952 reassemble

[jag22]

I realize this is very hard to diagnose, but hey, I'll take a shot at it. I took apart my 952 to give it good cleaning. I did not remove the barrel or spring from the slide, I just remove the slide assembly from the frame and that's it. Replacing the slide everything seemed normal after replacing the slide stop but the slide will not go all the way forward. It was difficult but I did get the slide stop back out. With some effort I can get the slide to go all the way back but trying to go forward it stops with about an inch of barrel still protruding. Anyone have any thoughts or need more description? I'm really embarrassed to go to a smith and ask for help plus the gun is not that common so they may not be familiar with it. I do have another one I could take with me for them to look at, but like I said, really embarrassing.

 

[handgunner356]

The barrel will need to go back into lockup to come off. I'd try to get the slide stop back in most of the way so the crosspin can push the barrel back up into the slide. If you get the barrel out use plenty of oil to get it back in, it takes a little bit of effort but don't force it.

 

[jag22]

I have been able to get the slide stop back in a couple of times but didn't seem to help. Do you think the barrel has slipped down? I will get the slide stop back in and try to manipulate it with that in mind. I probably didn't do that before, I was just working on the slide going back and forth.

 

[captsnapshot]

I know this tread is old, still I chose to post a reply since I just made a video on YouTube on how to do this! It might just help someone who is searching for a solution!
Disassembly and reassembly of the Smith & Wesson 952 pistol - YouTube

 

[jag22]

It sucks getting old, I don't even remember posting that. I think everyone struggles a bit at first getting the barrel into the bushing but now I don't even think about it. May take more than one try but other wise no problem. Also didn't realize I've had those 952s for ten years. Nice video.

 

[cherrypointmarine]

It used to drive me crazy fitting the barrel back in my 945's and 845 . I finally broke down and went to YouTube . I found a post and it was so easy it made me feel stupid . You put your finger in the bushing and point it up as far as it will go . 90%+ of the time this will do it and it makes it so easy . I shoot at least one of my PC guns every week so I had to figure this out or drive myself crazy .

 

[huthike]

My issue wasn't the barrel - my issue was the slide. Very hard to get back on - and even now, very hard to rack.

 

[armorer951]

To me, the difficulty with the 952 re-assembly is not the bushing, but in getting the slide over and fully past firing pin block lever in the frame. Since the grip safety activates this lever by camming it up when it is depressed, the slightest touch of the grip safety during this motion over and across the firing pin block lever causes it to collide with the back of the firing pin block, which is fully down at the time. Very frustrating when the top of the lever catches on the bottom of the firing pin block, preventing the slide from moving rearward.

The secret for me is to avoid even touching the grip safety while reassembling the slide and frame. With the grip safety undisturbed, the slide will pass right over the top of the lever without issue.

Video from S&W on re-assembly.......

Smith & Wesson Model 952 Reassembly - YouTube