What S&W 9mm semi is going to give me Model 52 accuracy?

[Barrie]

I suggest looking for another model 52. We know they are great shooting handguns and there's nothing wrong with owning more then one. I don't think you can much better or cheaper then another one.

 

[4T5GUY]

I’m just wondering, why you’re wondering about a 9mm. Granted, I’d really like to get a 952, or other full size PC 9. I have a few PC’s but just one 9mm. They ARE special and great, but they do not compare to the PC 45’s, or perhaps to the 52’s, (but I don’t have one.)

I have many handguns of different callibers, and a few are very accurate. But the MOST accurate, by far is my 845. It’s easy to reload .45 acp to dial in accuracy, and pleasant to shoot. I waited to get one, and got a very good deal on it. Not ANIB, but with box and everything plus plenty of “PC” mags.

Jim

 

[Sevens]

I've got 12 hundred in my CZ PM9
Don't think its a bad gun but its not on the level of the 52.
At least I can't shoot it as well. By a long shot.
A member offered me a 952 in blue , that he was asking 3k for.
Too much for a production gun.
Hell 52's are going for 12 hundred , but its an obsolete gun.
I get that , but still 3k ?
I know I prefer the look and feel of a S&W.
No doubt the 952 is a ripping gun.

Okay I realize it may sound like splitting hairs, but the 952 is not a "production gun", a 5906 is a production gun.

There are many factors which come together to form prices of used or pre-owned out of production guns. When it comes to market pricing and comparing 52's and 952's, many things need to be considered in the discussion.

52's were made for many years and in more volume than the 952. They are also in an arguably obscure caliber when you consider that only wadcutter ammo works. This ammo isn't exactly prevalent on the market and it makes a 52 a tough draw for folks that can't source or handload the ammo. Magazines for a 52 are also a royal bear.

The 952 is ready to run with basically any 9mm ammo from anyone. Magazines are plentiful and easy to find. And the humdinger for market price is that you'll find ten 52's on the market for every 952 you manage to spot.

When the 52 was offered for the last time, the MSRP was just over $900. When the 952 was last offered the MSRP was $2,157.

I agree that the one you were offered at $3,000 is at the top-end of market, and I also agree that 52's are still a phenomenal buy at the price they often carry.

 

[Al W.]

Okay I realize it may sound like splitting hairs, but the 952 is not a "production gun", a 5906 is a production gun.
.

52's were made for many years and in more volume than the 952. They are also in an arguably obscure caliber when you consider that only wadcutter ammo works. This ammo isn't exactly prevalent on the market and it makes a 52 a tough draw for folks that can't source or handload the ammo. Magazines for a 52 are also a royal bear.

When the 52 was offered for the last time, the MSRP was just over $900. When the 952 was last offered the MSRP was $2,157.

I agree that the one you were offered at $3,000 is at the top-end of market, and I also agree that 52's are still a phenomenal buy at the price they often carry.

True, the MSRP is very different . I bought my 52 from a range pal. He ordered it in 84 and received it in 85 . He waited for it . I don't know what the production numbers were,(guess I could look it up) but it has to be a much higher number than the 952 , just based on price point alone.
I hand load so the 38sp WC is no problem for me . Its an easy loading cartridge.
Don't really feel the need for another 52.
Rather chase a more accurate 9mm.
The 38 super is interesting to me.
I'm resisting the 45ACP.
No doubt I will succumb.
Might just scratch the itch with a new barrel for the PM9 and see what I can do to tighten up that game. Its a pretty good pistol and its a handsome thing I'll give it that .
Accurate beyond "combat accuracy" certainly , but not quite bullseye grade precision.
As has been mentioned in the thread and to me at the range , you can't get there from here , with the 9mm.

 

[Sevens]

Your last line sums it up. The guys who do (routinely) with handguns what most of us wish we could do... they do it all the time, they do it at longer distances than we do, they do it one-handed and for the most part... they do it with .45.

The guys just starting out often buy a Springfield Range Officer, and many Bullseye oriented gunsmiths like them as a starting point. And guys who spend $3000-$4000 on a build typically do it with some .45cal 1911.

 

[Qc Pistolero]

While I too have to admit that my 52 will outshoot all my other guns for bullseye shooting(well,my model 14 follows pretty hot on its heels!)I must say that I've owned(sold it just a little while ago...and the money being already spent,I know I'll regret the sale until my grave)a model 539 that was awfull accurate;single hand bulseye style kept its shots into a 4''black at 20 yds(allright you loudmouth,I'd drop 1 or 2 in the 7 ring now and then...nobody's perfect!).
This being from a regular ''police grade'' 9mm,I don't doubt that the 952 can deliver spectacular performance.
The only drawback I'll voice here,the sole example I've ever seen live had a,well,not very nice polishing job of the slide and an ugly polishing job on the frame.
But that thing shot beautiful groups nonetheless!
But I'm not about to change my 52 for any 9mm yet.

 

[6string]

For "bullseye accuracy" out of a 9mm, the best bet is a Neuhausen (Swiss made) SIG P210, preferably the P210-5 or P210-6 variants.

Check out Simpsonltd website for their current offerings.

Generally, quite expensive, these Swiss versions really perform well, and are incredibly durable. They are also great investments.
You can expect the best versions to be capable of 10 shots groups at 50 meters of 50-70mm. Even the service grades will come very, very close.

Jim

 

[biku324]

I was issued a 5906 in 1990 that was superbly accurate - I used to surprise folks by using it on B27 targets at 200 yards with excellent success. Aim at the top of the head and the rounds would strike high center mass.

The pistol was great but I had zero confidence in the cartridge and issue ammo (115 grain Silvertip+P and Federal 147 Hydra Shock).

 

[boatbum101]

You can get there with a 9mm , it just aint cheap . Either the platform you chose or the ammo you'll have to feed it . One thing to keep in mind is many Euro pistols aren't supported & parts aren't readily available . The Sig P-210 & Pardini GT 9 can do it but look at what they go for . Les Baer QC / barrel fit & lockup MAY be capable , but most aren't . Rock River makes a hell of a gun but last I checked they were close to $ 3K . Having a specialty 'smith build you one will run that or more . Consider that one can take a production SA RO in 45acp , do some trigger work , install a tighter barrel bushing & maybe an oversize slide stop & shoot cast / swaged 200gr SWC with 3.8 - 4.0grs Bullseye & have a gun that'll take you to Master Class for less than $ 900 . More if you want a Red Dot sight . 38 Super pretty much the same .

 

[nachogrande]

NOT A TRICK QUESTION?

I suggest looking for another model 52. We know they are great shooting handguns and there's nothing wrong with owning more then one. I don't think you can much better or cheaper then another one.

The first wisecrack response I thought of was, ANOTHER 52 OF COURSE.
Reminds me of the classic, who's buried in Grants tomb?

 

[bc1023]

As far as S&W is concerned, the 952 and even more so, the PPC9, will fit the bill...







A Sig P210-6 is one of the highest quality handguns ever made and also one of the most accurate.







Sig Sauer Mastershop guns are some of the most accurate around.