Model 52 no dash - how many manufactured

[Aussie Collector]

It's documented in many places that there were 3500 no dash model 52s manufactured. Notably on Smith & Wesson letters stating "approximately 3500 units".

As for 3500 manufactured I believe the number is much higher and could be as high 5650.
The no dash 52s appear in the serial range 50001 to about 55650 with these numbers exclusively used for the 52.
I have 5 no dash model 52s.
Serial numbered 50576, 50691, 51309, 51319, 54762
I have seen many no dash model 52s and they all fall between 50001 and 55660. The highest seen being 54842. I have seen higher documented, up to 55640 however not seen it first hand or in photos, hard proof so to speak.
That indicates around 5600 no dash model 52s.
Yes possibly the change from 52 to 52-1 the serial numbers intertwined. Regardless the number of no dash is well over 5000 in my opinion.

The lowest 52-1 I have seen is 55680.
My model 52-1s are all in the low 10XXXX range.

Please put up photos of your 52 no dash. As well as any other S&W semi-auto with a serial number between 50000 and 57000 and we will try to work it out.

 

[Aussie Collector]

I will start with the highest 52 no dash I have seen.
54842

 

[cougar015]

My 52

For the records s/n 51889

 

[huthike]

Mine.

 

[Aussie Collector]

Thanks for posting

51889 would have shipped Sept / Oct 1962

54124 would have shipped mid 1963 possibly 6 months before the first 52-1.

 

[cougar015]

Thanks for posting

51889 would have shipped Sept / Oct 1962

Per Roy it shipped October 1962

 

[Aussie Collector]

One of the lower 52-1s
56503

 

[Sevens]

Got an estimate of production year for a 52-1 with SN 1006xx, no leading prefix and no suffix?

 

[Aussie Collector]

As estimate would be Jan 1969 or possibly late 1968

 

[Sevens]

Excellent, much thanks.

Prior to getting this one I only had experience with 52-2's. I had heard rumors that the 52 trigger (which is obviously fantastic across the board) was at it's peak with the 52-1.

I've got a pair of 52-2's, this 52-1 is my newest addition and with no doubt whatsoever, the 52-1 trigger is exceptional and really distinguishes itself beyond the two other pistols.

 

[Aussie Collector]

Excellent, much thanks.

Prior to getting this one I only had experience with 52-2's. I had heard rumors that the 52 trigger (which is obviously fantastic across the board) was at it's peak with the 52-1.

I've got a pair of 52-2's, this 52-1 is my newest addition and with no doubt whatsoever, the 52-1 trigger is exceptional and really distinguishes itself beyond the two other pistols.

Your welcome.

Very interesting.
I would put it down to adjustment, however, I believe sear design was changed in the 52-2. This could change the trigger. Parts lists I've have/seen show differences, personally I've not looked to hard at it.
Someone else may have the answers.

 

[huthike]

102031 in a 52-1? Sorry to rehijack the thread.

 

[Aussie Collector]

102031 in a 52-1? Sorry to rehijack the thread.

Shipped around February 1969.

Be good to see some 52-1s in the mid 55### range.