LGS has a 52-1 with box and 3 factory mags. Gun is in very nice condition with a few blemishes, as is to be expected. Looks to be used very little. They are asking $899 plus tax, etc. I really like the pistol, but have not a lot of use for it except that I do like the older S & w's. They will hold it for 1 day waiting to hear from me. What say the learned here? Any issues with this model? Thank you,Ken
Model 52-1
- Thread starter kb1903
- Start date
Hello Ken, $899 is about the limit. With box and three mags, starting to get more attractive. Im sure there is some cash wiggle room. Im not going to attempt to talk you in to buying it, but they are a treat to own and shoot. Best and go with your gut. Mike
Ken,
I would have grabbed it in a heartbeat. That is a VERY good price for a clean Model 52 with the box and a total of 3 magazines
The Model 52 family of auto loaders are simply astonishingly accurate.
They do require good trigger control and follow through, but the Model 52 will reward you with ragged one hole groups once you get the hang of it. If your groups are larger, then you did something wrong.
My oldest Model 52 has the Bomar rib with the extended front sight installed, while my youngest Model 52 has a bit more cosmetic appeal
If you have the cash, go and buy it. If it turns out you do not like the firearm, I will cover your purchase price plus shipping down to me in Florida. I am certain other Forum members will gladly take it off your hands as well for that price.
I would have grabbed it in a heartbeat. That is a VERY good price for a clean Model 52 with the box and a total of 3 magazines
The Model 52 family of auto loaders are simply astonishingly accurate.
They do require good trigger control and follow through, but the Model 52 will reward you with ragged one hole groups once you get the hang of it. If your groups are larger, then you did something wrong.
If you have the cash, go and buy it. If it turns out you do not like the firearm, I will cover your purchase price plus shipping down to me in Florida. I am certain other Forum members will gladly take it off your hands as well for that price.
This 52-1 was shipped in February 1969. I purchased the 52-1 from the estate of a Bullseye shooter. I have no idea of the round count but it is well used. I shot the five group in the picture. My reloads 148 gr HBWC seated flush with 3.0 gr W231.
4barrel
Member
You need to be a seasoned shooter to own one of these if you are trying to get the edge. They were the best 38 special target gun out of the box in the 60s & still are.
In the DFW area, what you described would be priced at $1100+. I would have bought it in a heartbeat.
AH, what were THE OTHER 38 special target guns OUT OF THE BOX IN THE 60S. Refresh my memory. Thanks.
windypoint
Member
I agree, fair price for a great gun with the box and extra magazines. I really like mine.
Colt 1911 National Match Mid-Range 38 special
Leon Narozny
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Dont walk, RUN to LGS and buy it. It is a joy to shoot, easy to load for
and it is, unlike a lot of other guns, a piece of firearm history.
Ask anyone that owns one, like me. I will never sell mine, nor my 41.
Being young and stupid, I did that once, not going to happen again.
Hope you enjoy it!
and it is, unlike a lot of other guns, a piece of firearm history.
Ask anyone that owns one, like me. I will never sell mine, nor my 41.
Being young and stupid, I did that once, not going to happen again.
Hope you enjoy it!
Colt .38 Mid Range
For factory pistols, Colt made an attempt at a competitor to the Model 52 with their .38 Mid Range National Match. Gunsmith produced .38 Special pistols were a plenty back then by the masters: Clark, Giles, Chow, Hebard, etc, most all made using a Colt 1911 .38 Super or a Colt .38 Special Kit.
Here's my Colt .38 Mid Range National Match and my Clark/Colt .38 Special Kit and my Model 52-2. Both Colt's are from the 60's. Toss up (for me) which one is better. As you can see by the targets, I'm not the best shot. All these pistols in expert hands have the ability to be top flight performers.
Member 4 barrel has some nice vintage .38 Special Colt iron as well. Always enjoy seeing his. I'm sure he will chime in.
O.P. sorry for the thread drift. Take Leon's advice (above) and pick that Model 52-1 up. You won't regret it.
For factory pistols, Colt made an attempt at a competitor to the Model 52 with their .38 Mid Range National Match. Gunsmith produced .38 Special pistols were a plenty back then by the masters: Clark, Giles, Chow, Hebard, etc, most all made using a Colt 1911 .38 Super or a Colt .38 Special Kit.
Here's my Colt .38 Mid Range National Match and my Clark/Colt .38 Special Kit and my Model 52-2. Both Colt's are from the 60's. Toss up (for me) which one is better. As you can see by the targets, I'm not the best shot. All these pistols in expert hands have the ability to be top flight performers.
Member 4 barrel has some nice vintage .38 Special Colt iron as well. Always enjoy seeing his. I'm sure he will chime in.
O.P. sorry for the thread drift. Take Leon's advice (above) and pick that Model 52-1 up. You won't regret it.
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MCorps0311
US Veteran
Nice looking Model 52's.Ken,
I would have grabbed it in a heartbeat. That is a VERY good price for a clean Model 52 with the box and a total of 3 magazines
The Model 52 family of auto loaders are simply astonishingly accurate.
They do require good trigger control and follow through, but the Model 52 will reward you with ragged one hole groups once you get the hang of it. If your groups are larger, then you did something wrong.My oldest Model 52 has the Bomar rib with the extended front sight installed, while my youngest Model 52 has a bit more cosmetic appeal
If you have the cash, go and buy it. If it turns out you do not like the firearm, I will cover your purchase price plus shipping down to me in Florida. I am certain other Forum members will gladly take it off your hands as well for that price.
4barrel
Member
This is not out of the box but it will come close. Tuned buy Fred Kart in the 60s & I own it. I do like 38 special autos.
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AH1 you are correct sir, the Colt. Never shot one.
Thanks
Thanks
4barrel
Member
The Colt is a blow back design & doesnt group as good out of the box as a Smith. They both shoot the same 148 hbwc bullet seated flush. [ Hope you are not in Florida today.]
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Sir, I am in South Florida, Boca Raton. Got up at 6AM, streets are dry, TV on Fox News, and no damage. Hot cup of coffee. Thanks.
Had a memory burp on the Colt. The 38 was the same as the 45NM.
Had several. I got spoiled back in 1964, Dad had a 52. The MOD-52 has a small number stamped on the base of the mag well. Its a fitters code, like a signature. I have been looking for the list, to no avail.
When you have a Filet and Tail on the table, why look for a burger? Best.
Had a memory burp on the Colt. The 38 was the same as the 45NM.
Had several. I got spoiled back in 1964, Dad had a 52. The MOD-52 has a small number stamped on the base of the mag well. Its a fitters code, like a signature. I have been looking for the list, to no avail.
When you have a Filet and Tail on the table, why look for a burger? Best.
I see people here claiming $900 is the limit, but I found completed auctions showing them going for $1200-$1600, when I bought mine in 2014.
I paid $800 for mine and felt ZERO buyers regret.
I'd wanted one for 34 years.
I was on it like stink on poop.
From my cold, dead hands.
I paid $800 for mine and felt ZERO buyers regret.
I'd wanted one for 34 years.
I was on it like stink on poop.
From my cold, dead hands.
