S&W 38 special automatic

[tocohillsguy]

Today I saw a S&W 38 special automatic. It looked very much like a 39-2, but the adjustable rear sight was unusual and the magazines held only 5 rounds. Apparently it was designed for use in some type of competitive shooting competition. I believe the model number was 32-2, but I could be mistaken. Does anyone know anything about these pistols?

 

[tocohillsguy]

Today I saw a S&W 38 special automatic. It looked very much like a 39-2, but the adjustable rear sight was unusual and the magazines held only 5 rounds. Apparently it was designed for use in some type of competitive shooting competition. I believe the model number was 32-2, but I could be mistaken. Does anyone know anything about these pistols?

 

[Ignatz]

Its a Model 52 and theres been a lot of recent threads in this section, and the Reloading section. I have one and they are a joy to shoot.

 

[growr]

Don't EVER go shoot it!! You will be ruined for a LONG time......they are that good.One of, if not the most accurate S&W ever made. Grab it quick before some one else finds it!!!
Randy

 

[Joni_Lynn]

It's a 52-2 and only runs on one style of 38 load, the flush seated bullet.
Nice guns, very accurate.

 

[tocohillsguy]

I'll probably pass. The store had it marked at $1200. It was in excellent shape and included the box with cardboard insert, 2 magazines, and I think I saw a manual and maybe a tool. Right now I'm more interested in tracking down a 3913 and maybe a "type M" Beretta. I just thought it was a very unusual pistol and was interested in finding out more about it.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Originally posted by tocohillsguy:
Today I saw a S&W 38 special automatic. It looked very much like a 39-2, but the adjustable rear sight was unusual and the magazines held only 5 rounds. Apparently it was designed for use in some type of competitive shooting competition. I believe the model number was 32-2, but I could be mistaken. Does anyone know anything about these pistols?

The accuracy of the 52 was/is amazing. It is a great testament to the engineering at S&W that they could build a pistol that would reliably feed full flush seated wadcutters (actually designed to use only that type of ammo) at a time when most guns had to be "throated" and have all kinds of custom work to feed anything but ball ammo.

"Back in the day" I had a friend who liked his so much he modified the mags, used some crazy effective French ammo (THV maybe?) and carried it for a while for self-defense in addition to competition use.

Outstanding pistol!