New to me 52-2
- Thread starter Fulwild
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Thank you for posting that!
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I had a 52-2----as new---don't recall the price.
I had a Wilson Combat Master Grade conversion of a (new) Colt Government Model (45 ACP)---don't recall the price of the Colt, but Wilson's tab was somewhere north of $3,000.
Both guns will make you look REALLY good---shooting bullets like they were guided by radar---and my 52 ate whatever I fed it---store bought of whatever brand they had or my reloads.
And if you reload, pay attention to that fellow up above who told you about taper crimps.
My K-38's were very upset when I stopped using them!
Ralph Tremaine
I had a Wilson Combat Master Grade conversion of a (new) Colt Government Model (45 ACP)---don't recall the price of the Colt, but Wilson's tab was somewhere north of $3,000.
Both guns will make you look REALLY good---shooting bullets like they were guided by radar---and my 52 ate whatever I fed it---store bought of whatever brand they had or my reloads.
And if you reload, pay attention to that fellow up above who told you about taper crimps.
My K-38's were very upset when I stopped using them!
Ralph Tremaine
I haven't reloaded any wadcutters for my 52-2 yet, but the factory loads I bought had a light roll crimp. My 38 special die set has a roll crimp die too.
So are you guys saying the only way to load reliable ammo for it to buy a taper crimp die for it?
Would a 9mm taper crimp die work if adjusted correctly for the longer case?
So are you guys saying the only way to load reliable ammo for it to buy a taper crimp die for it?
Would a 9mm taper crimp die work if adjusted correctly for the longer case?
This guy was a lunatic fringe reloader whose only goal was ULTIMATE accuracy-----ULTIMATE to the point he used a Ransom Machine Rest for the testing. The primary thing he learned is accuracy is all about a bullet emerging from the bore in as pristine condition as possible. (Other stuff made a difference too, but not enough to bother talking about.)
This guy figured (rightfully or wrongly) a roll crimp damaged the bullet---a little or a lot-----most likely just a little, 'cause he never saw a difference in group size between the two worth talking about------ but he wasn't taking any chances!! Like I said, lunatic fringe!!
Ralph Tremaine
Edited to add: All that said, if I were to use a roll crimp for a 52, it'd be a light one.
This guy figured (rightfully or wrongly) a roll crimp damaged the bullet---a little or a lot-----most likely just a little, 'cause he never saw a difference in group size between the two worth talking about------ but he wasn't taking any chances!! Like I said, lunatic fringe!!
Ralph Tremaine
Edited to add: All that said, if I were to use a roll crimp for a 52, it'd be a light one.
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LOL, don't most DEWC bullets already have a slightly rounded edge ? If so, I can't see how a slight roll crimp that just rolls the brass inwards enough to match that rounded edge of the bullet is doing "damage" to the bullet?
On the other hand, I suppose seating and crimping in one step might do a tiny bit of damage since the crimping starts before the bullet is fully seated.
Not that it matters for me. My skills aren't good enough for me to get obsessed with ultimate accuracy.
I guess I misread froggie's earlier post about the taper crimp. I thought he was saying that roll crimped rounds wouldn't feed properly.
I use one die to seat and a Lee FCD to crimp pretty much all my reloads, so it sounds like I should be OK.
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I was a little surprised I got it for that. Possibly because it's modified it would not appeal to collectors and it didn't have the original grips. I was buying it to shoot and the things that made it less "pure" were the things that made it more attractive to me. I got it for a bit less than my max which is always nice.
Bruceboy
Member
Yes.. 2.7 gr. Bullseye & the 148 gr. WC was the magic formula for 52's and the model 14 revolvers for bullseye courses. Millions shot and it's as good as anything you can buy today.
Good luck with your 52.
Al
Good luck with your 52.
Al
AJ
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rimfireshooter
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If you do ever need a replacement bushing I believe they are available from Clark's but some fitting may be needed
rimfireshooter
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I once bought a case of Fiocchis and they worked beautifully in my 52-2. I find the S&B to be a bit more "stout" but also work well and are listed as 700 fps, which is about right. I have not tried the Magtech. I would not buy Doubletap or Defender because those seem to be a bit more "hot."
If by "modified" you mean the work that Dinan did, as it is described in the auction ad, that isn't going to hurt the gun's value at all.
Missing original grips isn't a big hit on value either. AFAIK they aren't numbered to the gun so any pair from a 52 or 39 will work and they aren't all that expensive.
I got mine a couple of years ago for just $762 OTD, with the original box and THREE magazines. But mine has some more significant modifications.
Here's a link to the thread about mine.
Model 52 sights
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Last fall picked up this brick of 
CCI Blazer, Aluminum cased
148gr HBWCs. Couldn't pass for $20. Was going to research their loading before I touched of in my 52s. If they are compatible will save them for indoor range. If not will use up in 14s.
Never saw these before and I'm sure they have a few years on them.
CCI Blazer, Aluminum cased 148gr HBWCs. Couldn't pass for $20. Was going to research their loading before I touched of in my 52s. If they are compatible will save them for indoor range. If not will use up in 14s.
Never saw these before and I'm sure they have a few years on them.
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I'd hit that!Last fall picked up this brick of
148gr HBWCs. Couldn't pass for $20. Was going to research their loading before I touched of in my 52s. If they are compatible will save them for indoor range. If not will use up in 14s.
Never saw these before and I'm sure they have a few years on them.
If those wouldn't work in my 52-2 I have several other 38 special revolvers that I know would eat them just fine.
20 cents a round is a bargain, even for non-re-loadable aluminum cases.
Heck, I have a TON of 38 special brass, and even with all that "free" brass I'd be hard pressed to re-load 38 specials for 20 cents apiece these days.
Choot 'em!
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AJ
US Veteran
Last fall picked up this brick of
148gr HBWCs. Couldn't pass for $20. Was going to research their loading before I touched of in my 52s. If they are compatible will save them for indoor range. If not will use up in 14s.
Never saw these before and I'm sure they have a few years on them.
What he said!!
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Hmmm a trigger shoe on a 52? I wonder if gravity would cause it to fire if you point the gun up? They do have a pretty light pull you know!
AJ
US Veteran
Hmmm a trigger shoe on a 52? I wonder if gravity would cause it to fire if you point the gun up? They do have a pretty light pull you know!
They are light but not that light!
I do have a Model 52 that has a 2.4 ounces trigger, but it is a Winchester 52D target rifle. 
Hmmm a trigger shoe on a 52? I wonder if gravity would cause it to fire if you point the gun up? They do have a pretty light pull you know!
Not a shoe on the 52-1 but after getting those target grips I can't use them my hands are to small. With the light wide trigger I don't take much to fumble a shot when you are stretching to get there. M41 Target Herrets fit me perfect. I do have a 52 with trigger shoe and it is super sensitive. The pistol 2nd from right is the one I had in pic with the Herret Targets.
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AJ
US Veteran
I had a st of Herret's grips. They did not feel good when on my 52. Sold them.
"Withdrawn" S&W Model 52 Herrett Nationals Grips For Sale
