Md 52-2 Questions, New to the Platform

[loeman]

About 12 years ago I acquired a Model 52-2 that dates to around 1979. It is in superb condition and came with box, docs, tools and an extra mag. It was a convoluted trade that involved multiple guns and motorcycles. Anyway, I've never fired it for absolutely no good reason. But I want to now. Yesterday I broke it down and did a thorough clean and lube.

The man I got the gun from was a serious competitive shooter who was also a re-loader. With the gun I received 8 boxes of his reloads but no factory ammo. Here's what he marked on the top of each box.

38 Special, 5/13/90
148 Gr, B/B - WC
2.7 Gr. B/eye, Md 52

First of all this ammo is 24 years old, however it has been properly stored and looks perfectly fresh. What's your opinion on whether or not I should use it? I totally trust the competence of the reloader but due to the age of the ammo, I'm not sure. Also since I'm not a re-loader I'd like to know if the data for this ammo is approrpriate for my gun? Thanks for your input, I really appreciate it.

By the way I don't have any factory new ammo. Where is a good online source for 38 spec. wadcutters?

 

[505Gibbs]

if the ammo has been stored away from high heat & humidity swings its probaly just fine. The load noted is appropriate for the model 52. Just my $0.02!

 

[FlyFish]

I agree 100%. I have handloads a good bit older that still shoot just fine, and 2.7 gr of Bullseye under a 148 gr wadcutter is THE standard .38 Special target load, and it's what I load for my 52-2.

 

[loeman]

Thanks

I used the 24 year old hand loads with great success. Once I got the hang of loading the mags I had a great first time with the Model 52-2. I put 50 rounds through it without a hiccup. It truly is an amazing gun. I look forward to shooting it again soon. Thanks for your input.

 

[Dennis The B]

Although mine is a 52-1, the 2.7gr of Bullseye, under a 148gr WC, is my "go to" load when I want to shred 10 rings.

 

[colt_saa]

While that load might be satisfactory for most shooters, that is not the goto load for a model 52.

Your post indicates the projectile used was a 148 BBWC

The Model 52 shoots best with a 148 HBWC not the BBWC

The above folks might have missed that part of your question.

Most BBWCs are hard cast while the HBWC is soft swagged.

Find some Federal Gold Match 148HBWC and you will be in great shape. The Winchester Match or Remington Target are a good second choice for quality factory ammunition. Midway has Remington in stock right now.

There are lots of small loaders and foreign companies offering this ammunition, I have never tried it. The Federal is what I have been mainly shooting for 3+ decades

 

[civil1977]

I have to agree hollow base wadcutters shoot better but I think those loads would work well. Here's my 52-2:



Although I roll my own, I've picked up these factory loads at gun shows to use for comparison:

 

[USBP SW]

All of the information you have been given is good, the only thing I would add is that the ammo that you use must have the bullet seated essentially flush with the case mouth. You can have almost no lead exposed above the case or the rounds will likely hang up in the magazine. I have seen reloads that had a protrusion in the center of the bullet and they worked, but they looked funny. They were also seated slightly below the case mouth, which could lead to higher pressure levels.

Enjoy that fantastic and accurate pistol,
Take care, Steve

Incidentally, from what I recall (in the late 60's and early 70's) the model 52 was guaranteed to shoot 10 ring accuracy at 50 yards, from the box.

 

[Krell1]

I have a 52-1 that I take to the range weekly. I've loaded 148gr DEWC flush with 2.6 gr of Red Dot (the only powder I could find). The gun shoots far better than I can hold it and the trigger on that gun is so SWEEEET!.

 

[k-38]

I have to agree hollow base wadcutters shoot better but I think those loads would work well. Here's my 52-2:



Although I roll my own, I've picked up these factory loads at gun shows to use for comparison:

like this bullets,in special western super match,are classic and hard to find.here in puerto rico a box of winchester super x .38 wc have the price of $35.00,federal gold medal $30.00,remington super hard to find or the armory's here dont work the remington wc.

 

[k-38]

52-2 replacement or aftermarket

i have a question, exist a company who make 52 aftermarket barrels or the same smith and wesson factory barrel?

 

[civil1977]

Bar-Sto made aftermarket barrels at one point, but they don't appear to anymore.

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

Check KART in NC - best 45 bbls for target - MAY make some 52 bbls- Note that you will need to fit your bbl to bbl bushing. Kart Precision Barrel Corp - Shallotte, NC

 

[MrTrolleyguy]

I am glad you started your thread. I need the same information for my new-to-me 52-2. I will be following this thread.

I hope we are going to see some photographs and a range report soon.

You know what they say here, "it ain't real without pictures" Don't worry about an Ansel Adams quality picture. Cell phone snaps will do.

 

[MrTrolleyguy]

Owner's Manual.

lolman, here is the owner manual, for our 52s. found it witha simple Google search. It is nice to have.


http://home.roadrunner.com/~jbarta/sw52.pdf