Model 52-1 Do I purchase or not

[Target Load]

I have a chance to purchase a S&W 52-1, and have read that there has been an issue with extractor breakage and a replacement is possibly non-obtainium. It's not going to be a daily shooter nor a safe queen, perhaps 25 to 50 or so rounds per month of reloads, (148 gr HBWC using either 2.7 gr BE or 3.1 gr W231). So, the questions are, "Should I buy the gun, forget about the extractor issue, shoot it and hope I can find a replacement extractor before it breaks" ? (anyone know of a source for the extractor?) "Should I pass on the 52-1 and look for a 52-2" ?
Thanks,

 

[smithfan4152]

52-1

I have heard in past posts here on this issue, that if you keep the gun clean, you should not have any problems, this was from a person that shot it competitively.
The extractors occasionally show up, I have not been looking lately, but they are around.

 

[windypoint]

I was concerned after I heard of the extractor weakness, so I bought one from Numrich a few years ago. Still have not needed it. They are a great pistol. I would not let it stop me from buying one. If you ever do need an extractor, I would bet you could find one.

 

[colt_saa]

The model 52 is an unbelievable shooter. No words can do justice to how the firearm handles and groups. This is one of those rare firearms that must be experienced to be understood.

Do not let the exaggeration of Internet rumors stop you from possessing what is probably the finest target pistol ever to be produced by Smith and Wesson

There are probably more spare extractors sitting in parts drawers than there are model 52s or 52-1s out there that might possibly need them. They show up on the auction sights and in the forums all the time.

If you are truly concerned, start watching the sights today and buy an extractor when it becomes available. Then IF your extractor breaks you will have one sitting in your parts drawer.

 

[t-bird]

Life is short buy the gun.

 

[mbnatt]

Too many omission's! Cost, condition, picture? Sorry, can not help!

 

[625smith]

Here is a picture of my 52-1. 5 shot group 10 yards 3gr W231 HBWC. I bought this one used from an Old Bullseye shooter.

 

[civil1977]

A spare extractor sold recently on eBay for $46 so they are out there.

 

[phils]

Go for it. I shot one years ago and no matter what I aimed at I hit!

 

[Lee's Landing Billy]

I have a chance to purchase a S&W 52-1, and have read that there has been an issue with extractor breakage and a replacement is possibly non-obtainium. It's not going to be a daily shooter nor a safe queen, perhaps 25 to 50 or so rounds per month of reloads, (148 gr HBWC using either 2.7 gr BE or 3.1 gr W231). So, the questions are, "Should I buy the gun, forget about the extractor issue, shoot it and hope I can find a replacement extractor before it breaks" ? (anyone know of a source for the extractor?) "Should I pass on the 52-1 and look for a 52-2" ?
Thanks,

I recently sold a 52-2 plus a complete top end in 9mm plus a S&W blue box armorers kit containing EVERY part for a 52 except a lower receiver . Sellers remorse is 100 times worse than buyers remorse. GO GET IT!

 

[Krell1]

I always wanted a Model 52 years back and never bought one. I was talking to a friend at the local gun range and mentioned that I'd never bought one and was sorry I never did. He told me the LGS had one for sale so I went up the street to check it out. It was mint, in the box and there was no hesitation on my part and bought it on the spot.

This is, without a doubt, one of the best bullseye guns you can buy. The load you said you'd use works fine. Just load the wadcutters flush and you're good to go. I'm not sure they're all alike but I've never had an ejector problem and the trigger on this gun is amazing.