S W Model 52

Handcycle

Handcycle

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Recently discovered this precision pistol. My question is whether it's still being used for competition in the Bullseye shooting community - I am actually more interested to know about its popularity here in Canada.
The Model 52 is very limited in its uses as it can only chamber the 38 Special wadcutter ammo. On top of that the magazine only holds 5 shots. In addition, magazines ar priced at ( I'm guessing now ) around $150 or higher both here and in the States.
With such limited uses would shooter be willing to pay over $1000 to only shoot wadcutters? The gun is very accurate plus they are collectible - may be it is worth owning one?
 
I want one, but haven’t pulled the trigger on getting one yet. I just find them so interesting and the accuracy potential is definitely there, but I don’t shoot bullseye (yet). It’s definitely a niche pistol, so for most people it’s probably not worth it, but I’ll get one eventually.
 
Most bullseye shooters have switched to the .32 S&W Long calibre. Great accuracy and less recoil than the .38.
That being said I used to own a Model 52 and regret selling it.
 
Handcycle said:
Recently discovered this precision pistol. My question is whether it's still being used for competition in the Bullseye shooting community - I am actually more interested to know about its popularity here in Canada.
The Model 52 is very limited in its uses as it can only chamber the 38 Special wadcutter ammo. On top of that the magazine only holds 5 shots. In addition, magazines ar priced at ( I'm guessing now ) around $150 or higher both here and in the States.
With such limited uses would shooter be willing to pay over $1000 to only shoot wadcutters? The gun is very accurate plus they are collectible - may be it is worth owning one?
Click to expand...

IMO the M52 was the forst semi auto factory gun for bullseye shooting and comes with some accuracy guarantee.

If you want to do bullseye shooting today, then there are probably cheaper and better modern guns for which you can get parts easier.

However, you will have a hard time finding a better made gun, also looks good. Its near impossible to find ammo so you will probably have to hand load.

My M52 is probably my favorite handgun.
 
I have had a couple, never shot formal matches, But those guns will make me smile , like nothing else I have shot.
I use to load scads of 38 sp , so that was not a problem. You need full wad cutter lead.
But if you buy one , really check it over, and you should get more than one mag.
It should come with 2. Any one that is selling one with one mag , is just trying to make money on the 2nd mag. ( my rant for the moment).
I sold a couple NOS mags last fall, they are way easier to find then the Colt ones.
I see them on the EE and it is tempting , but I don't need anymore . I have never used a 32 long myself.
 
I have one and except for high end specialty target guns you won't find a more accurate pistol. Wonderful trigger, smooth action and even beautifully finished. Despite shooting wadcutters only it is also very reliable if you keep it clean. I would never sell mine. The only problem is because it has been out of production for many years parts availability is becoming a real issue. Mags which you could get for $40-50 each just a couple years ago are now running $150-200 each if you can find them. Luckily I have 3 good ones so that isn't an issue but I dread the day some other part breaks.
 
I love the model 52. I think even though they were not technically a performance center model I believe they are are par with some of the best PC models that Smith and Wesson ever put out. I think the caliber really limits it’s popularity which keeps the prices down on them. Personally I think they are undervalued and if you ever get your hands on one you will understand why.

https://i.imgur.com/tMWyw8K.jpg

I also had a Colt Midrange National Match that was a beautiful gun and shot very well but if I could only have one or the other I would pick the 52.
 
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