Model 52-2 extraction issue

muzzlestuffer2012

muzzlestuffer2012

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Wondering if anyone here is familiar with the model 52. I just bought a 52-2 looks very mint shot very little. I loaded up some 148 HBWC 2.7-2.9&3.1 loads the 2.9's shot the most accurate but I was getting some failures to extract not sure if this is common to the 52's. I have not had a chance to look at it closer but everything appears to be ok but will get a better look at it tomorrow.
Thanks
MS
 
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BE powder. Occasional failure to extract ejects fine but extractor catching the rim at times. I tried the normal tension test it seems loose but I’m not sure how these extractors are supposed to work compared to a 1911.
 
When I originally bought my Model 52 in the 90's, it was used but only had one box of ammo through it.
I also had issues when I first started shooting it, but by changing a few minor things with my reloading the 38 HBWC, it started working flawless.
Just saying, make sure your ammo right before nutzing with the 52. lol
 
When I have extraction issue, usually a good cleaning helps. I am shooting 2.8 grains of Bullseye with either a DEWC or a HBWC. HTH.
 
Gun is and was he spotless clean. I talked to Bill at cylinder and slide today gave me a few things to check along with recommending a box of factory ammo to validate my ammo is good.
Thanks !
MS
 
Ignatz said:
When I originally bought my Model 52 in the 90's, it was used but only had one box of ammo through it.
I also had issues when I first started shooting it, but by changing a few minor things with my reloading the 38 HBWC, it started working flawless.
Just saying, make sure your ammo right before nutzing with the 52. lol
Click to expand...

I tried the plunk test again it's good. I did notice there is quite a bit of slop in-between the breech face and the back of the extractor it seems to me it should be tighter but not knowing anything about these guns it's just an educated guess that if that is sloppy coupled with the case shifting around that the extractor will not hold on to the case. But someone with a 52-2 would have to confirm this.
 
Krogen said:
Please share the suggestions BIll had for you. There may be some tips the rest of us can use.
Click to expand...

Are you having extraction issues ?
It was all common sense stuff like make sure there's no lead build up in the chamber, verify ammo dimensions, try the plunk test again, make sure the gun is oiled well. These are all things I do with my guns and ammo so I'm good on all these items.
 
When you take the barrel out and drop a round in the chamber it should plunk and chamber.
 
muzzlestuffer2012 said:
Are you having extraction issues ?
It was all common sense stuff like make sure there's no lead build up in the chamber, verify ammo dimensions, try the plunk test again, make sure the gun is oiled well. These are all things I do with my guns and ammo so I'm good on all these items.
Click to expand...

Gotcha! Sometimes tips from experts can enlighten mere mortals like me. Other times, the tips are just good common sense as you note.

To your question: No extraction issues with my 52 no dash. It has a different extractor than yours, so it's not really comparable. But it functions very well.

You're possibly on to the root cause since you observe the case rim isn't held securely. Perhaps your cases have relatively thin rims or undersized head diameter. Factory ammo would be a good comparison. Or try another source of brass for your reloads or to compare dimensions.

You might also consider that weak springs could be the problem. If the extractor's retention is "iffy" then weak springs might result in overly energetic slide action and knock the case loose. Could be the recoil spring, main spring or both. Does the gun simply leave the fired case in the chamber? Or does it try to extract and fumble the case leaving it in the action?
 
Well I did some shooting with it the other day I loaded up some 148 HBWC over 3.0 of 231 it ran no issues it fed and extracted all 25 rounds. Shot some pretty good off hand groups at 25 yards so I loaded up another 200 and will shoot the bullseye match on Monday with it.
Since we shoot at night we only shoots 25 yards at this particular match.
 
I would love to see the inside of another 52-2 frame mine was definitely worked on but not sure by the factory or others it seems to be capable of good accuracy and has great barrel lock up. I guess I can reach out to S&W and see if they can give me some color on the pistol.?
 
I shot my first match with the 52-2 last night only had one jam during rapid fire I think my extractor issue was a cycling issue due to the loads I first tested this new load seemed to make the gun cycle much better.
I did find a issue I was not aware of the gun was shooting great then it would start throwing shots and I happened to notice the barrel bushing came loose tightened up and the gun started grouping but this gun does take some getting used to although I think the trigger is phenomenal.
I also discovered the barrel bushing plate was bent so I straightened that out tonight while cleaning.
I may send the gun into Clark Custom for an evaluation since I am ignorant on this style gun they have a gunsmith that is very knowledgeable on the 52's.
Picked up a set of Jay Scott grips off eBay they really help the hold and feel of the gun IMO.
 
Would like to get a current thread going on 52-2's like to learn more on these guns. Anyone out there that can contribute.??
Thanks !!
 
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