I recently acquired a 52-2 and, of course, it has the 5 round magazine. I understand that these were used in a particular type of rapid fire competition but I don't know the name of the discipline. The trigger on this thing is absolutely amazing.

The lettering on the left side (only) is highlighted in gold. Was this done by S&W or is it aftermarket? I will get some pictures of it up soon.

Can't be sure of the rapid fire competition name - could be Bullseye Competition. AFAIK, S&W did not use gold lettering. Probably filled in by the previous owner. Can more than likely be removed with Mineral Spirts if you want to.

Bullseye, now known as Precision Pistol. The rapid fire segment is two, separate 5-round strings; 10 seconds per string. Timed fire is the same thing except in 20 seconds per string. Slow fire is 10 rounds in 10 minutes. Many people load two mags with 5 rounds each in slow fire. Keeps the muscle memory the same and there's an eternity to fire your 10 rounds.

The 52 was geared for the centerfire portion of the match. The other portions are 22 and 45. Many people use their 45 for the centerfire portion.

I regularly shoot Precision Pistol. It doesn't have the glamor of action games. It's old school which suits me and the other graybeards just fine.

I'd love to have a 52 one day. They're specialty pistols specifically intended for wadcutter ammo. Not a general purpose gun in any stretch of the word.

They were most commonly used in NRA Conventional (now called Precision) matches. I competed with a S&W 52-1 for years in the olden days. They were also used for International Centerfire matches. International Rapid Fire Matches are an entirely different sport.

Good explanations. Scored a 52-2 some years ago, simply because it's a beautiful machine. Yes, the trigger is amazing.
They have been eclipsed by .32 wadcutter guns from the likes of Walther and Hammerli.
But for less than front line competition, a 52 will still serve well. It's simply a great gun to shoot.
Moon

The S&W M52 is probably the most "almost purchased" gun I have ever looked at - LOL!!! After contemplating buying one many many times, I decided the 5 shot magazine capacity was the deal breaker for me. I started focusing on 1911's instead. I still admire them on the rare occasion I get see one, but I have gotten over the allure of getting one.

By "Rapid FIre" they mean 10 rounds in 10 seconds, which is not fast by some standards I guess. Here's the rules in case you're interested.

https://competitions.nra.org/documen...istol-book.pdf

FIVE rounds in ten seconds, twice.
Not fast until you consider it is at a 3.3" Ten Ring at 25 yards, one handed, unsupported.

The magazine can be altered to hold 6 rounds for PPC which is shot in six round strings.

Mine is just what I call a "centerfire plinker".
My FLG says his is a good trainer for beginners. Enough heft for steadiness, good sights, good trigger, mild recoil.

I stand corrected.