52-1 vs 52-2

[7MM-08]

I have the opportunity to purchase either pistol. Any suggestions from actual users? Condition of each pistol is the same. Price not a concern. Thank you for your advice and suggestions.
Charles

[Ed Fowler]

I have never shot a 52-2 but have found my 52-1 to be absolutely great, it is a tack driver with the right load!
Wish I could offer more information and wish you luck.

Heck I would buy them both and report your observations.

[7MM-08]

Thank you Mr. Fowler.
Charles

[gmborkovic]

Im with Ed, buy them both. I have had all three. If you shoot outside the ring, it aint the gun. Very undervalued. Best. Let us know.

[smithfan4152]

I would take the 52-2 any day, I have shot the no dash and the -1.
They will all do the same thing. One thing for certain, is the improved extractor on the 52-2. You would have an easier time finding a replacement for that, rather than the no dash or -1. Just my opinion.

[Sevens]

I would also love to see some hands-on reports on whether in reality it really does make much of a difference. While we all know that the extractor update did happen and was a good idea, I have seriously -YET- to come across any longtime 52-1 owner that tells me he broke one.

I sometimes see dash-1 guns offered for sale including an extra, replacement extractor that the original owner bought, kept and NEVER needed. And on the flip side, the 52-2 that I bought just four short months ago began giving me extractor problems on it's second range trip, less than 200rds in my time of owning it, and this was after 150 flawless on it's maiden voyage.

I ordered both a newly manufactured AND a used extractor from Numrich and while I did first put the brand new one in... it became immediately obvious that it had 100% of working without being shaped and fitted to allow feeding. Rather than do that, I opted to insert the used part and my 52-2 is happy and running beautifully once again.

So my hands-on experience tells me that the dash-2 is certainly not at all "indestructible" but certainly, finding a replacement extractor is theoretically far easier with a dash-2.

[Sevens]

Also on this subject...

Can anyone speak to the difference in the 52 no-dash and the dash-1 pistols? I have read that the no-dash is actually a double-action trigger system with the DA part of it simply "locked out" but I wonder if anyone can tell between the two pistols if blindfolded?

It would seem to me that all else being equal...
Wouldn't the dash-1 and dash-2 pistols have a finer trigger pull/feel than the original no-dash pistols?

[smithfan4152]

The 52 no dash pistol had the ability to switch from single action to double action trigger. I Tried it once on mine, and never cared to switch it back to double again. Also the 52-1 was single action only and they also included a dimple at the bottom of the frame for a target weight they introduced.
The only thing I don't like is that the required fitting to the frame, and I had seen a few pistols, I purchased with a weight on it, once removed it had damaged the finish on the frame because it was forced on.
I love shooting with the weight, and there are a few different variety's out there, but not as common as the S&W weight.
I have a PDF Article on the model 52 by Gil Hebbard, if your interested, he stated that the 52 had more of a 2 stage trigger, I believe then the -1 and -2 were pure single stage.
What I have read in the many years here on the forum, the only people that said they broke the extractor was when they fired in excess of 350 rounds in the day, or between cleaning.
If you wish to read the article feel free any and all to e-mail me for a copy, I have model 41-46 articles as well, good reading.

[Ed Fowler]

I mail sent, thank you sir!

[7MM-08]

Purchased a model 52-2. Model 52-1 no longer available. Will be looking for a 52 no dash.
Charles