I thought I'd seen the total production but couldn't find it in a search.
The subject came up today at the club.
Thanks for any help.

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Good shooting.

Any "good guesses"?

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Good shooting.

SW bible says 3500 produced for the original run of 52's. It doesn't say how many for the 52-1 and 52-2. All I can say is "not enough" based on resale prices.

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Dave

LOL....depends if you're a buyer or seller........

Only thing I have is the last 52-2 made, TZW9149, 7-23-1993.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

I'm not sure of the actual intention of the "not enough based on resale prices" comment, but I would love to argue it! Please let me explain.

It's all relative, honestly. Last MSRP for the 52-2 when it was in production in 1993 was, if I recall correctly... $909. Last MSRP for the 952-2 was $2,157 (2008.)

And though I do not have production number data for either model, the Model 52 was built from 1961 to 1993 and it's not a stretch to say that many, MANY more 52's were built.

Look at the Model 952 and the price it commands. It doesn't just command this price... love it or hate it, the 952 gets this price. The 52's have a little less marketability because it uses a very particular ammo that definitely scares away a large part of the buying public, but the pistol itself is built on a very similar level of craftsmanship, detail and ability.

Bottom line? The 52 pistols on the used market are a fantastic deal, even at the higher end of market prices. Or, if you are a glass-half-empty kind of guy, the 952 market is ridiculous. But before you subscribe to that, please don't forget that 952's did indeed actually have that $2,157 MSRP in 2008.

We all have our own views and perspective, but where the rubber meets the road, it's not all that hard to take home a nice 52 for around $1,200 and what you end up with is hard to replicate in almost anything built and sold today.

Just my suggestion-- If you read some of these Model 52 discussions but you have never actually had your hands on a 52, you may not fully appreciate what we are talking about. If you have never held a 52, felt the slide-on-frame fit, felt the trigger on these pistols... you owe it to yourself to do exactly that. Until you have handled them, and hopefully shot a few of them, you may not fully understand what we are discussing, at least not from a similar perspective.

I had to read that twice! The way you said it... made it sound like you claimed to own it.

That made me smile.

Based on inflation I should buy two

I like shooting 38 special. I’ve had a itch for a 52 for some time. Posts like this makes me want to scratch. ��

So True.
Graydog

Sevens took the words out of my mouth. I have owned several Model 52's throughout many years and I currently have three in inventory. Why three? I don't know, there is something very special about Model 52's that it is hard to put into words. Most had outstanding triggers that were a true joy to use. Almost all were incredibly accurate and at this stage in my life the three I have are much more capable than I am of shooting great scores. Working the slide on a model 52 is something every pistol aficionado should experience even if you have no real intent of buying one.

The only down sides to owning a Model 52 is one is never enough and most .38 wadcutter ammunition is pretty dirty stuff making clean up always necessary after firing. If you find a really nice one that has been taken care of buy it! You will not be sorry and you will experience the joy of owning one of the truly outstanding American made pistols of all time. They are a real bargain at the prices most are asking for them.

Rick H.

I own one . It's a piece of art and a outstanding shooter. My meaning was that if they had made more, maybe the price would be lower and I could justify one in every dash number :-)

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Dave

I've got a 52, 52-1 & two 52-2s. All stay in the safe except one of the 52-2 models which is my shooter. I've shot all of them. I love those guns, I have a Colt NM 38 Special and it comes nowhere near the 52s.

Im sure if you asked Mr. Jinks real nice, he would be willing to go thru every ledger he has on the auto series and count every 52 ever manufactured! WINK.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

All I can say about the 52 is that I used to say that I was a revolver guy;nowadays I show up at the range pretty often with it and I swear I hear guys saying comments and giggling in my back about that revolver guy thing!

I have a very nice '53 K38 that is very accurate, and I prefer revolvers. Having said that I shoot my 52-2 much better. Glad I got a few years ago. They are worth the money. If you reload wadcutters are simple and cheap. Fun thing is to let others at the range try the 52-2, the look is priceless.. What did you do to the trigger? Who did the trigger work? They often do not believe it is factory stock.