Smith & Wesson S&W Model 52-2 .38 Spl 5″ Semi-Automatic Pistol C&R
SOLD FOR: $1500.01
LSB#: 220204DF001
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 52-2, The .38 Master Single Action
Serial Number: A106514
Year of Manufacture: 1970-1971
Caliber: .38 Special Mid Range Wadcutter
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic with Magazine Safety Disconnect and Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “SMITH & WESSON” and with the four line Marcas Registradas. The left side of the frame is marked “A106514 / MODEL 52-2 ”. The top of the exposed portion of the barrel is marked “38 SPECIAL / MID-RANGE”. The right side of the frame is marked with an S&W monogram logo. The butt of the grip frame is marked “0” and the left side of the trigger guard is marked “P”. The right side of the slide is marked “PAT’S PENDING”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight has a Patridge-type top rear face with a serrated ramp leading up to it and is fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a target sight with a square notch, adjustable for windage and elevation, and is dovetailed into the slide. Both sights have had yellow epoxy applied to them.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut, each with S&W medallion at the top. The bottom grip screw on the left side is cross-threaded and sticks out. There are a few scattered areas of finish loss and thinning. There are some dings and compressions, the most noticeable are on the right panel towards the top. There are a few light scratches and nicks. The grips are free of chips and cracks. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 87% of its metal finish. The bottom grip screw on the left side is cross-threaded and sticks out from the grip. Yellow epoxy has been applied to the front and rear sight. There are some scattered light spots of oxidation, some of the most noticeable are on the top of the slide in front of the port. There are some scattered little nicks through the finish, most noticeable on the grip frame and on the left side of the slide. The edges have thinning and finish loss, most noticeable on the front edges of the slide. There is wear on the barrel bushing and bushing plate. There is light operational wear. The screw heads are worn. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is short and crisp with a short reset. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included are three 5-round magazines.
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 52 (the .38 Master Single Action) is a serious target pistol designed to fire only .38 Special Wadcutter ammunition with the bullet seated flush with the case mouth. It was created in 1961 for the sport of NRA Bullseye shooting and retained the basic trigger mechanism of the Model 39, with the Double-Action disconnector removed, allowing the pistol to be fired in Single action only. The model was produced by S&W until the machinery used to manufacture it wore out and was considered to be too costly to replace. Fortunately, this Model 52 is far from being worn out and has a bright bore and good mechanics. This is a great handgun, no longer produced by Smith & Wesson which is still ready to deliver lead as aimed. Please see our photos and good luck!