Model 52 magazine modification

[nonferrous]

I have a question regarding increasing the capacity of the model 52 magazine capacity from 5 to 6?
I have read statements saying that it is an easy thing to convert and I have also read in a shooting magazine article, that the only successful conversion was done in house at S&W and they are not for sale.
When looking at the clip, it would seem an easy job to simply deepen the slots on the sides that form the track that the follower runs in, about .300.
But I am afraid that seems too easy, any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[socal s&w]

I believe it really is that simple.........I guess the bigger question is why would you want to?

I mean the 52 is a target gun and really there is no need to have a higher cap mag unless it were maybe a ten rounder, but since that is not attainable even by modifying the stock mag, as the most you could fit in it would be six. So why do it?

 

[nonferrous]

Mod 52 magazine

Thanks for the reply,
Our club informal shootouts involve 2 sets of 6 rounds. I currently shoot a K 38 Masterpiece and do well. Many shoot Glocks, Sigs and all manner of other autos, I am waiting for someone to claim that I have an advantage over them gunwise and then I will offer to go auto if they insist. (They don't know the gun). It's all for fun.
I have several mags so I would not mind experimenting if I thought it had a chance of working.
Thaanks again.

 

[handgunner356]

One of my 52s' came with two mags that had been sloted at least 1/2" deeper, they held 7rds and worked just fine. I use them when we would shoot a 10-shot combat match following our regular bullseye match.

 

[nonferrous]

Thank you for that,
Based on that info I am looking forward to cutting one out and trying it.
Thanks again

 

[jrm53]

6 round 52 magazines

Back in the 80's I shot a model 52-2 in PPC matches, I modified my 4 mags and a friends 52 mags also. Its a simple process if you have a Bridgeport you just disassemble the mag and indicate along the slot to get the vise true to the slot and use a smaller endmill than the slot and lengthen until six will fit in, I used a magazine loader to load and after loading 6 just slapped the mag against the palm of my hand to seat all rounds to the back of mag. They worked just like the 5 shot mags. I ran an ad in the Shotgun news to modify mags for 6 rounds and I never got a call. A model 52 make a great PPC pistol also good for NRA Action shooting. Jeff

 

[nonferrous]

52 mags

Thanks Jeff, it's on the to do list.
Len