Went to the range today and was firing the 52-2, everything normal as far as I could tell. Accurate no fails to cycle etc. All of a sudden the pistol locked up. Half ejected and the slide would not move. ***O? Got home and after getting the pistol apart I must have had a squib round. Bulged barrel. Did not notice an odd sound, recoil etc. The barrel is bulged, did not see it but with the first patch...........

SOOO anybody have an extra barrel or know where one could be found?

Bulged barrels happen only after another round is fired after the squib round.

I am sure that is what happened. Again I did not have any indication that I was aware of. Every round fired and ejected except "that" one. I have had it happen before and there was a noticeable lack of recoil, and pistol did not cycle (1911 45ACP) They were light loads, 3.0g Unique with a 148g HBWC and 2.7g Bullseye with a 148g DEWC.

IDK, if it was my pistol and it wasn't bulged badly enough to affect the function, I would shoot it and see how bad the accuracy is now.

What kind of ammo were you using?

Heck yes, leave it alone. You have a built-in excuse for missing the 10 ring. If it's that important to you to hit the target, just stand a few yards closer. Easy!

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Why, I aughta.....

The barrel is bulged about an inch back and is larger in diameter than the bushing. The pistol I doubt would function with out filing down the bulge. The loads were as I stated above. Just about sick right now.

If it is bulged that badly I retract my previous suggestion.
Things usually have a way of working out, sometimes when you least expect it.
You will be able to get it fixed, don't beat yourself up over it.

You may be able to find a replacement S&W barrel on one of the online auction sites if you are patient. Bar-sto also made Model 52 barrels at one point. You'd need to have it fitted most likely.

Contact Clark Custom it is possible that they can roll the bulge out of your barrel.

Clark Custom Guns, Inc. Home Page

I will be looking for anything on the auction sites, and will contact Clark Custom's. Funny thing I was starting to get the feel of the pistol and was keeping 10 shots at 25 yards in the 10 ring. Couple of shooters in the lanes next to me asked what I was shooting.

You will probably also need a new bbl bushing as the two are hand fit.

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TOMBECK

If you can mike the barrel in the front and at the bulge and if its not to great you might chuck it in a lathe and draw file it out keeping it the same size as original end. You might be able to shoot it while searching for a replacement. Jeff

The bulge is larger in diameter than the bushing. So perhaps 15 thou. I may have found a replacement barrel, will see how the bushing/barrel fit is. The bushing looks to be fine as is everything else. Apologize for the "know" and should have been "now" I have read about stuff like this and now after 30+ years it has happened to me. One can never be to careful.

I've done the same thing and, as far as I'm concerned, the only answer is to send it back to S&W. they will put a new barrel in and fit it to a bushing. The accuracy is dependent on that fit. You will not be able to replicate what they can do.

addendum...I'll give you $100 for that paperweight and pay for shipping.

I just saw this post. If you're still in a "jam" for a barrel, I have a complete slide assembly, barrel, and all. PM me. Sal

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ANTIQUESMITHS
LM1300 SWHF425

Call S&W up and see if they still work on 52-2's. It's worth a try anyway. Good luck.

Thanks to a member here I have found a new barrel. I do mean new, and oversized. I have a local gunsmith that knows these and can fit it. It is oversized at the barrel bushing end so my old bushing should work. I will report back in a month or so when I get the pistol back. To the best of my knowledge S&W might do some work on one, but they have little to no parts left. IE no barrels, bushings etc. Clarks did say they are going to make a custom barrel for the 52 series but do not have a date when they will be for sale yet.