M-52 Top Unit

[SASABERANGER]

I will be coming into a Model 52 top unit in the box in very nice shape.
While I cannot attest to it being NIB (which I doubt) it is in very nice condition.
Right now it is in WY and I will not actually have it in my possession until close to Memorial Day Weekend.
Since I have neither a M39 (no dash) or a M52 it is not much use to me except to resell.
The M39/53 walnut grips and extra mag are in the box. If needed I have several M52 barrel bush bushing wrenches in my parts box.
This came from an estate whose owner had and shot a M39 and M52. Both of these weapons were lost in a fire. The top unit was not in the building that burned.
I have heard of these units but never personally seen one in person.
My question is: What are they really worth? Is there really a market for them.
Thom Braxton
SWCA #1474

 

[gmborkovic]

Hello Thom, sounds interesting. The mag and grips have cash value. The bushing wrenches not so much. A complete slide with barrel and fitted bushing has value to someone with a functional frame. You just have to fit
the slide/barrel to the frame with the slide stop. That fitting is tricky.
The box is great for parts storage. Stay in touch. Mike

 

[824tsv]

Model 52 Kit?

Could it be a Model 52 parts kit? I don't know how many were sold, but at one time you could purchase a parts kit that contained a complete Model 52 upper.

 

[505Gibbs]

Could it be a Model 52 parts kit? I don't know how many were sold, but at one time you could purchase a parts kit that contained a complete Model 52 upper.

This sounds plausible rather than a collection of individually accumulated pieces.

 

[Rick H.]

I have also heard of the Model 52 parts kits, but never saw one in person. If that is a replacement 52 parts kit in the picture I appreciate posting the picture of it. Now I can say I have at least seen one. Way too bad Smith and Wesson doesn't have these available. They would no doubt sell a bunch of them if the price and quality were right. Someone on Ebay just had a Model 52 complete upper for sale at $550.00, but it was gone before I saw it otherwise I would have snapped it up.

Rick H.

 

[SASABERANGER]

The unit in question was indeed a complete kit, less the frame.
The bad news is that the only parts now with the complete top unit are a set of grips an extra magazine and the box.
I kind of expected this when I first talked with Steve.
Right now the best guess is that it will be available at the Riverton, WY
collector show over the Memorial Day Weekend.
When I put it out at Riverton I will add a second M-52 magazine (w/plastic follower) and a barrel bushing wrench.
I saw the NOS M52 kit on GB, but it must have sold as it is no longer there.
Thom Braxton
SWCA #1474

 

[tt66]

This one ended on GB last night.

Attention Required! | Cloudflare

 

[gmborkovic]

Now that is a neat kit. Other than if you didnt have a spare frame, what
value does it have, other than the mag. What part on a 52 breaks?
$793 is a bit steep for one mag.

 

[824tsv]

"What part on a 52 breaks?"
I don't believe I've ever seen one broken, but I've seen at least a dozen over the years with a bulged barrel.

 

[gmborkovic]

A bulged barrel is not a broken part, you are correct. It falls into a category
that may never have been defined. Owner/shooter unawareness?