S&W Model 52-1

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I am looking for any information good or bad on a S&W Model 52-1 in 38 Special that I looked at today and really caught my eye, the asking price was $800.00 and that included 3 mags, gun looked to be in good condition.

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They are a nice old bullseye gun. Only shoots full-wadcutters so reloading is a must. People that have them don't seem to want to part with them too often, and when they do they want a premium.
 
I started (and almost ended) my shooting at the RA in Ottawa. They had one and after a while that was all I wanted to shoot. For fun I would put three shots into the centre or near centre of my buddy's target next to me just to see him get excited at how well he could shoot. The gun never had a FTF or FTE and I must have shot 500 rounds.
 
If you can find one that isn't trashed... buy it!
These are the most accurate, easy to shoot units in existence!
The only hassle is finding ammo.. requires .38SP hollow base wadcutter.
Either you reload, or I believe Milarm supplies 'factory' Blackhill's ammo at
reasonable prices.
I have one, and it is the most accurate unit I own.
(For comparison, I also have a new S&W 952 in 9MM, as well as one of the
new Sig X-5's in 40S&W.)
 
The 952 is more the classical 'target' pistol...
Much like it's inspiration the 52.. bullseye, slow fire.. very accurate.
The X-5 seems more 'action' oriented... probably less inherent accuracy, but
better suited to 'shooting on the move', tactical reloads, etc...
Both are keepers, but apples and oranges...
 
I am in the process of purchasing a S&W 952 Long Slide does anyone have any suggestions as the best lead cast bullet to use 125 or 147 and which powder? I am going to be using the pistol for PPC shooting.
I have been using Winchester 231 and have found it to be satisfactory.
 
Some people love them and some hate them. It all comes down to how it feels in your hand (fit and balance). I'm not sure which side I am on. If I do my part my 52-2 will do its part (much better in fact). Some early guns (non -1 -2) had tight barrels and getting a bullet to shoot in them was a problem.

As long as the gun does not have 100,000 miles on it it should be ok.
 
The Model 52 is a true classic, if you can find one at a good price buy it. Reloading for it is easy, the ammo you make is dirt cheap even by reloading standards, and it will improve your overall shooting ability due to higher rounds fired and the ability of the gun to deliver accuracy. I actually have a box of hydra shock 148 full wadcutter (pre-Federal Cartridge) that were manufactured (I was told) for the 52. I had heard that in the '60's certain US agencies had considered using them with silencers fitted, for guard dog removal, among other things.
 
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I also highly recommend the S&W 52. I bought one a couple years ago, the rear sight was rusted internally and would not move, but I took it off and put a red dot on it anyway.
I use it for bullseye, and it shoots far better than I'm capable of.
I also reload, cheap easy and fun.

RPM
 
I've had several 52's and they all shot well.
About 6 months back, I sold one that looked like that it had been rode hard and put away wet.
Actually, it just had seen lots of use. The bluing was worn and scratched and the grips had no finish left. It had been taken apart so many times that in disassembly, it almost came apart by itself.
It was not abused, but very much used. All those soft lead bullets had just polished the bore. It was bright and shiny with sharp lands and grooves and must have seen a hundred tousand rounds. it still shot very well with good bullets.
I have a 952 now that has seen over three thousand rounds and with a good cleaning it looks like new. It is very accurate, but it needs a bit hotter load than the old 52, so leading is a bit of a problem.
 
"...The mags only hold 5 rounds..." It's a Bullseye target pistol. Five rounds is standard.
Smith 52's were highly thought of target pistols made for .38 Special WC's only. A 952 isn't even close to the same thing.
 
Hi again -
I used to have a 52 and thought it a wonderful gun. As others have said, it's in the classic target class, and definitely not a "combat" gun. The cartridge it shoots is a little odd, but can be handloaded very easily. If the gun you're buying hasn't been abused, you're getting a terrific pistol.
 
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