S&W 41 or S&W 52 - Which Would You Choose?

T

TT1900

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
37   0   1
So that itch is back.....I want a new toy and have narrowed it down to a S&W 41 or S&W 52. Both are uncommon but not what I would consider rare and are within a few hundred dollars of each other used. Both seem to get glowing reviews. I have shot a 41 before and was happy with it but have never had the chance to shoot a 52. I already have a .22 but have never shot a .38. I know I will have to get into reloading for the 52, but that is my next step in this sport anyways.

If it were you, which would you choose? Any particular reason?
 
TT1900 said:
So that itch is back.....I want a new toy and have narrowed it down to a S&W 41 or S&W 52. Both are uncommon but not what I would consider rare and are within a few hundred dollars of each other used. Both seem to get glowing reviews. I have shot a 41 before and was happy with it but have never had the chance to shoot a 52. I already have a .22 but have never shot a .38. I know I will have to get into reloading for the 52, but that is my next step in this sport anyways.

If it were you, which would you choose? Any particular reason?
Click to expand...

I would pick the 41. The 52 will only eat wadcutters as far as i know.
 
I have both, and both are excellent pistols. Got the 41 first, and them spent years looking for a good 52. They increase in value every year. You can't go wrong with either one. I am a little biased toward the 52, but both get used regularly.
 
the sock said:
I have both, and both are excellent pistols. Got the 41 first, and them spent years looking for a good 52. They increase in value every year. You can't go wrong with either one. I am a little biased toward the 52, but both get used regularly.
Click to expand...

I agree I have two 41's and they are great but would love to have a 52 as I already shoot wads and it would be nice to have one in the family..
 
I would definitely echo the other advise posted. Get the 52 if you have a line on one now. You can always get the 41 later. If you don't have your eye on a specific 52, it might take a while to find one, so the 41 might be the only immediate option.

I wouldn't look at it as an either / or proposition.
 
I have a Model 52-2 and it is a keeper, it is my go to pistol to see if my shooting is bad that day. If I can't group with it I know it is me that is off.
 
If you can find yourself a 70's model 41 that would be my choice. I wouldn't waste my money on current production 41's. Anything current production for that matter.
 
gdawg said:
I wouldn't look at it as an either / or proposition.
Click to expand...

Nor do I. It's just what comes next on the hit list. Eventually I do plan/hope to own both.

Since the trend seems to already be in favour of the 52, any advice on 52, 52-1, or 52-2? I have a line on a 52 no dash, however I'm wary of needing to find a replacement extractor. Mags also seem to be tricky, but less so.
 
I would say the the 41. Mostly because of ammo availability and cost.
That was the very first firearm I purchased. A used model, early 60's vintage.

I added a 52-1 a few years ago, but sold it off to fund another purchase.

Both are accurate pistols.
The 52 only chambering flush seated wad cutters is limiting to pretty much hand loads, but if you are into bullseye shooting, it is as the original owners manual calls it a "fine target weapon"
 
TT1900 said:
Nor do I. It's just what comes next on the hit list. Eventually I do plan/hope to own both.

Since the trend seems to already be in favour of the 52, any advice on 52, 52-1, or 52-2? I have a line on a 52 no dash, however I'm wary of needing to find a replacement extractor. Mags also seem to be tricky, but less so.
Click to expand...

I would look for a dash-2 only because they made some small improvements..
 
I heard the same stories on the extractor when I bought my 52-1.
I ordered a spare from Numrich just in case.
Never needed it and sold it with the gun.
 
If you've got a line on a nice looking 52 I'd go that way. 41's come along far more regularly. Then, of course, you need to mate the 52 up with a nice Model 14 revolver.... Then you'd have TWO of the nicest ever wadcutter guns.
 
I've never fired a S&W Model 52 before, but I have shot bullseye with a Model 41.

I'd stick with the Model 41 and not worry about having to handload .38 Special.

BTW, the one I shot liked CCI Standard Velocity a lot.

I tried some Eley Club in it, but at 50 feet it didn't seem to group any better.

FWIW, the friend who lent me his Model 41 also had a match gun that shot .38 Special flush-seated wadcutters. I think the last time he shot it was back in the 60's or 70's.

He had two Model 41's and they got a lot of use.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom