Model 52 ‘bag-o-gun’. Update post #21

[Model52guy]

Model 52's have been getting hard to find lately. Found a Model 52-2 at the gun show today. It was in a zip-lock bag. Looked like all the major parts are there so I bought it. Paid $300 OTD. Since I own 5 model 52's I figured the parts were probably worth that much. The slide and frame had bluing loss and some pitting but usable. The guy said his Dad had taken it apart years before he passed away. Had always planned to reassemble it. Looks like a good project for a cold rainy day this winter.

 

[squidsix]

That's a smoking deal bub. Well done!

 

[gmborkovic]

For a clean barrel and bushing, parts and no magazine, any day, all day.

 

[Tom S.]

I'd verify all the parts were there, and if so, sent it to Fords for a refinish. Maybe a blued frame and chromed slide.

 

[boatbum101]

I see them quite frequently , just not at a price I'm willing to pay .

 

[kidcom]

Model 52's have been getting hard to find lately. Found a Model 52-2 at the gun show today. It was in a zip-lock bag. Looked like all the major parts are there so I bought it. Paid $300 OTD. Since I own 5 model 52's I figured the parts were probably worth that much. The slide and frame had bluing loss and some pitting but usable. The guy said his Dad had taken it apart years before he passed away. Had always planned to reassemble it. Looks like a good project for a cold rainy day this winter.

What a steal. Here's your opportunity to reassemble it. Check out my notable thread on reassembling the 52. Good luck.

 

[Model52guy]

I had planned to print out Kidcom's thread to guide the reassembly. Matched up all the parts with the parts list and everything was there minus the right hand grips panel which I already knew. I did order a couple of the springs and a new ejector from numrich. I plan to reassemble, make sure everything works, then probably disassemble and have the frame and slide reblued.

 

[mm93]

That's an amazing deal!
I shot a Model 52 in bullseye matches 20+ years ago, and love them! Considering how expensive they are today I'd simply assemble it and leave it alone. But if you do want to have it refinished I'd make sure it's done to original specs so it retains the value these fine guns have.

 

[Model52guy]

I do plan to put it together and shoot it for a while before I make a decision to re-blue or not. I think it's is a pretty early 52-2 as the SN is A10647X. Finally got the rear sight off and the slide SN matches the frame.

 

[ammoman]

52 guy:
Quite a few m-52's where hand fitted and you just couldn't slap some parts together, especially the frame and slide. A little hand fitting may be in order.
Best Regards
ammoman

 

[Sevens]

He has every part except the right stock. It will go together.

Me, I absolutely vote "no" to any refinish, not that I actually get a vote. 52's are phenomenal but regardless of typical gun forum emotion, these are not rare. A refinished 52 can NEVER be an original 52, if you want a gorgeous one... chase one down and buy it.

This one would make a fantastic shooter while a pretty one sits. A refinish...? Worst of all worlds.

 

[kidcom]

I agree with Sevens on this. A 52 is that kind of rare breed that you really shouldn't mess with. Even in a tarnished state, it's something you don't refinish as doing so is somewhat sacrilegious. I have a 52 that I bought for the sole purpose of being a shooter as it was refinished. I would never use any of my 52s that are part of my collection.

 

[dakota1911]

I shot bullseye in prep school and college and used a 52-1 back then. Out of nostalgia or something I bought a 52-2 over a year ago in the used area of a LGS and it was about a $1K ouch although it did have the original box and two mags. Then I found out how hard the parts are to find for these. I started with Numrich and searched other areas on the intergoogle. They were/are nice pistols however.

 

[Model52guy]

I shot bullseye in prep school and college and used a 52-1 back then. Out of nostalgia or something I bought a 52-2 over a year ago in the used area of a LGS and it was about a $1K ouch although it did have the original box and two mags. Then I found out how hard the parts are to find for these. I started with Numrich and searched other areas on the intergoogle. They were/are nice pistols however.

All the model 52's I've seen in the last year with a box, papers, tools, etc, have been priced North of $1400. So, $1K is a great deal.

 

[Model52guy]

Update. 'Bag-O-Gun is now a functional model 52. Got it together and adjusted the trigger. Cycled some empty's through it it seems to be working fine. I'll take it to the range next week to make sure everything is good. Although all the parts except grips were there, I did buy a couple of springs and an ejector.

 

[rkwood]

Not too shabby for a mere $300. I would have bought that bag of parts in a heartbeat. Good job!

Sent from my SM-G930U using Tapatalk

 

[Racer X]

I love those Signature grips. I have a set on my 439 9mm. I need to order a new set while I can still find them.

 

[stansdds]

Looks nice, but maybe somewhere down the line you can scare up some wood panels for the stocks. Yes, the rubber provides a firm grip, but S&W hit a home run in terms of looks with wood stocks on the 39/52 receivers.

 

[kas9412]

Looks pretty darn good to me!

My 52-2 is a 2-tone, with a noticeably plum-colored slide. Can't decide if I love it or hate it!

Wondering what would happen if I had it re-blued?

kas

 

[Troystat]

I am green with envy. A 52 is on my wish list when the funds allow.