Quick question, with the gun unloaded. When you release the slide
and gently return it to battery, does it stop short and then
kind of jump to battery.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

You're asking about that last tiny little bit, like last 1/16th of an inch of slide travel at the bitter end?

My TZT-prefix does that. My A774xxx doesn't.

What you're asking about is slightly similar or perhaps a VERY toned down but similar feel to the final lockup of a Les Baer 1911 pistol, in my opinion.

Oh, here is a possibly related nugget--

I had found posted many months back here on this forum a factory letter from Roy Jinks sent for a Performance Center 952 pistol and in this letter, Mr. Jinks dropped an interesting tidbit that I sometimes refer back to without giving proper credit. I have been known to say that personally, I equate the Model 52 pistols with the 5-inch "Limited" Performance Center pistols (845, 952, PPC-9, 3566 Limited, more) in build quality, fit, finish, and especially in feel an in on-target accuracy/performance and as it turns out, this may be even more accurate than simply my "feel."

Mr. Jinks stated that the very first run of no-dash 952 pistols were the result of a specific request by Bangers Distributors for Smith & Wesson to create a newly manufactured, "modern" version of the Model 52 chambered in 9mm. Roy went on to say that the first job of the newly-formed Performance Center team was to finish up the very last Model 52-2 pistols and use that hands-on 52 experience to begin the design and execution of what was to ultimately become the first 952 pistols.

In summary, it seems like the very last 52-2 pistols may have a slightly different "feel" to them than early A-prefix guns? Given the different group that ultimately finished the project?

From this, and from my own experience with a TZT-prefix Model 52-2, these late in the production run 52-2's may not have the gorgeous deep bluing or the classic lettering on the slide that most (A-prefix) 52's have always had... but their build quality, feel, fit, trigger, lock-up, accuracy and performance may be TOP-DRAWER, I can tell you that mine absolutely is. It's been noted in the SCSW and other places that the very last 52-2 produced carried the serial number of TZW-9149, making mine very near the end.

Yes that's one of the last steps in fitting the 52. We used a special fixture made for the slide stop. It was slowly ground to fit with the slightest of friction when locking up on the barrel.

I'll never get tired of Model 52 discussion and I love when you add bits, Don!

I think it normal mine operates the same way. It was made in 1963.

If you're intent on making sure it's working as smooth as possible here are 2 suggestions.

First is, I've encountered 52-2s that the feed ramps look choppy. The 52 and 52-1 seem not to have this issue as much. You need to know what you're doing but a light polish on the ramp is a good thing but has to be done by someone who KNOWS what they're doing or it'll cost you a fortune for a new (old) barrel.

Next is the rounds you use. Many are loaded flush with the case. A good re-loader who knows his 52s will leave a hairline of lead protruding from the case so when the bullet hits the ramp it is sliding on the lead instead of being impacted with the case, first. This can be finicky but well worth the effort to get the equation correct.

Some guys even undercut the case just a hair to compensate but it is usually not necessary if you're using the correct 148 Grain FLAT wad cutter. Some guys swear you should only use nickel cases on a 52. While nickel cases are good, I don't see the necessity but I keep only nickel cases for my 52s anyway. Can tell the 52, .38 Special, wad cutter cases from the double crimp lines. I load these separately form other .38 Specials. Crimp is just as important.

I feel this helps alleviate the choppy looking feed ramps but actually it should not matter whether the brass or lead hits it first as the steel of the ramp is much harder. It just seems to work. Don't ask why, but it does.

This process was handed down to me about 30 years ago from a (then) 70 year old Club-shooter of 52s and other fine bullseye guns. Everyone in our club who did not load for themselves, purchased reloaded target ammo from him.

Another trick is I use Teflon lube (paste) on the slide, slide rails (on the frame) and internal contact points. It seems not to collect dirt and powder grit as quickly as oil.

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ANTIQUESMITHS
LM1300 SWHF425

OP is asking about final full-battery lockup of an unloaded pistol.

So my 52-2 has been built by Don (donk52)we verified Mine is dated 1979, still to this day it has that finely tuned 'friction fit' feel to the slide when going into full battery. So yes it is normal and no it won't likely wear away Such a special feel to that slide and fitment! I can only relate to it as what I felt in a very nice Wilson Combat 45 I handled that well exceeded my budget but earned my appreciation for fit and trigger feel.

As a note on mine for feeding ammo, I have not shot any factory loads yet. I have loaded up various headstamp brass and with a flush set WC and a nice roll crimp to eliminate a sharp leading edge mine has run excellent! I did load up a batch of nickel cases and for some reason had feeding difficulties but since then no issues with good brass, Hornady HBWC's and plated DEWC's.
Karl

At the factory I used winchester 38 Special 148 grain wadcutter dummy rounds for checking the feed. I believe that's what they used in the range when test firing.

Thanks all for the Posts. Yes, the last little bit is .0625". I spoke with donk and he said it kinda of jumps to battery. It is a friction fit or as my Dad said a "snick" when it it went to battery. Very reminiscent of a Jim Clark Custom from the late 50s. Mike

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member