I am now the proud owner of a S&W 52 (s)

Fishjager

Fishjager

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A few weeks ago a friend let me handle his model 52 no dash. Another friend had a S&W 52-1, and still another had a S&W 52-2. They were all shooting them at the same time. I have to say I fell in love with the gun when I got to handle it. So off to the internet I went. Right away I scored a 52-1, no box or papers, but it did have an extra magazine. Well while it sits in jail (10 day waiting period) I found another one that tempted me beyond self control. (52-2) So I bought it as well. It is still in transit and I will have to wait 10 more business days after I do that paper work. But this one has a box and two magazines with tools and paperwork. I know I'm sick right? I also have a couple of Model 41's in jail as well.............Then there are the two Colt Woodsman Match Targets. Wow, I think I need to take a rest.
 

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They are a lot of fun and always seem to retain their value well. The companion that you need is the Colt Mid-Range .38 Spl. 1911 match pistol.
 
While there are other target model Smith and Wessons the model 52 set the bar for them all. At one point I had six of them all in -2 configuration. I now have only 2 left both with new(er) Clark barrels on them. They are always an enjoyable experience when I take one or both to the range. No other pistol in my collection draws the interest that the Model 52's do when I haul them to the range especially when a curious person notices the ammunition they shoot. If you want to take a M52 one step further mount an optic on it stand by for real fun.

Rick H.
 
Fishjager said:
A few weeks ago a friend let me handle his model 52 no dash. Another friend had a S&W 52-1, and still another had a S&W 52-2. They were all shooting them at the same time. I have to say I fell in love with the gun when I got to handle it. So off to the internet I went. Right away I scored a 52-1, no box or papers, but it did have an extra magazine. Well while it sits in jail (10 day waiting period) I found another one that tempted me beyond self control. (52-2) So I bought it as well. It is still in transit and I will have to wait 10 more business days after I do that paper work. But this one has a box and two magazines with tools and paperwork. I know I'm sick right? I also have a couple of Model 41's in jail as well.............Then there are the two Colt Woodsman Match Targets. Wow, I think I need to take a rest.
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You must not live in Commiefornia. They can only purchase one firearm a month, poor bastards. The Supreme Court ruled that was unconstitutional but Calizuela will ignore the court ruling. Great job on the pistols. I worked auctions and picked up 5 gen 3s over the weekend. I know it’s a problem but you only live once.
 
Sounds like you're on a roll--don't stop! Those are all nice guns and they're generally not commonly found (except online, of course). If you like it and can afford it at the time then buy it.
 
Fishjager said:
I have to say I fell in love with the gun when I got to handle it.
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This is absolutely real. I have tried to tell others who have only seen pictures and read discussions on the 52 that if they ever get the chance to handle one — to draw the slide back and the chance to dry fire one to take advantage of the opportunity.

Regular high volume production guns do not feel the way a S&W Model 52 feels.

I did a little write up on my first range trip with my 52, you can read that here:

S

Thread 'S&W Mod 52: my biggest regret in handgunning'

Haha, misleading subject line was intentional and a little bit dirty but it is TRUE just the same, please let me explain.

I started shooting later than many "life long hardcore gun guys" as shooting wasn't much in my family history. I was pretty darn serious with BB guns and quality air rifles by 13 or 14 but didn't fire my first real shots until the Spring of 1988 as a 15yr old.

My first handgun shots were with a Ruger Single Six and a 1952 Colt Challenger (a Woodsman variant) and to close out my first ever shooting day: a four-inch Ruger Security Six stoked with 158gr JSP, .357 Magnum...
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And also, my biggest hint for any new 52 owner:

NEVER use that cheap, sharp, stamped steel junk bushing wrench that S&W shipped with these guns. That little item should live inside the box and never see the light of day.

The best tool for a 52 barrel bushing is a 12-point 1/4” socket and also, treat the bushing like an oil filter and the socket like an oil filter wrench, which is to say exactly:

You ONLY need a tool on that bushing if some ham-fisted previous owner gorilla-tightened your bushing, which you should of course never, ever do, for any reason.

That bushing is designed beautifully with a spring-loaded detent to keep it exactly where it needs to be, so never over tighten for any reason.

Hopefully your next posts are pictures of targets! Congrats on your S&W 52’s!
 
Sevens said:
The best tool for a 52 barrel bushing is a 12-point 1/4” socket and also, treat the bushing like an oil filter and the socket like an oil filter wrench, which is to say exactly:
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I think Sevens meant to type 3/4" socket. That's what I use on mine.

Fishjager, I hope you enjoy those 52's as much as I do. I only have 2, but I do like to show them! I've replaced the rubber on the nickel with the proper wood panels as shown in my avatar.
 

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When we had a club, I remember shooting the club championship (not for the championship, I did 2nd in trap) next to the reining champion. He had a 52 and as a brake mechanic, had hands like baseball mits. I was shooting a 41 or Officers Model .38 can't remember, as he was standing there giving me a haircut I almost started crying. I wanted one of those but in the 70s they were $800 + I was a lousy shot, so....
 
Sevens said:
Hopefully your next posts are pictures of targets! Congrats on your S&W 52’s!
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I hope to post some pictures. This waiting around is killing me. I got an order of 148 HBWC's in today. So now I have some loading to do.
2.7gr of Bullseye of course. I am learning a lot from the people on this site. Thank you all!
 
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