Odd semi-auto

[heckinohio]

Counter man at the local plumber asked me for some .38 spec ammo (??) with flat bullets that do not extend past the case mouth?? He claims that is the required ammo for his pistol........Is there such a gun??

Can it be modified to use more normal ammo??

PJH

 

[SmithNut]

Smith & Wesson Model 52
Shoots 38 Special wad cutter loads.
A very revered Target gun.

 

[SmithNut]

Search Model 52 in this forum and you'll see loads of information and pics of this model

 

[nicky4968]

Also at one time a Colt Gold Cup. Others from custom builders.

 

[stansdds]

The S&W Model 52 was designed to be a NRA bullseye match pistol chambered in 38 Special. As a match pistol, it was designed for 38 Special 148 grain target wadcutter ammo. This ammo was designed with a swaged lead, full wadcutter, hollow base bullet seated flush with the case mouth. The S&W Model 52 will not function with any other style of ammo.

 

[reddog81]

The model 52 only shoots wadcutter ammo. Even a tiny amount of bullet sticking out of the case will cause the rounds to jam in the magazine. They were able to use the same frame size from a 9mm gun because the OAL of 9x19 is within hundreds of an inch of a .38 special case.

 

[KEN L]

And, generally won't function with anything hotter than factory wadcutter loads, or equivalent re-loads. Otherwise, they jam alot, I speak from experience.

 

[heckinohio]

10-4......Thanks, Gents. Saves me hauling boxs of reloads to him.

PJH

 

[Walter Rego]

Reference photo attached