Model 52 Bullseye Pistol

[TheTinMan]

Saw a Model 52 today that really interested me. The pistol has custom target stocks which just happen to fit my hand perfectly. Finish is beautiful. Asking price is $1,200 though.

I didn't see whether it's a 52, 52-1 or 52-2. From research here, the 52-2 would be the best shooter with 52 (no dash) a good collectible. Correct?

Research here and on GunBroker makes me think the gun is overpriced unless they have the box, papers, tools, etc.

Would the weight on a 52-1 or 52-2 add $150+ to the value?

Is it worth more if the original stocks are in the package?

Is it valuable to get multiple magazines? (assume so...)

I don't need another pistol, but the Model 52 intrigues me. Sounds like it's the best semi-auto S&W ever made. The 148 grain .38 Special wadcutter round is a staple of my handloading, so that's not a problem. The balance of this particular gun with the target stocks was great, and the trigger was just fantastic.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. I'm going back tomorrow to find out what goodies (if any) come with the pistol.

 

[colt_saa]

They all shoot equally well. I have been shooting a no dash with a Bomar rib for decades.

My other one is a -1. You might not like it, it is all scratched up

Even though this pistol has been out of the catalog for many, many years. S&W still stocks the magazines on their website

The 52 takes practice. It is one of, if not the most, accurate S&W Pistols produced but it is unforgiving of trigger error.

 

[4barrel]

They all shoot equally well. I have been shooting a no dash with a Bomar rib for decades.

My other one is a -1. You might not like it, it is all scratched up

Even though this pistol has been out of the catalog for many, many years. S&W still stocks the magazines on their website

The 52 takes practice. It is one of, if not the most, accurate S&W Pistols produced but it is unforgiving of trigger error.

What load are you shooting with the rib?

 

[colt_saa]

What load are you shooting with the rib?

Factory Federal or 3.3 grains of 231 behind remington HBWC

 

[dotdsd334]

Weight easily adds $150, if in good condition. Original slabs will cost $50-$65. Magazines are worth $60 or more each ( assuming they haven't been modified to 6 rounders and they are in good condition). The original magazines with steel follower are more desired than the "modern" production with plastic follower.

Price wise.... If the gun by itself (no box or papers) is very good $800-$850....maybe $900. Depending on the extras you may get to $1200 but it may be just a touch high.

Just my 2 cents

One of the big differences between the variations is the extractor. In the no dash and -1 they were prone to break. The -2s are quite a bit more reliable. Availability of extractors is limited.....

 

[TheTinMan]

Thank you dotdsd334.

I looked at this pistol again. Model 52-2. Had the weight. I'd rate condition at 90-94% due to small surface scratches on finish. Weird small divot in the left edge of the feed ramp turned me off. Two metal follower mags. Custom target stocks actually fit my hand quite well but no original stocks. Bushing wrench.

Asking $1,200. Came down to $1,100 but it's just not clean enough to justify that price for me. Especially with that feed ramp divot.