Model 52 High-Capacity Magazines ???

s&wchad · #1 03-31-2021, 01:28 PM

A recent thread about 52 magazines caused me to dig into my stash. I thought 52 magazines only held 5 rounds, but this slots on this one are longer than normal, are curved at the bottom and it definitely holds more than 5 rounds. I haven’t tried it year, but it appears to hold 8-10 rounds.

Anyone know anything about these?

quikdraw67 · #2 03-31-2021, 01:32 PM

I never heard or saw anything other than a 5rd 52 magazine.

Considering that the 52 was designed was a target pistol, and Bullseye is shot 5 rounds at a time. it would seem unusual.

Of course, anything is possible.

Sevens · #3 03-31-2021, 01:55 PM

Back in the day many folks modified them to hold six and sometimes seven rounds. Initially they would alter simply by extending the side cuts. They soon found that if they extended the side cuts -AND- straightened the angle, seven rounds was possible.

As expected (if aren’t aware...) original 52 magazines go for $STUPID these days. A carefully altered one is a neat thing to have but less valuable as it isn’t original and “suspect” to any buyer until that buyer has tried it himself.

I’ve never heard of any 52 magazine in any form that held beyond seven rounds.

Green Frog · #4 03-31-2021, 02:59 PM

During the heyday of PPC Revolver matches, when all stages involved 6 round legs, it was not unheard of for a dedicated "auto loader guy" to take his Model 52 magazines and alter them to hold one extra round so he could play with the wheel gunners. I'd hate to think of the $$$$ involve to do this today, but I don't see the old PPC matches that specialize in wheelguns being held anymore anyway.

Froggie

Engineer1911 · #5 03-31-2021, 04:21 PM

Back in 1982, mags were about $7 each. I took my original two plus two spares I bought, and modified them to hold 6 rounds. I traded a Ruger Single 6 and Colt Trooper Mk 3 (both 22 LR) plus $106 for a NIB M-52. $6 was for sales tax.

Rick H. · #6 03-31-2021, 04:26 PM

I had never seen an altered M52 magazine until now and while I certainly find it interesting as a novelty I wouldn't do that to a stock factory mag at this point. Whoever did the job just extended the slots on a mill apparently, but they didn't follow the line of the original slot. It would be interesting to take the mag apart and see if any other alterations were done to the spring or follower or both. None-the-less I would like to know what the end all capacity is.

Rick H.

Walter Rego · #7 03-31-2021, 05:41 PM

My Model 52-2 came with a magazine modified to take one extra round. It looks like it was done with a Dremel and a file. It works fine but I only tried it with 6 rounds a couple of times and usually just load 5.
The slot isn't extended as far as s&wchad's. Maybe his holds 7 or even 8 ? The trick apparently is keeping the extension slot parallel with the rear spine angle or the rounds will bind when you go beyond 5.

the big guy · #8 04-01-2021, 12:42 AM

Years ago, like over two decades, I met Dan Coonan. Bought a few of his guns. He told me that he had been modifying 52 mags for match shooters. I was young(er) and dumb(er) and didn't follow up on it for more detail. Dan was and is a great gun mechanic so I never doubted that if he did it, it would work.

elpac3 · #9 04-01-2021, 08:51 AM

Had this done to three model 52 mags which was used for PPC matches. Went to a local custom metal shop and had them done on a vertical mill. Increased mag capacity to 6. Works fine without excessive spring tension.

colt_saa · #10 04-01-2021, 09:10 AM

Decades ago I experimented with both the 6 shot and 7 shot conversions.

The 7 shot gave me a bit of reliability worry so I converted 10 magazines to 6 shot.

Back them magazines were not collectible items so it was no big deal. I was not a Bullseye shooter and most of what I shot was geared around 6 shots (revolvers)

I had to shoot for the State. It required a 38 special so I showed up with my Model 52.

It was FUN.

Right away I was told that I needed a 38 Special, not some auto loader.

When I showed them it was 38 Special, I was then told that autos were not allowed. I had the big book with me and I challenged them to show me where in the statute we were limited to revolvers. They had no choice but to let me shoot

After getting their underwear in a bunch, I re-shot the course of fire with a Model 27

BTW, those 6 shot magazines have been working perfectly ever since