you very much) and, over the years, have found that 2.7 up to 2.9 grains of Bullseye powder is the most accurate in my pistol. I like to keep my brass shortened to an oal of 1.045" (minimum 1.04"-maximum 1.06"). This size will allow me to crimp in the crimping groove but the oal of the loaded cartridge with the standard 148 grain wadcutter bullet will not go past the maximum length of the factory wadcutter round. Measure each case. New and once-fired cases should be chamfered if they require it. I bell the case mouth if I'm using cast bullets-otherwise they won't seat well without digging into the lead base.
For those who use hollow base wadcutter bullets, I refer you to an admonition I came across years ago in the Handloader magazine, published in 1979, where the author of an article recounted the following experience"...Walking downrange to have a look at the target (I found) lying on the floor of my indoor range were the just-fired wadcutter bullets, each with a hole clear through it from end to end...I suddenly realized what had happened. The extemely deep hollow bases had allowed the thin center web to shoot out at higher velocity, triggering the chronograph screens, while the main cylindrical portion of the bullet, acting like a sabot, had dropped off.
"Hard on the heels of that thought came the realization that one of those tubular bullets might have well lodged in the barrel after the escape of driving powder gas through its center hole. Hurrying back to the shooting bench with that dread possibility in mind, I picked up the Ruger and checked the breech. And there it was. The fifth (and last) bullet fired had done just that, its hollow base flared out and wedged in the barrel breech., its center shot out!
"What if that had occurred with the second, third, or fourth shot instead of the last round? I don't know, but in pondering what the consequences might have been, I recalled those reports we've been hearing of late, of quality revolvers blowing up with light target loads with wadcutter bullets.
"There has been the usual nonsensical speculation as to whether the powder detonated in those cases, which didn't make any sense and which I didn't accept. The NRA's recent series of tests disproved that theory. Now I think we know the answer as to what really happened-an unnoticed obstruction in the barrel! No one checks the barrel of a revolver after each shot, yet there's no other way the presence of an obstruction such as this would be known.
"...this occurence should furnish enough incentive (for) makers of hollow-base wadcutters to investigate the possibility of it happening with their product. As a double-check, I reran the same load tests, this time using solid-based wadcutters, and had no trouble whatsoever, obtaining fine accuracy and normal velocities..."
Anyhow, whether you agree with the author or not or whether your experience(s) contradicts his or not, it seems food for thought, at least. Speaking for myself, I have switched from hollow-based wadcutters to solid-based ones, predicated on the old adage:-better safe than sorry.
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You are loading 2.9 gr of Bullseye and it shoots the center of the HBWC out?? This is a very standard and trouble-free load. Are the bullets made with the hollow too deep or something?? I don't know what could be wrong with this load. Maybe the bore is too tight? I've shot thousands of Speer HBWCs and never saw this.
Just as a side note... I don't believe in detonation either. I do believe that people make mistakes when reloading.
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12-13-2013, 09:19 PM
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I never said that it happened to me. I was only reporting on information from an article published in a 1979 edition of Handloading magazine. It is only food for thought at this point in time, at least for me.
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Tags
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bullseye, cartridge, chronograph, colt, counterweight, crimp, extractor, idpa, military, model 52, natchez, primer, remington, rimfire, ruger, scsw, serrated, tactical, wadcutter, walnut, weaver, winchester |
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