Considering buying this 52-1

[AJ]

Thanks, everyone for the suggestions on ammo. I, unfortunately, do not hand load (have not gotten to it yet, at least), so will be buying ammo at least initially.

Would something like that work fine in it? Or, shall I seek a specific brand that may be better in the WC rounds?

Sellier and Bellot Pistol For Sale .38 SPL SB38B 754908500178

Thanks agin!

That will work just fine.

 

[CKPOMEH]

The crosshatched shield in the German proof marks shows it was tested at the Munich proof house.

"N" proof mark is Nitro, not National Socialist.

Ve are sendink back your brutal .38 ve civilized Euros shoot .32s.

Thanks! That makes much more sense on the N!

 

[CKPOMEH]

Ok folks - I just picked it up today, paid 899 + tax. All checked out fine - trigger was really nice and crips, slide was very smooth, mag was in good shape, etc...grips are what they are - dinged some but probably ok for now as I will shoot it some...

Adding some pictures I just took at home. Sorry about the bad light - lots of reflections.

Took a couple of pics with its sister (M39) and a couple of cousins - M59 and M459. IMHO those 1st and 2nd gen S&W autos are such a great part of the Americana!

Thanks for all the suggestions and help - I appreciate you all! Now on to ordering some 38SPL WC!

 

[Krogen]

I predict, YOU'RE GONNA LOVE IT ! When you get some rounds downrange, let us know what you think of it.

 

[Sevens]

Gotta love that lazy ampersand!

When I get a new-to-me 52, I enjoy the pistol more after I have adjusted the trigger over travel stop. I feel that I can control things better when it is finely adjusted to remove any extra travel that I don’t need.

If you attempt to adjust yours, learn from the funny failure I had with my first try… all 52’s as shipped have a magazine disconnect safety. Without the mag in place, you cannot drop the hammer. But of course, to adjust that over travel screw, you have to remove the magazine.

With the magazine out to adjust the screw, if you forget to put the magazine back in, you might THINK things are maladjusted because you make a small change but now you can’t drop the hammer!

 

[Tom S.]

Unless you reload .38 SPL 148 gr. HBWC ammo, I would pass. Factory match ammo is very pricey. If you do reload, there are specific things you need to do for proper functioning ammo in a "S&W 38 Master".

I've not tried this brand, but it seems pretty reasonable: Precision One 38 Special Ammunition 148 Grain Copper Plated Wadcutter 50 rounds

Fiocchi can also be had for a few dollars more, and gives reasonable results. While reloading is better (IMHO), I wouldn't pass up a Model 52 just because one didn't reload.

 

[Tntcwg3]

There was another different no-drill mount that replaced the right side stock. I don’t believe either of them was the miracle answer that buyers had hoped."
The scope mount that requires the right hand grip removed and the trigger pin replaced with their screw is the Leupold QI Base, part number 52143. Along with the circle mark on the left side around the trigger pin, there is most likely a scuff mark on the right hand side by the pin. I have one.

I'm not sure if this is the Leupold base but it utilizes the same concept. I was going to remove it from the gun, but sadly, it has worn the bluing underneath as the grip screws don't provide sufficient clamping for a mount of this size.
All in all, you've got an excellent shooter, enjoy! It probably won't be your only 52 for very long!

 

[Beecherkid]

I'm not sure if this is the Leupold base but it utilizes the same concept. I was going to remove it from the gun, but sadly, it has worn the bluing underneath as the grip screws don't provide sufficient clamping for a mount of this size.
All in all, you've got an excellent shooter, enjoy! It probably won't be your only 52 for very long!

That base looks different to the Leupold, but same idea.

 

[Rick H.]

Reloading is half the fun of owning a Model 52! My first of six Model 52's was the reason for starting my trek into the world of reloading starting with a single stage press which didn't last long before I moved on to something else a little faster. Reloading .38 Special cartridges is fairly easy and straightforward. Seat the bullet to the edge of the case and you should be good-to-go. These days I only run Hornady 148 grain lead WC's and they are about the best you can buy right now. Just be careful about dropping your powder charge. No multiple charges allowed here and if you hear a small "pop" when shooting instead of a "bang" stop shooting and check for a barrel obstruction. Of course that applies to any shooting scenario.

It is somewhat common for reloaders to want to speed up their loads, but don't fall into that trap with hollow base wadcutters. It isn't unheard of to blow the center out of a hollow base wadcutter and leave the outer wadcutter ring in the barrel. This normally has bad results with the next round fired in a semi-auto. If a fired round doesn't sound right, or feel right stop shooting and check your gun for any barrel obstruction. You can use an inexpensive wood or delrin dowel for this without having to look down your barrel. Even a cleaning rod can be used.

The Model 52 is a fantastic firearm to own and shoot. It should bring you tons of fun and enjoyment at minimal ammunition expense. No it's not as cheap as shooting a .22 with a bucket-o-bullets, but it's the next best thing. Obtaining extra mags today is an expensive proposition unfortunately, but if you visit gun shows, pawn shops and gun stores sometimes you can find them at a reasonable price.

Cleanliness is next to Godliness with a Model 52! I clean mine like a fine watch after every shooting session regardless of rounds fired. I also don't shoot more than about 60 rounds thru mine at any one point. Getting all the lead out of the barrel can be a bit of a job, but it can be done and should be done so it lasts thru your time with it. There are some cleaning tips that can be applied to a Model 52 to make the job a bit easier. Shoot me a PM if you are interested.

Parts are beginning to get somewhat scarce for these pistols so be warned in that regard. You can still find them though when needed. Unless you really understand the inner workings of these pistols don't go any further than field stripping them such as for cleaning. Don't use the usually supplied S&W barrel bushing wrench. I just finger tighten my bushings and they have lasted a long time that way with great accuracy results.

I just sent my second Model 52-2 to Clark Custom Guns for one of their barrel and bushing install jobs. The first one they did for me had excellent results and hopefully this one will turn out just as nice. I hope you enjoy your new Model 52 and that it works great for you. I have been blessed to be able to own almost any firearm I desired, but the Model 52 reigns supreme with me for a host of reasons. It is from a time when owning a Smith and Wesson meant something. The guys that built these pistols had pride in their work and real craftsmanship. I have never shot a Model 52 I didn't enjoy. I must admit that I put an dot optic on one of my 52-2's and it started my love affair all over again with that pistol. I have other more accurate pistols of various makes, but none offer the fun of a Model 52.

Rick H.

 

[BE Mike]

I have a model 52 no – and have been loading for it. It functions perfectly using either double ended or hollow based wadcutters. What specific things need to be done, if you reload? I don't think I've been doing anything out of the ordinary.

One must seat the bullets flush or slightly below flush for reliable functioning. Most recommend a slight roll crimp. For optimum results, some recommend an aftermarket belling tool to prevent deforming the bullet when seating. One should avoid driving a swaged 148 gr. HBWC too fast to avoid the skirt of the bullet separating. My experience with the S&W model 52-1 is that it is hard to beat factory match ammo. I used to shoot the 52-1 in outdoor bullseye pistol competition.