Thinking about a model 52...any issues with them?

[z4lunch]

52-2

Steve here...
I too cherish my early 70's 52-2. It is Probably my favorite
Pistol to shoot. Like others have said, when we do our part
It does nothing but impress. The trigger is over the top. I load
Mine light. 2.5 be. The empties just seem to roll of the top of the slide
And land at your feet. The iron sights are world class.
Steve

 

[rboineau]

I bought a 52-1 new in the box about 20 years ago and started shooting it with 2.7 grain Bullseye/140 grain linotype wadcutter loads. Had heard the tales of broken extractors in this model but after 5000 rounds my gun still looks like it did when I got it and shoots the same one inch or better groups at 20 yards from a rest as it did then. No extractor problems but I must admit I think about it and wish I could find a spare extractor to put in the box.

May have to try different load/bullet/recoil spring combinations for best accuracy and reliability, 'tho if you can afford them the Winchester or Remington wadcutters are superb shooting cartridges--I was never able to better their accuracy with my reloads.

I've seen some of the last 52s made by S&W and was not impressed with their fit or finish, 'tho I admit I haven't shot one to compare with the earlier guns.

Never liked the 5-round magazine limitation as I am just a plinker and have to reload too often. Always wished S&W had offered the 52 in 45 ACP caliber as well.

 

[leadlobber]

I am going to a gunshow tomorrow in the Dallas area to see if I can luck into finding one of these at a bigger gun show.....

my small town gun shows just don't ever have many target pistols of any variety really....

 

[Swelfelo]

Happy Hunting!

Good luck finding what you need.

 

[leadlobber]

Thanks Swelfelo!

 

[bdgotoh]

Always wished S&W had offered the 52 in 45 ACP caliber as well.

They did, it's called the 845.