Model 52 that my heart desires!

[halfmoonclip]

In all fairness I bought it used. While it was in beautiful condition cosmetically who knows what happened to it mechanically before I got it.

Oddly, had a M39 that doubled, as did a friends. But I'm guessing they had been bubba-smithed; perhaps your gun suffered a similar fate. The 59 was meant for a bunch of shooting.
Moon

 

[tlawler]

I just got confirmation from the SWCA:

"Model 52 serial 55936 shipped in September 1964."

 

[Rick H.]

I shot a Model 52 pretty well when I was on my Army post pistol team as a draftee in the early '70s. So, I got one for myself after I discharged. Never one to leave a gun "as is," I later obtained from S&W (possible in those days) a 3rd Generation 3904 trigger, drawbar and hammer, and installed them in my 52. Worked great, and it was most entertaining to have a SA/DA .38SPL pistol capable of shooting with match level precision. Unfortunately, I eventually grew bored with it, reinstalled the original parts, then sold or traded it (which I now regret, of course).

Well I'll be Exchippy....I didn't know you could do that with a M-52. Did it matter which version model 52 you had? I thought I had heard most everything regarding a M-52, but never heard of one being converted to D/A-S/A with 3rd Gen parts. Did this conversion change much with trigger pull weight and "feel"? I guess I'll have to get out more....

Rick H.

 

[Exchipy]

Well I'll be Exchippy....I didn't know you could do that with a M-52. Did it matter which version model 52 you had? I thought I had heard most everything regarding a M-52, but never heard of one being converted to D/A-S/A with 3rd Gen parts. Did this conversion change much with trigger pull weight and "feel"? I guess I'll have to get out more....

Rick H.

It's been long enough that I don't recall precisely which version it was. I do recall some sorta internal screw which kept the original trigger back for single action only, necessitating its removal to accommodate the 3rd Gen. DA guts. It went back in when I converted the pistol back to original. My habit is to replace the trigger return spring with a Wolff 3 pounder in every S&W auto (not the polymer receiver types, though) which comes to me. Because it was converted to all 3rd generation guts, the trigger had the feel of a 3rd generation pistol.

 

[cougar015]

Only Model 52's have an internal screw that could be adjusted to make the gun either SA or DA. It's part number 6215 in this schematic. Part #6227 is the bushing wrench you are missing.

 

[Krogen]

I read that screw #6215 was only on the no-dash Model 52. It was based on the 39 and 59 pistols. The -1 and -2 used an improved trigger.

 

[halfmoonclip]

I read that screw #6215 was only on the no-dash Model 52. It was based on the 39 and 59 pistols. The -1 and -2 used an improved trigger.

Krogen, I believe you are correct; only the no-dash could revert to double action.
Moon

 

[Rick H.]

There seems to be some confusion on part # 6215. I seem to recall that both my -2 models have this screw, but I am not at home right now to verify this. I thought that screw limited how far forward the trigger could move. What this screw is used for on the later models is where the confusion comes in and I'm pretty sure there is a difference in trigger designs from the no dash models to the dash models. Early no dash triggers could be converted to double action use but later dash 1 and dash 2 triggers could not be converted. Am I wrong in this assumption? Later schematics call the screw in question an upper trigger stop screw.

Rick H.

 

[astroturf]

I don't know if 52-1's had a better trigger or not, but the 52-1 being discussed by the OP certainly looks like it is worth the price of admission. Even a casual look at firearms auctions sites reveals the prices of Model 52's and related parts such as magazines is definitely going upwards. Not too long ago it was rare to find one going for more than $2K. Not anymore, $2K and above is becoming common. Same for magazines and I found several that were over $300 if in the original packaging. It would seem fame and fortune has found the Model 52, so $1100 with extras is a good deal. Just make sure the desired pistol has an inspection period with it.

I wouldn't worry too much about the extractor of the pistol. Load properly and you shouldn't have any problems. Seems the old style extractor was perceived to be a problem and owners thought ahead and bought extras, but few actually broke. Owners of late model 52's even bought extra extractors to be safe but rarely needed them. The change over to the short extractor wasn't done to just the Model 52, it was done across several models as a so-called improvement. Of the several friends that own 52-1's none have encountered extractor replacement that I know of. If it makes you feel better you can always keep your eyes peeled for an extra extractor and put it in the box until and if needed.

Just remember there are some cautions about owning a Model 52 especially regarding the barrel bushing, ammunition used and maintenance. At one time I owned 6 Model 52's and they were all solid pistols and never gave me any problems if taken care of. Good luck on your purchase decision and I think you are deciding this purchase at the right time.

Rick H.

Hi hoping to get the barrel bushing and maintenance tips you mention please thanks

 

[chief38]

Guess I am late to the party - but that M52 looks to be in perfect shape and made in an error when they did it right! Let us know how she shoots! Use it well!!

 

[Revoman]

That's when they made great guns. I have a 52-1 and a 52 -2. I like the dash 1 better. I'll have to check my serial number.

Congratulations on a beauty.

 

[Revoman]

I texted him and found out it's a 52-1 with a serial in the 559xx range. Looking at SCSW4, I come up with about 1965ish. Does that sound right?

Mine is 589XX I thought I looked it up once and it was 1966. I was born in 1965 always wished it was from my birth year.

My gun is in better shape then me for its age.