that gun is impossible to find! 2 things need to happen. 1st, last owner has to be a bull-eye shooter from the 80’s - 2nd you have to work at a gun shop or get luck! (me).
I’d start with 148 grain HBWC and 2.8 grains of bullseye. Use that as your baseline load and there’s a pretty good chance nothing else will be any noticeably better.Man… it’s the most unique gun ever! perfect for hand loaders. I paid $1050-Ithink for my gun, no box but came with a take down tool and 3 or 5 factory mags.
After I get my 9mm 147 RMR dial down, I’m going back to 52-2 loads, try some different powders and bullet combos
I don’t like the safety but it’s period correct. Sell that bad boy and set it free to be shotI have a NIB 52.
I can’t decide if I want to keep it. I don’t shoot paper anymore.
I know it’s a grail gun, that’s what has me indecisive.
Also, I never got along with SW metal autos.
Thanks for the offer, but I’ll pass forI’d start with 148 grain HBWC and 2.8 grains of bullseye. Use that as your baseline load and there’s a pretty good chance nothing else will be any noticeably better.
I’ll send you some 38 special wadcutter brass and recommended bullets if you want to trade one of those magazines.
Let us know how that goes. Reviews I’ve seen on S&W forum were not good.Thanks for the offer, but I’ll pass for
now. On a early post, looks like they make after market mags. I’m going to give those a run
Well any gun can be a target gun. even s plain old Glock 17 or cheapo T-Sauce 1911.I have never actually seen one of those. I hear stories, and I know a guy who has 3, but he keeps them locked up and they only come out on special occasion. He also has a Coonan 357 that I have seen 1 time. He bought it at lunch as an impulse buy, and I was driving.
Those 52s are rare and to find one on the market is extremely rare, especially around here. Seems anything target oriented gets snatched up quicker than a dropped $100 bill. Makes a fella wonder why the new market is so dead set on pocket guns and tactical gear. About the only thing I can say I have seen available recently is a King Cobra target, and a K6 target gun. I almost bought the k6.
well that sucks! that’s why those factory mags are $80 plusLet us know how that goes. Reviews I’ve seen on S&W forum were not good.
Well it’s a bullseye gun. Thats all it’s designed for. I’ve owned a number of them.I have fired one. Only objection I can think of it's a little too specialized, takes only one type of ammunition, flush seated 38 WCs, Strictly a paper puncher. Though in a pinch it would do for home defense.
That is 1946 dollars and a nickle today, thanks to inflation and politicians that will do nothing to control it.that’s a ton of money in 1990
They were never stainless, nor were they ever factory nickel platedI know where a nickel(?) or stainless 52-2 is for sale, with the original box etc. I fondled it and drooled, but such craftsmanship is wasted on me, at my level of proficiency. It sure seemed like a nice gun though, and not one you see often.
I don’t have an explanation other than it sure looks factory. No signs of wear or refinishing, buffing, etc.They were never stainless, nor were they ever factory nickel plated
a nickel 52 would be COOL!I don’t have an explanation other than it sure looks factory. No signs of wear or refinishing, buffing, etc.
There are some around. All aftermarketa nickel 52 would be COOL!
Why would anyone use a model 52 for defense of any kind or even discuss it for that matter? It’s a purpose built bullseye pistol. The ammo is generally lightly loaded and the bullets neither expand or deeply penetrate.Without getting into caliber wars the effectiveness of the 38 WC at close range is considerable, the light recoil allows for better accuracy, the steel frame of the S&W M52 allows for faster follow up shots.
I would try another magazine if the last 38 WC is not feeling in that Colt M1911.
My light load for my 52-2 has just enough to shoot straight. I also shoot it in my 6” and below revolvers but got stuck in my 7.5” ColtWhy would anyone use a model 52 for defense of any kind or even discuss it for that matter? It’s a purpose built bullseye pistol. The ammo is generally lightly loaded and the bullets neither expand or deeply penetrate.
Hopefully that was the first...and last one you shot in it.My light load for my 52-2 has just enough to shoot straight. I also shoot it in my 6” and below revolvers but got stuck in my 7.5” Colt
that how under power it is.
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