M-52 Value these days?

[Vulcan Bob]

Hi all, A local gun shop has a used M-52-2 for sale, no box or such, was shot and has the usuall blueing wear but seems to be in rather good shape, has three mags with it. I dident really give it a good inpection,is there anything I should look for in one of these? They have had it for about two months now and are asking $800.00 for it. Talked to the owner today on the phone and I asked if he still had it and he said yes and it seems that his customer base dont know what it is and if it's still there after Januarys inventory he could make me a really good deal but no numbers were discussed. What are they worth in todays market? I really do not any real use for one but have always sorta wanted one just fer shooting and grins. Take care and thanks for looking.

 

[Gimble88]

I bought a pretty nice Mdl 52-2 on Gun Broker with very little bluing loss for $700 a couple of months ago. I would guess a pretty low round count. It has a fabulous 2.5 trigger and shoots like a dream. It had Packmayr grips. I put some stock checkered walnut grips back on it.

I have two and I'll be looking for a 52 or 52-1 in the future. I also found an after market (non-smith) barrel weight which I like for one hand target shooting.

One thing I would say is evaluate it like you would a gun you are going to keep and hand down. Because you will keep it. They aren't really that rare and most were really well cared for so if this isn't the one another will happen by.

One thing to check is that some of the later versions (post A400000) have a looser slide to frame fit. Even they are really nice, accurate guns though.

Spence

 

[44wheelman]

Offer him $750 otd; but, $800 is a fair price from a retail establishment.

If you buy $700 online...plan on at least $50 for s/h & x-fer fees.

 

[nipster]

Never understood the fascination with these. Especially as shooters. They can only shoot very specific ammo and of that ammo (flush seated full wadcutters), I heard they were picky about ammo brands.

Most of the indoor ranges now (around here anyway) dont allow you to fire full lead ball ammo or wadcutters due to supposed inhalation issues (I think it's more because of their environmental waste charges)

As a collectible, I guess, it was a unique gun.

 

[mstuhr]

Life out side the Bulls eye arena

Hi nipster,
I use mine in Bullseye and PPC matches.
When not shooting it in a match I holster and use it as a woods walking, small game hunting, plinker.
Think of it as a super accurate .22 in .38 special.
I bet if you spent a little time with one you would like them.
As far as Bob's question I thinka guy can still find a good shooter in pretty good shape for 750.00-800.00
Thanks
Mike

 

[nipster]

Hi nipster,
I use mine in Bullseye and PPC matches.
When not shooting it in a match I holster and use it as a woods walking, small game hunting, plinker.
Think of it as a super accurate .22 in .38 special.
I bet if you spent a little time with one you would like them.

Do you reload or buy ammo? I have heard that gun is picky about ammo and it's hard to find to begin with anymore, is that true?

I am getting out of 41 magnum caliber because of that similar reason (ammo availability and price)

 

[hdsoftail]

The 38 special wadcutter is a joy to reload and I have never found my 52-2 to have issues with my loads or any of the brass I use. Darn thing is a much better shooter than I am.

They say it can shoot 1" groups at 50 yards if you have the steady hand and eyes to pull that off.

Saw two today on GunsAmerica for $1295 and $1500.

Mine is the second one I have owned and its in top shape. May consider selling it since I am in the mood for an AR platform.

 

[4barrel]

These pistols like 148 gr. hbwcs with 2.7 of bullseye. they will also work with a dewc 148 gr. with 3.gr. of bullseye or 700x. If you don't reload you don't need one. I have four of them. $900-$1000 for a clean one.-You cant get a better out box 38 special for that money. You have to be a good shooter to start with to wont one to improve your score. Target shooting is what they do --not plinking.

