Model 52 Rear Sight

[T3reefingers]

I’m replacing the rear sight on a Model 52 (no dash). The instructions I have found have been for -1 or -2s and state to drive the base out left to right; however, the dovetail measurement on the replacement base I have is wider on the left side which would mean it should be installed from left to right. Is the original different? I can’t get it to move, either way.

 

[824tsv]

Welcome to the Forum,
Check the link for detailed disassembly instructions. It may help you with your issue:

Complete Disassembly & Assembly of ALL S&W Model 52s

 

[T3reefingers]

Thank you! Certainly a lot of useful detail there. Much appreciated.

 

[gmborkovic]

Hello Mr. fingers, why are you removing the rear sight? I have had several and never seen a need. Your venture may be mistake. Stop, pause and think. If it works leave it alone.

 

[824tsv]

I would assume he is mounting an optic?

 

[T3reefingers]

I am refurbishing one that previously had the rear sight dismantled, leaving only the base (needed to retain the extractor spring), to accommodate an optic. I’ve removed the optic and rings and need to remove the existing base to install a complete replacement sight so I can shoot with irons.

 

[gmborkovic]

AH! clear as mud now. Good luck. Tell me if the Sn. is stamped on the flat.

 

[T3reefingers]

No SN stamped in the dovetail.

 

[donk52]

We rarely stamped a serial number on the slide. The only reason would be if a nearly completed gun needed to go for rebluing and the frame/slide were separated. Otherwise the frame and slide having been fit in the white stayed together on a rack of ten through final finish/blue. The only stamp at that time would be the fitters stamp on the bottom of mag well. Once the frame and slide were mated they were the responsibility of that fitter to complete the final gun right through range testing.

 

[gmborkovic]

Thanks donk, and there is no record of who those fitters were, right?

 

[donk52]

Not to sound like a politician but... I cannot recall.
I had a C and later changed to 0.

 

[gmborkovic]

donk, are you Jim Comey in disguise?