Quick value check, 52-2 .38 wadcutter Targetmaster

[bae125]

I have a line on a 52-2, used but very good condition, one mag. No box as far as I know.

I know nearly nothing about these other than they don't often come up. I know what the catalog says, but does anyone have current market value on one?

 

[dd45]

Fantastically accurate, has a fantastic trigger, and is a joy to rack the slide. However, a very hard pistol to master for bullseye shooting. It was made specifically for the centerfire portion of a three gun (2700 point) match. Uses ONLY 148 gr wadcutter or double ended wadcutter bullets seated flush with the case mouth.

dd45

 

[x10x10]

52's are something that you have to have a buyer for, But I paid 900 in new condition with 3 mags.

It's a free market, you could ask 2k for it and might find a buyer, ask 600 for it and it will probably sell fast.

Takes a SW nut or a goofball like me to want one

 

[bae125]

That's the impression I got too, needs a buyer. He's asking a grand, my guess would be 850-9 might take it...I just don't know if it's for me. Still, it really is interesting to me.

 

[civil1977]

While you are considering it, here's something to look at. Mid 1970s 52-2 with original box, goodies and weight.

 

[colt_saa]

The Model 52 is in group all alone.

I have been shooting this one for several decades now. It has a Bomar rib installed with an extended front sight

Trigger control is paramount, follow through is critical, but once you get the basics down the firearm will reward you with single hole groups.

The recoil pulse is not something you are used to, it is very long. The slide moves almost in slow motion. This will be the softest shooting 38 Special you have ever fired.

A few years ago I bought myself this second one to keep in my office. I have never shot it, it is for show since I already have a shooter. Truth is the deal was just too good to walk away from

In the $850 range, it is a good deal. $1000, I would probably pass on it.

If this is a good friend, see if he will meet you at the range to run a few magazines through it. That may be all you need to get off the fence one way or the other.

 

[Rpg]

This is the pistol that proves S&W can (or could) make first rate semi auto handguns.

These are very specialized, but truely lovely pistols. They really only do one thing, but they do that one thing very well!

 

[loc n load]

Model 52

I concur with all the above posts regarding quality & accuracy, I have a 52 that I competed with back in the 70's and 80's.....with HBWC loads it is hands down the most accurate pistol I have ever shot.....and I have a couple of custom built 45 pistols that I spent a lot more money on to get them close to the same degree of accuracy as the 52.

 

[x10x10]

Don't forget the fact that if you don't reload you can't feed it, I personally have not seen a box of 38 wadcutters on a store shelf in 20 years.

 

[colt_saa]

Don't forget the fact that if you don't reload you can't feed it, I personally have not seen a box of 38 wadcutters on a store shelf in 20 years.

Just because it is not on a "Store Shelf" does not mean that you can not buy it.

There are plenty of sources for ammunition

 

[Sebring Pop]

I agree with all of the above. I have been shooting mine for about 30 years and shoots like it was new. I have 6 mags with mine for bullseye shooting, if you buy it and are thinking of more mags, they are not cheap. I would see if the seller has any additional mags. (He might be trying to sell them separate from the gun)

 

[x10x10]

Just because it is not on a "Store Shelf" does not mean that you can not buy it.

There are plenty of sources for ammunition

Whatever

The point was that it's not a common ammo, With the current ammo shortage (if it exists for real?) the odd ammo will be the last that manufacture's get going,

Buffalo Bore Ammo 38 Special 150 Grain Lead Wadcutter Box of 20

OUT of Stock at over $1 a round

Handgun Ammunition, Pistol Ammunition & Revolver Ammu : Cabela's

No wadcutters even listed

AMMOMAN.com

No wadcutter listed

BVAC .38 Special, 148 Grain, Wad Cutter, 50 Round Box- New

Available but a small company and may last the rest of time or be gone next week.


If your going to be dependent on the market to provide your ammo then choosing a more common caliber might be wise.

We are in a uncertain times and If I was new to the game It would be a good idea to make sure I could feed my new toy.

 

[bae125]

I appreciate all the feedback. I'm aware of the ammo issue, I don't currently reload but used to and was planning on doing so again. There is a mold for sale with it though I have zero experience with molding bullets.

I'm meeting the seller at a range to see if this works for me.

Thanks again.

 

[AveragEd]

Don't forget the fact that if you don't reload you can't feed it, I personally have not seen a box of 38 wadcutters on a store shelf in 20 years.

I recently received four boxes of Remington 148-grain wadcutter ammo from MidwayUSA at $25.99 per box of 50. Back when I shot some bullseye events, Remington wadcutters were THE choice of the serious competitors for their handloads.

Ed

 

[civil1977]

J&G Sales had the Remington load recently for $14.99 a box. Gun shows have also turned up these.