Model 52 sights

[BC38]

Does the model 52 use the same sights as a model 39?
Both have a fixed front sight that is one piece integrated with the slide, right?
Is the rear sight something semi-standard like a Novack, or is it a proprietary unit unique to this model?

 

[USBP SW]

The model 52, as I recall used a Micro sight, similar to the older 5.5" model 41. The sights were adjustable using a coin.

 

[Sevens]

The 41’s used three different style of rear sight that I am aware of, and the one they used the longest (the middle of the run of the Model 41) is the same as the one that every Model 52/52-1/52-2 was shipped with.

It is proprietary, it is similar to a Novak cut but loooooong preceded Novak’s genius. The front sight on both 39/52 are indeed part of the slide, the 39 is a Baughmann style ramp, the 52 is a quite unique jagged cut designed to cut down on light reflection.

The 39/39-2 sight is referred to as the “lollipop” sight and the original was windage adjustable only, an accessory replacement sight was available from S&W that adjusted for elevation also. They “lollipop” refers to the entire rear sight unit which removed in a non-standard fashion that isn’t a dovetail. The 52 rear sight is held in place with a set screw and is in a dovetail.

 

[gmborkovic]

HEY! BC, you got a rear sight problem or just curious?

 

[BC38]

HEY! BC, you got a rear sight problem or just curious?

Well, I don't have a problem - yet.
BUT
I'm looking at one for sale that has had the front sight milled off and the rear sight removed to drill and tap the slide for a scope base.
Otherwise it is in BEAUTIFUL shape with 3 mags and the box but no tools.
For $700
I'm thinking maybe I'll buy it and see if I can find someone with an extra slide who might be interested in a trade for the modified slide.

 

[Sevens]

With three mags, it is worth that money, I’d do it.

That’s not the world’s easiest thing for me to say because I loathe optics on pistols and even more so, I really loathe it when the irons are modified or ground off entirely.

But the three mags is the tipping point, that price is right.

 

[Jim Watson]

...see if I can find someone with an extra slide who might be interested in a trade for the modified slide.

Sounds like a long shot to me.
I would buy a rear sight and have FLG cut a cross dovetail for a correct height front sight. Plug screws in the holes.

 

[BC38]

Sounds like a long shot to me.
I would buy a rear sight and have FLG cut a cross dovetail for a correct height front sight. Plug screws in the holes.

Yeah, or possibly silver solder a new front sight on it. It isn't going to be original anyway, so....

 

[gmborkovic]

See if you can find a Bo-Mar rib.

 

[cherrypointmarine]

I know BMCM has someone that micro welds for him . He would be the one to ask about what your options could be . I would buy it in a minute , especially with 3 mags .

 

[BC38]

The scope is mounted on a picatinny (or possibly a weaver) rail. It looks to have been very well done. Just not what I want. I'd rather have the original sights. Or at least something close to original.

 

[gmborkovic]

You break out the welder and machinist, unless you do it or have friends,
you should just go buy a gun that is right.

 

[Sevens]

See if you can find a Bo-Mar rib.

I like this idea a lot. It cannot ever be original again and the Bo-Mar rib isn’t exactly handsome but it’s high quality and extremely useful for iron sights.

Decades ago, folks would remove the rear sight and grind off the front specifically to install this same device.

 

[BC38]

Yeah, I think getting an original or Novack sight and silver soldering something close to original on the slide is probably going to be my best bet.

Unless I find someone who has a spare 52-2 who would like to try optics on their 52-2 and is willing to work a trade.

 

[BC38]

Well, I went an bought it. $762 OTD.
Here are a few pictures.

I'm gonna need some help from some of you guys who own a 52-2 please.

I'll need a couple of closeup pictures and some dimensions on the front sight so I can see what I can find or fabricate to replace it.

Any help is appreciated

 

[BC38]

...and pics of the box...
Other than the modifications everything is in near perfect shape.
Also turns out that the "scope" is an older AimPoint red dot.

 

[Jim Watson]

Yeah, or possibly silver solder a new front sight on it. It isn't going to be original anyway, so....

You could have a blade the same shape as the original silver soldered on.
Then the only mar to the appearance would be the plug screws. Nobody seems to think they are unsightly on a rifle, I don't understand why pistol shooters think they are so ugly.

 

[Green Frog]

You could have a blade the same shape as the original silver soldered on.
Then the only mar to the appearance would be the plug screws. Nobody seems to think they are unsightly on a rifle, I don't understand why pistol shooters think they are so ugly.

Maybe because they “aren’t original”? I’d shoot it as is with that early Aim Point before I did anything with it… if the previous owner went to the time and expense to set it up like that, he was probably doing some serious shooting, and having the spare (third) mag would support that.
If I were going to change back to irons, I’d be looking for one of the Bomar ribs mentioned above, some of the finest iron sights ever made, IMHO. Again, if using irons, these would be serious and give you the best results.
The chances of a Model 52 slide showing up in the same fine condition as that 52 is pretty remote, but if it did, I would probably try to buy it outright rather than giving up the gun’s original slide. You can expect to pay a few hundred dollars for a nice Mod 52 slide. Would it be worth it to you to “go back original”? Of course if you could get such a slide for less than $500 you would still have a bargain when you count in the value of the optics mounted slide and the third mag, all for $1300 or less.
Orrrr… go back to paragraph one and enjoy shooting it as is. You got a great deal on it!

Froggie

 

[dave1918a2]

What a steal. The three mags are worth what You paid. Heck I'd shoot it as is for now. If You really want open sights look around the various internet sites while enjoying the best shooting semi out there.

 

[JPMJr]

Definitely shoot it as-is before you change anything. I bought something similar on GB about a year ago for even less and glad I grabbed it. I had another 52-2 that is in excellent condition with the box, books, etc but this was too cheap to pass up. Having shot the original, I knew what to expect but I gotta say it was even more fun shooting with the red-dot on it at the 25yd steel range. The dueling tree never stood a chance lol.


It does sound like this belonged to a serious shooter so check the mags to see if they hold 6 rounds vs the standard 5. I know some shooters would shave the follower a bit to allow it to accept a 6th round.