Model 52 that my heart desires!

[tlawler]

I've always been intrigued by Model 52's. I've handled them longingly at gun shows and drooled over them, but they always seemed just a bit out of reach, usually well north of $1K, sometimes approaching $1500.

Well, anyway, I spotted one locally that I think I can afford. Includes the original box, two mags, the original instructions and half a box of vintage Klean Bore wadcutters thrown in for good measure. It looks to be in good condition from the one picture in the ad. Asking price is $1100.

What do you Model 52 aficionados think?

 

[tlawler]

I texted him and found out it's a 52-1 with a serial in the 559xx range. Looking at SCSW4, I come up with about 1965ish. Does that sound right?

 

[Kp321]

Jump on it! Considering the box and extra magazine that is a real deal. I would be interested if I didn't already have two.
52-1's have a bad reputation for breaking extractors but if the shooter is careful not to drop the slide on a round in the chamber it is not an issue. Always feed from the magazine!

 

[Tom S.]

That's a deal! Go for it!

 

[tlawler]

Fingers crossed…I'm going to meet up with him after work today. Wish me luck!

 

[BillyMagg]

Fingers crossed…I'm going to meet up with him after work today. Wish me luck!

Good luck Sir!

 

[Narragansett]

It looks to be in super shape. The mags look to have no wear on them. The half box of ammo may be all that has been fired through it. Jump on it quick!!

 

[AJ]

Hope you can make the deal!

 

[Fullmetaljacket]

I would bring that one home, no question. Looks to be in great condition, 2 magazines, box...time to make some room in the safe. I have a 52-2, one of my favorite range toys and bullseye match accurate. The 52-1 model is supposed to have an even better trigger. You won't regret this purchase.

 

[Model52guy]

Sounds like a great deal. That pkg would be $1500 + at the wannamacher gun show.

 

[Rick H.]

I don't know if 52-1's had a better trigger or not, but the 52-1 being discussed by the OP certainly looks like it is worth the price of admission. Even a casual look at firearms auctions sites reveals the prices of Model 52's and related parts such as magazines is definitely going upwards. Not too long ago it was rare to find one going for more than $2K. Not anymore, $2K and above is becoming common. Same for magazines and I found several that were over $300 if in the original packaging. It would seem fame and fortune has found the Model 52, so $1100 with extras is a good deal. Just make sure the desired pistol has an inspection period with it.

I wouldn't worry too much about the extractor of the pistol. Load properly and you shouldn't have any problems. Seems the old style extractor was perceived to be a problem and owners thought ahead and bought extras, but few actually broke. Owners of late model 52's even bought extra extractors to be safe but rarely needed them. The change over to the short extractor wasn't done to just the Model 52, it was done across several models as a so-called improvement. Of the several friends that own 52-1's none have encountered extractor replacement that I know of. If it makes you feel better you can always keep your eyes peeled for an extra extractor and put it in the box until and if needed.

Just remember there are some cautions about owning a Model 52 especially regarding the barrel bushing, ammunition used and maintenance. At one time I owned 6 Model 52's and they were all solid pistols and never gave me any problems if taken care of. Good luck on your purchase decision and I think you are deciding this purchase at the right time.

Rick H.

 

[gwpercle]

Fingers crossed…I'm going to meet up with him after work today. Wish me luck!

Good Luck !
Gary

 

[Kp321]

If you don't reload, now is the time to start. Good wadcutter ammo is hard to find these days. Reloading for a 52 is very rewarding although frustrating at times.

 

[tlawler]

If you don't reload, now is the time to start. Good wadcutter ammo is hard to find these days. Reloading for a 52 is very rewarding although frustrating at times.

Yes, I do reload, so that's a plus. I've loaded a lot of .38 Special Wadcutter, but only for revolvers. Is it exactly the same .38 Special rimmed case? Luckily, I'll have half a box of factory ammo to get some good measurements from.

 

[Fullmetaljacket]

If your revolver reloads have the bullet flush with the case mouth they will do fine in the 52.

 

[Tom S.]

Ask if he still has the barrel bushing wrench. You can buy one if he doesn't but if he has it, it will save you a few bucks.