I am thrilled to say I have finally found a Model 52-2 in minty condition. Absolutely love the gun after having it to the range two times. I did a full strip and cleaning today for the first time...but I am at a loss as to how tight to make the barrel bushing on reassembly.
Finger tight while depressing the locking pin is what I have read. I did that and can feel no side to side barrel play at the muzzle. However, the flat metal barrel bushing plate between the bushing and front of the slide is loose and even bulges out slightly at the bottom because of pressure from the recoil spring. The gun functions fine in that condition. I am afraid that if I tighten the barrel bushing to the point that there is no play in the barrel bushing plate it will be way too tight on the barrel lock up.

Any advice from you Model 52 owners out there would be much appreciated.

Good luck finding an owners manual. Our gun club used to have all the S&W manuals on line until we got a nasty gram from the S&W legal department ordering us to take them down or face legal action (thank you very much S&W).

I do however have an original model 52 owners manual (4 pages) that states "in particular, no extreme force should be used on barrel bushing"

S&W furnished a bushing wrench that would depress the barrel bushing plunger and allow you to tighten the barrel bushing. I have tightened mine "just finger tight" with the wrench and never had any issues.

Another factoid is the rear sight clicks are one click = 3/4 inch elevation and 1/2" wind age at 50 yards.

You can expect many variations of how to tighten. Suggest if "finger tight" feels a little loose (should work if all as flat and square), use the wrench to "snug" up and then back off about 3-4 clicks. As noted elsewhere, overtight can lead to a cracked bushing. Generally a new bushing and refitting will work.

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TOMBECK

This is a good question for 52 owners and new owners like me, especially since sourcing a replacement bushing may be challenging. I recently purchased a 52-2 and shot my test loads in it and was very happy that I made the purchase from a very nice forum member.

Shame on you for not posting pictures, but I'll include one for ya.

IMG_2610.jpg

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USS ZELLARS
DD-777

Finger tight while depressing the bushing plate with your other hand. You can use the wrench but be careful just to snug it up and back it off to the first notch to let the lock plunger back up.

I agree totally with the finger tight responses.
If you need a PDF of a owners manual - send me an email & I'll forward.
I don't think the owners manual states anything about the bushing tightness.

I finger tight the bushing and back off to the set notch.
My plate also rotates back and forth.
Plates will bend outward over time from spring pressure, I have spares, or you could lay it on a flat object and place a flat object on top and tap on it with a 3 ounce hammer to straighten it up some.
All you need.
As long as the barrel has no movement, you are good to go.
Has worked for me.
YMMV;
Clarence

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B.E.Master in&outdoor
D.R.#99

Great answers everyone. Thanks.
That slapping sound is me smacking my forehead. I forgot I downloaded an original Model 52 manual months ago when my search for this amazing gun started.

It clearly says: on reassembly. "Replace barrel bushing and plate turning in to a firm fit aligning closest notch to bushing plunger."

I followed the instructions and now there is no play in the bushing plate and the gun goes into battery much better than before when the barrel bushing was too lose.

Problem solved.

Oh, and I saw the picture challenge...coming tomorrow.

Thanks,
Easy

Great looking M52. Here is my recent acquisition...










Easy

I will print those pictures and carry them in my wallet.