Help with 52 models, and 6/7/8/945 models...

[at-home-daddy]

I'm trying to get up to speed on the different S&W autos in the 52 line and the 6/7/8/945 line.

Can someone give me a quick thumbnail description of the differences between:
Model 52
Model 52-1
Model 52-2
...and the current 952 model(s). I know the differences between the 952 models (no dash, dash-one, dash-two), but would like to know how they differ from the standard 52 models, and how the various 52 models differ from each other.

Also, what are the differences between:
645
745
845
...and the current 945 model(s). I know the differences between the 945 models (no dash, dash-one, dash-two), but would like to know how they differ from the 6/7/845 models, and how the various other 6/7/845 models differed from each other.

 

[at-home-daddy]

I'm trying to get up to speed on the different S&W autos in the 52 line and the 6/7/8/945 line.

Can someone give me a quick thumbnail description of the differences between:
Model 52
Model 52-1
Model 52-2
...and the current 952 model(s). I know the differences between the 952 models (no dash, dash-one, dash-two), but would like to know how they differ from the standard 52 models, and how the various 52 models differ from each other.

Also, what are the differences between:
645
745
845
...and the current 945 model(s). I know the differences between the 945 models (no dash, dash-one, dash-two), but would like to know how they differ from the 6/7/845 models, and how the various other 6/7/845 models differed from each other.

 

[wilshire1412]

I have a model 52 no dash and I know the big difference between this model vs. the later variations is that the trigger mechanism is capable of being set to double action/single action use. As far as I know this was not incorporated into the -1 or -2 versions which are single action only. The early 52 had a problematic extractor, and they can break if the pistol is not kept clean due to a build up of sludge under the extractor. IIRC the -2 version has a different design for the extractor that eliminates the trouble.

As far as .45 S&W autos are concerned here is a rough breakdown....
645 = First gen SA/DA .45ACP based roughly on the model 52
745 = Single action only version of the 645 in two tone blue slide SS frame
845 = Performance Center single action only .45ACP loosely based on the 4506-VERY RARE
945 = Performance Center single action only .45ACP loosely based on the 1911

 

[at-home-daddy]

Thanks for the info. How then does the 952 differ from the later 52 models...is it simply/essentially that one is from the PC and the others are not?

 

[socal s&w]

Essentially, the 52 is a .38 wadcutter only, blued target gun with a 5 round magazine.
The 952 is a 9mm, the early models were blued, the later models are stainless with a larger capacity magazine.
I'm sure that there are many other differences, but these are the basics.

 

[wilshire1412]

I have not really kept up on the newest stuff from S&W, I am more of a "old gun" gun guy. I can confirm that the 52 is a .38spl wadcutter only proposition and the mags only hold five as they come from the factory. As far as I know the 952 can shoot any 9mm cartridge produced and the magazines are 9rd capacity. The one carry over from the 52 to the 952 is the grip design that the 52 also shared with the older 39, it provides a very comfortable grip especially for offhand target shooting. I have not really handled a 952 but I am sure they are the top of the line, and the price is proof of that.

 

[Kevin G]

Originally posted by at-home-daddy:
Thanks for the info. How then does the 952 differ from the later 52 models...is it simply/essentially that one is from the PC and the others are not?

The 952's have the Briley spherical bushing while the 52's have a screw in bushing that interacts w/a "flared" portion of the bbl near the end. I believe a CZ .45acp pistol(Mod 97?)has a similar setup.
My 52-2 is quite fussy about what I feed it while my 952-1 has done well with a wide range of ammo.
Production of 52's began way before the Perform. Ctr. existed(1989?). Its quality is certainly on the same level as PC products.
I saw your post yesterday and thought about it a bit. This morning when I was out w/the dogs I realized how nice the weather was,sunny and mid-40's,occurred to me it would be good to go to the range and compare the 52-2 & 952-1.
It had clouded up and wind increased by the time I did get to the range. I put 60rds thru the 52 and 40rds thru the 952 and can't say which shot better,I was awful w/both!!
Seriously,I waver between the two as to which I like better,they're both nice pistols that I usually shoot quite well.
Kevin

 

[at-home-daddy]

Originally posted by Kevin G:
can't say which shot better,I was awful w/both!!

Well, thanks anyhow for trying, Kevin.

Seriously though, thanks to you and everyone else -- I'm now much more informed on the different models than I was before.