Model 52-2 Chamber

[palooka]

I have a slight bulge toward the bottom of some spent brass from my 52-2. The load is 3.0 gr HP38. An experienced shooter suggested that the 52-2 would have been built with a slightly oversized chamber and that the bulging is occurring with this batch of brass since it is near the end of its useful life. Does this sound like a reasonable explanation? Has anyone else had a similar experience and if the barrel is damaged where can I buy a new one?

 

[Bullseye 2620]

Good luck on finding a new barrel for a 52-2. Both Bar-sto and Clark's used to make aftermarket replacements, but no more. The S&W factory barrels were exhausted a long time ago.

I would like to think that if enough people got together who needed barrels, etc., that someone would respond to the demand, but that may be just wishful thinking since they would still have to be individually fitted. Your best chance may be to drop $800 to $1,000 and buy another 52-2.

Sorry to be a wet blanket.


Bullseye

 

[RGPM1A]

The bulging at the bottom of the spent case is normal. There is nothing wrong with your barrel or brass. Mine does it too. I reload my cases until they start splitting when fired. Then I throw the whole batch away and get new cases. I use 3.3 grains of Win 231 over a 148 grain Hornady HBWC and can usually get at least 10 -15 reloads before the cases start splitting. I use Midway, RP and Winchester cases but don't mix them.

 

[Joni_Lynn]

Is there any possibility that the gun is opening early?

 

[palooka]

Is there any possibility that the gun is opening early?

How could one tell? What would cause that ?

 

[Joni_Lynn]

Maybe a weak recoil spring possibly in combination with a weak hammer spring.

 

[dave b]

Mine does that too. Not to worry.

 

[RGPM1A]

Maybe a weak recoil spring possibly in combination with a weak hammer spring.

Good point. Never thought of that.

 

[Joni_Lynn]

I don't have a 52 of any vintage but I have or had a few of the Colt GCNM in 38 and they respond well to the correct recoil/hammer springs. I bought one that someone had clipped the recoil & hammer springs very short on and it had case problems as well as accuracy problems. It works different than a 52 though but still the springs are still important.