52-2 Introduction

[Kevin G]

Was at the local club's indoor range last nite trying out new load w/Berry's plated 148gr DEWC.
It was "open range" nite where members/nonmembers can come shoot plated/jacketed centerfire ammo <1200 fps from the 10yd line.
At different times two fellows I knew a little came in to shoot. Each has been shooting around 5 or 6 yrs, pretty good shooters, use dbl stack 9mm's for the most part.
I approached each one and offered to let them try this target gun I had. Gave a brief intro and turned them loose w/a few 5rd mags.
Reactions were priceless. One in particular where after the fellow created a nice tight 5 shot cloverleaf, he turned to me and said "Just what the hell is this thing."
Good time had by all.
FYI load worked quite well, above named bullet seated flush, light roll crimp, pushed by 3.4gr Win 231,
Take Care, Kevin

 

[jmark1651]

It is a pleasure to shoot a model 52. I don't know of an auto I enjoy shooting more, unless it is the model 41 Smith. Nice looking weapon!

 

[smithrjd]

I as well have a 52-2 and on several occasions have let other shooter's try it out. The reactions are indeed priceless. I usually start with an empty mag and the pistol on safe. The deer in the headlight looks at the trigger are great. Then when they shoot it.. Most, especially the younger ones have no idea what it is or was designed to do.
I will have to try the Berry's out and see how they do, thanks for posting the load.

 

[civil1977]

That's great. I love the looks I get from the black plastic crowd at the range. Their groups look like shotgun patterns vs the nice little groups from this baby.

 

[boatbum101]

Be very careful using plated bullets in a 52 . Have personally seen an extractor blown out of a dash 2 , granted load was too hot ( 3.3gr Bullseye & Berry's plated HBWC ) . Gun was designed for lead HBWC mid range loads & is sprung / set up for loads in that pressure range . I personally shoot 3.1 - 3.2 ( depending on lot ) W231 with a Remington or Zero swaged lead HBWC . A close second in my gun is 3.6 N340 with same bullet , both with Fed 100 primers . If I only shot @ 25yds , 3.0 W231 or 2.9 N320 / AA#2 would work fine again in my gun . Bullets are hard to find now but plenty of casters make FB wadcutters . For a lead HBWC 700 - 800 fps , for a cast DEWC or FB you might have to go to 850 fps . Wolff Gun Springs make a calibration recoil spring kit with a 7 , 8 ( factory weight ) , 9 & a 10lb spring . Match spring to your load . If you shoot indoors , some ranges are no lead . Some will allow coated cast which I'd go for . For serious target work plated bullets will not shoot as well as lead . Hope this helps .