Tell me about the 52-1

[donk52]

Concerning Brister1984 post,
"Of particular note, each Model 52 was built by a single gunsmith, their mark can be found on the trigger guard. "
The fitter stamp is at the opening of the magazine well on the frame.
My stamp when I was building these were "C" and "O".
The same on the 9mm's. The mod 41 has the fitter stamp under the trigger guard, visible when opened.

 

[RWJ]

Just a random question about the extractor

I have a 52-2, so the question doesn't affect me for now, but since the 39 and 52 long extractors are similar, could a 39 long extractor be made to fit, maybe by re-shaping or welding, or at least drop in the same slot on a 52? Just wondering, in case I run into a 52/52-1 that needs one for a low price in the future.


BTW, my 952 is NOT the equal of my 52!

 

[gmborkovic]

You got a beauty. Two suggestions.
1. hide the bushing wrench.
2. all ways chamber from the magazine.

 

[AJ]

For an excellent reference on the history of the S&W model 52, I strongly recommend the following book by Bill Jenkins. He provides a well researched perspective from the standpoint of the various U.S. military pistol marksmanship units.

http://www.odcmp.org/0305/JenkinsRe...d equipment that are part of that competition.

Certainly agree with Sixstring
The 52 and the Colt National Match MK III .38 were intended only as match target pistols.
I ordered Mr. Jenkins book almost four weeks ago, still waiting for it, and really looking forward to reading it.

It was interesting to read the review. I wonder when it was written. In the article it states Bill is from Medina, Ohio. I have known Bill for about 10 years and he lives in Vero Beach, Florida and has a shop called 10X Gunsmithing. 10x Gunsmithing – Custom Guns and Gunsmithing

The USPS may be your problem in the wait for your book. I was lucky and bought my copy in his shop several years ago. Good book, interesting read.

I have had both the Colt Mid Range and the 52-1. I sold my Mid Range to buy my 52-1. Does that say anything as to what I think is the better pistol?

 

[Brister1984]

Thanks AJ - The Jenkins book finally showed up today and it is a great read.

Thanks Donk52 for correcting me on the fitters stamp, just checked my two 52-2s and found they are stamped "E" (1970) and "D" (1982).

So what does the stamp on the trigger guard represent?

 

[donk52]

Brister1984, Never thought about that stamp, it's a "T". I believe it a range stamp to show it was test fired. I always smile when someone says they have a gun that was "never fired". I've had some stubborn 52'2 that went back to the range more than a few times for various problems.

 

[Green Frog]

Thank you all, each and every one, for this thread. I've gotten almost as much out of it as all my other, previous searches combined. Brister1984, is that a pretty solid number for the total production of 38 AMU chambered guns? As stated elsewhere, the closest I've come to these was a 38 mag that came with Dad's 52-2 he bought used.

If I'm not going too far astray, does anyone have similar information about the factory made 38 AMU guns/conversions for the 1911s? In my gun show days I picked up a mag for one of these too.

Again, many thanks to all of you, but now I've gotta break into my piggy bank and buy the Jenkins book.

Froggie

 

[AJ]

Again, many thanks to all of you, but now I've gotta break into my piggy bank and buy the Jenkins book.

Froggie

It is a good read. Have talked with Bill several times about repairs/modifications to old Match Pistols.

AJ

 

[dave1918a2]

Wow, lots of great info here. OP You have a beautiful gun there. Save the info here as I am. For starters the magazines can seldom be found under $200 anymore and I have seen several much higher. Also I never use the supplied bushing wrench. I use a 3/4 inch 12 point socket. Just place it over the bushing, push down and gently turn by hand, and never overtighten. Have fun if You can borrow it from time to time.

 

[Brister1984]

Green Frog - First I don't consider myself to be an expert, just a student. Donk52 and 824TSV are the experts I always read and refer to. The numbers on the .38 AMU pistols comes from the Standard Catalog and Bill Jenkins book "U.S. Military and Marksmanship Automatic Pistols."
Here is what I have learned:
S&W produced four prototype .38 AMU pistols in the summer of 1960 S/N: T1059, T1060, T1061 and T1062 for the AMU. Two of these may have been alloy-frames. T1061 was used by Bill Blakenship to win several matches.
AMU requested additional pistols with alloy frames and S&W produced 87 units S/N range 35850-35937. Fifteen of these were delivered to the AMU in early 1961. The remaining 72 pistols stayed with S&W until June 1964 and were released for public consumption with the designation 52-A so they would not be confused with the Model 52 introduced in September 1961.

 

[Troystat]

Nice pistol, one of these days one will follow me home.

thanks for showing us.

 

[824tsv]

Colt received a Government Contract to produce the .38 AMU Conversions for the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit which then lead them to produce a limited number of pistols. For anyone interested, Colt produced "about" 380-ish complete .38AMU pistols that were serialized in the Colt .38 Super serial# series. I say about "380-ish" because I don't believe anyone truly knows for sure. Only a look at Colt shipping records will confirm or deny this figure. It is "believed" that Colt produced about 100-ish .38AMU Conversions which consisted of the complete slide (without sights)/barrel with bushing/magazine/recoil spring and a #3 slide stop. Since the .38AMU Conversions were not serialized it's only speculation as to how many Colt actually produced but some theorize that about 100 were produced.