 

[z4lunch]

I too own a 52-2 mines from '73. It is probably one of the most accurate pistols i own. Anyway... like most have said, if you don't reload its not for u. I shoot mine in summer... bullseye league mostly... My scores are usually a bit better with my Walther GSP 32 S&W Long, but only because it has a scope... my old eyes are not what they used to be with irons. I shoot 2.5 to 2.7 of BE. I cast and usually run 358395 hollow base wadcutters or a more easy to cast vintage Hensley & Gibbs 244 full wadcutter.
Anyway, the fit and finish is second to none. It is absolutely a treat to shoot... and never stops impressing. I paid $1200 ish for mine a few years back NIB...I would sell my Colt National match .38 midrange before my 52-2
my 2cents
Steve

Never understood the fascination with these. Especially as shooters. They can only shoot very specific ammo and of that ammo (flush seated full wadcutters), I heard they were picky about ammo brands.

Most of the indoor ranges now (around here anyway) dont allow you to fire full lead ball ammo or wadcutters due to supposed inhalation issues (I think it's more because of their environmental waste charges)

As a collectible, I guess, it was a unique gun.

 

[Camster]

My LGS had(has?) one last week.A clean looking 52-2,(didn't note any blue wear through the glass)wearing adjustable aftermarket target grips.Price ws 700.
I'm rather fond of shooting 38 wadcutters,but my revolvers handle that well enough for me.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

Thanks for the info all! I reload and ammo will not be a problem and I shoot at an outdoor range so the LWCHB will not be a problem. When I said I did not have a use for it I meant that I do not shoot competively any more but I do send a lot of .38 cal bullets downrange and I think the 52 would be a hoot. I've dealt with this shop for thirty some years and I think we can make a good deal.

 

[civil1977]

You'll love it! I picked up this 52-2 beauty in the original box with two mags for around $760 a couple of years ago. The .38 Mid Range is a joy to shoot in this gun and super accurate.

 

[DCWilson]

I saw one at my LGS recently, a consignment item. 52-2, original box, about 95% condition (used but not abused). Asking price was $1100 if I recall correctly, but it may even have been $1200. (Remember, this is California.) I was almost interested enough to do some price and value research after I got home, but I found a better 41 with a supplementary barrel for about the same price and took that

Based on other responses in this thread I would think $800 for one of these is not unreasonable, but obviously $700-750 would be better if you can do a deal at that price point.

 

[Kevin G]

I picked a nice 52-2, 2 mags, box & papers, bbl weight, for $800 about 6yrs ago. From what I see today they don't seem to appreciate as quickly as some other model S&W's. I wanted one from the day I first read about it. We'll never see a gun like this manufactured again.
For the reloader plated wadcutters are available for indoor range work.
Kevin

 

[H Richard]

Most of them I have seen at auctions or on line have been priced in the $900 to $1200 range. They are usually pretty clean as they are target guns, not carry guns, but there isn't any reason you couldn't carry it for a woods plinking gun. It is limited to flush seated WC ammo, but will shoot it superbly. I had one when I was actively shooting outdoor bullseye, but sold it about 6 years ago for $850 inc. 6 magazines and 500 Star HBWC bullets. If you shoot competitively it will fill the bill.

 

[z4lunch]

FYI
I sold my factory barrel weight on feebay for $200 buy it now
Steve

I picked a nice 52-2, 2 mags, box & papers, bbl weight, for $800 about 6yrs ago. From what I see today they don't seem to appreciate as quickly as some other model S&W's. I wanted one from the day I first read about it. We'll never see a gun like this manufactured again.
For the reloader plated wadcutters are available for indoor range work.
Kevin

 

[montegomx]

You'll love it! I picked up this 52-2 beauty in the original box with two mags for around $760 a couple of years ago. The .38 Mid Range is a joy to shoot in this gun and super accurate.

it does not get any better than that,what year was it made?

 

[civil1977]

SN shows 1975 but Roy Jinks says it didn't leave the factory until 1977.

 

[Revoman]

I'd offer $700.00 cash, let him counter offer to $750.00 and everyone is a winner.

 

[Avery11]

I bought one from a gentleman at my club.

Got a 97% gun, 5 mags, factory weight, box & papers, bushing wrench, an aimtech grip sight base, truglo red dot, and original grip panels.

Paid $1200 about 2 years ago. I think $800 or less for a bare gun with 2 mags is a fair deal.