I realize that both of these fine guns are chambered for different caliber ammunition but I would really be interested in opinions on the S&W 952 versus 52 for bullseye target shooting. The 52 is certainly older but many bullseye specialist like the wadcutter 38 on the 52. Parts for it can be problem though as I understand. The 952 is newer but not currently in production as far as I know. It's also chambered in 9mm, a less favorable round from what I'm told. I would also like an idea what a fair price would be for these guns if it's not asking too much.
S&W 52 versus 952?
- Thread starter Beeser
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I've got both and enjoy them for different reasons. The 52 is a very soft firing gun and very accurate, you will surprise yourself. If you don't reload the ammo can be rather expensive compared to 9mm and the mags only hold 5 rounds. Gets a little old so try to buy several more if you can. but it almost seems worth it when you see 4 or 5 of those rounds touching. Your exact words will be "damn, I didn't know I could shoot that good". The 952 is still the most accurate 9mm out there as far as I'm concerned It's not real picky with any ammo. The 952 will handle a pretty stout round and still be very accurate and takes every round I feed it.The 52 can usually be found between 900 to1200 while the 952 is a bit more, 1500 to 1800 and more The 9mm ammo will always be easier and cheaper to find than the 38 wadcutter. I only own one 52 but have 5 model 952s so they get most of the workout. Best advice is buy everyone you come across if possible. Your type of shooting will soon teii you which is best for you.
I have been shooting my first model 52 for more decades than I can recall.
These are probably the finest shooting pistols ever produced by S&W. The triggers are fantastic and the groups are very tight. I have shot dozens of them over the years including the two I own
As mentioned the factory supplied magazines are 5 rounds. They can easily be altered to a 100% reliable 6 round capacity and some will even stretch to 7 rounds. I've got about 10 converted for 6 round use.
When the 952 was announced I was thrilled. A model 52 chambered in 9mm would be a GREAT gun. I bought one and went to the range with my 115JHP handloads that shoot a ragged hole out of my Walther P88. I was seriously dissapointed in the 952.
Do not get me wrong, the 952 is more accurate than S&Ws production 9MM pistols. It is a target gun in it's own right. It just is not a model 52 except in name and appearance.
The trigger was nowhere near a 52 trigger and the accuracy was not even close. My Walther would group tighter.
I tried four or five different factory loads, all of my hand loads and those the magazines of the day said worked best in it. None of them really thrilled me. I have fired several other folks 952s and found them underwhelming as well.
I admit that my expectations were probably too high considering the name 952. If they had called it the 39 Super Target or something like that I probably would have been happy with it. They just tried to fill shoes that were too big.
I kept my 952 because it is a beautiful piece and I hoped that one day I would stumble on a load that would make it group like it's namesake, the Model 52.
I am still waiting for that day.
The 845 would have been a better choice as the successor to the model 52. It does not look as good, but it performs as well as the 52s.
These are probably the finest shooting pistols ever produced by S&W. The triggers are fantastic and the groups are very tight. I have shot dozens of them over the years including the two I own
As mentioned the factory supplied magazines are 5 rounds. They can easily be altered to a 100% reliable 6 round capacity and some will even stretch to 7 rounds. I've got about 10 converted for 6 round use.
When the 952 was announced I was thrilled. A model 52 chambered in 9mm would be a GREAT gun. I bought one and went to the range with my 115JHP handloads that shoot a ragged hole out of my Walther P88. I was seriously dissapointed in the 952.
Do not get me wrong, the 952 is more accurate than S&Ws production 9MM pistols. It is a target gun in it's own right. It just is not a model 52 except in name and appearance.
The trigger was nowhere near a 52 trigger and the accuracy was not even close. My Walther would group tighter.
I tried four or five different factory loads, all of my hand loads and those the magazines of the day said worked best in it. None of them really thrilled me. I have fired several other folks 952s and found them underwhelming as well.
I admit that my expectations were probably too high considering the name 952. If they had called it the 39 Super Target or something like that I probably would have been happy with it. They just tried to fill shoes that were too big.
I kept my 952 because it is a beautiful piece and I hoped that one day I would stumble on a load that would make it group like it's namesake, the Model 52.
I am still waiting for that day.
The 845 would have been a better choice as the successor to the model 52. It does not look as good, but it performs as well as the 52s.
BubbaBlades
Member
Based on my personal experience, I agree with everything that colt_ssa said about the 52 vs 952.
The only difference in my case is that I kept 2 of my 3 M52s and sold my 952.
Mark
The only difference in my case is that I kept 2 of my 3 M52s and sold my 952.
Mark
I don't disagree with coltsaa but I don't think you can't compare them straight up. The 52 shoots a very light load which feels about like a 22 so recoil has very little affect. The 9mm, while not having a strong recoil, it is certainly there and can affect your accuracy. Think about the difference between 9mm and 45 ACP, at least for me that recoil makes a difference. I think the 52 does have a slight edge on the trigger but the 952 is fantastic compared to other 9s. I occasionally let other shooters try my 952 and their first comment is how great the trigger is and the accuracy they are getting with a gun they have never fired before. I don't think the question should be which one, they are different guns and there are certainly good reasons to own both.
Based on current availability I'm probably going to make the 52 my next purchase and then follow it up with the 952. I think jag22 has the right idea, own both.
I highly doubt a 52 will surface locally so it looks like a first time online auction purchase is in order. Gunbroker seems to have the largest selection. Any suggestions on how to navigate online purchases?
I almost forgot .... Thanks everyone for the excellent information! It's truly appreciated.
I highly doubt a 52 will surface locally so it looks like a first time online auction purchase is in order. Gunbroker seems to have the largest selection. Any suggestions on how to navigate online purchases?
I almost forgot .... Thanks everyone for the excellent information! It's truly appreciated.
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Rpg
Member
My rule is that faced with a choice between a 2 digit S&W vs a three digit S &W, always chose the 2 digit model.
The M52 is the best evidence available that S&W can build quality pistols when they put their minds and resources to it, something they haven't been focused on more recently.
Just my opinion, of course.
The M52 is the best evidence available that S&W can build quality pistols when they put their minds and resources to it, something they haven't been focused on more recently.
Just my opinion, of course.
