Model 52-2 Barrel Question

[Rick H.]

I have a Model 52-2 that I recently acquired and after a detailed cleaning discovered that the chamber is corroded and pitted just behind where the lands and groves of the barrel start. I located a NOS barrel for it but I need to find someone that can machine and install this barrel. Does anyone have a line on a good pistolsmith that can and will do this type of work? Thanks for any help.....

Rick H.

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

Rick, fitting the 52 bbl is something a good 1911 smith should be able to handle. Fitting the bbl to the bbl bushing is basically a hand fitting job. You may need a new bbl bushing to complete the process

 

[gmborkovic]

Hello Rick H, congrats on your 52 purchase. I have and shoot several 52s.
Now, Im just asking, but have you shot it yet? I would take it to the range and shoot for function. Then I would shoot it in a rest. I dont want to kick a hornets nest here. Its your gun and your money. If it just irritates the poop out of you, in my book that is reason enough to purse a new barrel. I have no idea if there are any smiths that would tackle that task. Good luck and keep me posted.

 

[Rick H.]

Thanks for the replies guys. Yes I have taken it to the range and fired the gun in order to compare it to my other 52's I own. It doesn't do too bad in the accuracy department, but the barrel certainly seems to "lead up" faster. I think what happens is the corrosion/erosion in the old barrel is right where the rifling starts more or less at the end of where a shell casing ends. I am sure there is some contact between bullet and barrel and lead just naturally transfers quickly to the rough part of the barrel.

I have called a number of high end pistolsmiths including C&S, but only they are willing to take on the job BUT it is a 12 to 14 month wait to get the work done. I could be dead by that time. I was surprised at how many pistolsmiths I spoke to will gladly work on a 1911, but want nothing to do with a Model 52. I called Smith and Wesson and talked to a rep there and asked about having their repair shop do the work. The rep was supposed to call me back but failed to do so. I guess I'll have to call them back.

So that's where I am in this quest. The barrel I purchased has never been installed on a gun and needs not only fitting, but finishing work as well. I naturally assumed that this type of work be no problem for a good pistolsmith, but perhaps I am wrong and there is some black magic to making a Model 52 work correctly.

Rick H.

 

[Sebring Pop]

Have you tried Smith & Wesson. I never had a problem with my 52 but I had issues with other Smith's and had them fix them and have been very happy. A few years back I had a 41 repaired and because it is a competition gun the charged me for parts but not labor.

 

[Rick H.]

Yes I called S&W last week to see if they might still be able to work on these but haven't heard back. I'll give them another call today.

Rick H.

 

[garbler]

Wondering is this a gun you will be competing with ? I've had a couple in the past and once dialed in and worked up the correct load they print one hole. They are however not a 1911 and though somewhat similar require a mechanic who knows how to set them up. If this is a new barrel to the frame/slide it needs an experienced hand to fit it up. Therefore I would find a real Bullseye shop and have them fit up the barrel, tune the extractor and set up for best performance. Look for one of the Bullseye forums and see who is available. I know Larry Carter in Maine works on a lot of them as does Clark, Lou Lombardi, and lots of others if you look around.

As far as the factory goes I think you're out of luck. Last I heard they have no parts and certainly nobody in house who could work on them anyway. These and the good 41's were all built and tested in the old Custom Shop which was gutted and long since gone. Honestly these guns are set up and were made very specifically just for target work so if you are going to compete with it then I think you'll find folks who will help you with whatever. On the other hand taking away limited parts from the competition pool just to plink or collect may not garner the kind of response you relish

Regards