S&W 52-2 model

[Bizio]

Hi all,
I bought today a S&W 52-2 38 Spl WC gun.
Serial number is A105xxx
I have been serching in the S&W book but I could not find exact year (it should be maybe about 1968-1970), who can please help me ?
Thank you.

 

[laytonj1]

Hmmm, the SCSW shows the A prefix serial numbers starting at A115001 in 1970.
Either way though, 105XXX would be late 1960's.

Jim

 

[RGPM1A]

How about a M52-2 with the following: A802xxx and

And a M41: A758xxx

Thanks in advance.

 

[laytonj1]

A802xxx = 1982.
A758xxx = 1982.

Serial numbers for 1982 ran from A745001 to A806933.

Jim

 

[snw19_357]

I have seen a Model 52-2 with a serial number of A102314.

You have to remember Bizio, serial numbers were not used or shipped in order so the best that any book (or us) can do is give you a best guess. The only way to find an exact year would be to get a Historical Letter.

 

[RGPM1A]

Thank you very much sir!

BTW my buddy just bought a 52-2 that I spotted for him with a serial number not too far removed from the one posted by the OP - A107xxx and it was in 100% shape but no box, only the bushing wrench and two magazines. The gun had the best trigger on any 52-2 I ever shot. I'll have to tell him.

 

[Bizio]

Hmmm, the SCSW shows the A prefix serial numbers starting at A115001 in 1970.
Either way though, 105XXX would be late 1960's.

Jim

Hi laytonj1,

that's exactly the same book where I had checked before and the only mention they do for "A" prefix or suffix is for very rare serial number duplications.

Thank you.

 

[Bizio]

I have seen a Model 52-2 with a serial number of A102314.

You have to remember Bizio, serial numbers were not used or shipped in order so the best that any book (or us) can do is give you a best guess. The only way to find an exact year would be to get a Historical Letter.

Thank you for the info, snw19_357.

 

[Bizio]

I could test today my 52-2 38 WC with some reloadings I had preprared with 2.5 grs VV N310 and Hornady .358" 148 GR HBWC.

This is the result at 12 meters (13 yards)

and this is at 25 meters (27 yerds)

 

[Cyrano]

Bizio: If my memory hasn't failed, the serial number ranges are in a separate chapter near the back of the SCSW. They're not in the same chapter as the guns they pertrain to.

 

[Bizio]

Bizio: If my memory hasn't failed, the serial number ranges are in a separate chapter near the back of the SCSW. They're not in the same chapter as the guns they pertrain to.

Hi Cyrano,
yes it is as you say. I already checked in 3° edition of SCSW I got here and they say :

Modern Autoreloading Pistols
Serial Number Ranges
Serial number range beginning 1954 starts at 1001 and
continues to 115000 in 1970. Applies to Models 39, 41, 44, 46,
and 52. Serial number range beginning in 1970 starts with an
A serial prefix at A115001 and continues to about A880000.
Certain models mat have an "A" serial suffix as well as an "A"
prefix due to some rare serial duplications.
Models: 39, 41, 46, 52, 422, 439, 459, 469, 539,
559, 639, 645, 659, 669, and 745
1970-1971 A115001-A156801
.......

Since my model has serial number A105xxx, according to SCSW it should be an "A" prefix due to some rare serial duplications. I think it might be wrong what stated in SCSW since I saw a few A105xxx or anyway before A115001 models here ... and I dont think they are rare serial duplications ...

 

[Cyrano]

Bizio: It looks to me like they mean that weapons with a 'A' suffix are the ones with duplicate serial numbers. When they started using letter prefixes, they gave the letter 'A' to all the Automatic pistols.

 

[Bizio]

Bizio: It looks to me like they mean that weapons with a 'A' suffix are the ones with duplicate serial numbers. When they started using letter prefixes, they gave the letter 'A' to all the Automatic pistols.

Correct.

I bought yesterday another 52-2 model, it seems really brand new and I think it shot really few so it will be stored in my collection license. It has again a A104XXX serial number.

 

[searover]

I have acquired a 52-2 SN: A488xxx. Well used but very very smooth. Trigger pull is 1.7# and I need to skip my morning coffee if I am to be worthy. Can anyone give me an estimated production date?

 

[Bizio]

I think it came out of factory possibly in 1978.