Odd 52 slide

[macgyverman]

Does anyone out there know who manufactured slides for the 52 other than smith? I recently purchased one that is very roughly machined but has a 9mm breech face.

 

[AJ]

Sure it is not a M39 slide?

 

[macgyverman]

Nope definitely a 52 spent a couple hrs lapping the slide to the frame. Fit it with an old 52 barrel that was sleeved to 9mm. Installed a 9mm extractor. Was worried how it would cycle but worked flawlessly with 158gr swc with gas check and2.7 bullseye. Groups were 1 1/2" at 50 ft. If I can get the groups a bit smaller I'll polish it and send it to be blued. Slide was definitely in the raw with no roll marks but everything fit well with 52 parts.

 

[s&wchad]

Did you buy that on eBay last month?

It looks like a factory slide to me. It could have been a reject or unfinished part that was sold off and later blued.

 

[macgyverman]

Yes I did but did smith ever make one in 9mm breech face and ejection port are for 9mm

 

[dave1918a2]

S&W did some as an experiment. I had a 52 with a slide that had machining marks, a 52 rear sight and front sight. Also had 3 9MM barrels and a 38 super barrel. I posted pictures of it here when I acquired it and when I listed it for sale. You could probably research it back.

 

[AJ]

A friend has a Model 52 that belonged to the Illinois SP. Their armorer fitted Model 39 slides and barrel to the 52's. I posted pictures of the 52 & 39 slides and pistol along with the corroborating paperwork for them a couple of years ago here.