Smith & Wesson Model 52-1 .38 Special Wadcutter 5″ Semi-Auto Target Pistol
SOLD FOR: $1,625.00
LSB#: LSB250608WJ056
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 52-1
Serial Number: 104584
Year of Manufacture: 1969–1970 (pre-“A” prefix block, late in the original sequential range)
Caliber: .38 Special (flush-seated wadcutter only)
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Pistol, Single Action, fed by detachable magazine
Barrel Length: 5″
Markings:
The left side of the slide is marked “SMITH & WESSON.” The right side is marked “PAT’S PENDING.” The right side of the frame is marked with the S&W monogram. The left side of the frame is marked “104584 / MODEL 52-1.” The left side of the slide is marked with the Smith & Wesson Springfield, Mass., address.
Sights / Optics:
The front sight is a Patridge-style blade. The rear sight is a fully adjustable square-notch target sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition:
The grips are two-piece checkered walnut target panels with inset gold S&W medallions. The checkering remains crisp, and the grips show only light handling marks. No cracks or chips are present.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition:
This pistol retains the great majority of its original blued finish, showing only minor operational wear. The flats remain smooth with crisp edges, and the factory-polished blue has an excellent presentation. The case coloring on the hammer remains vivid. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear and well-struck. Overall, this pistol rates in Fine-plus to Excellent condition.
Mechanics:
The action functions correctly. The single-action trigger is clean and crisp, as intended for target use. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories:
This pistol comes in its original factory blue two-piece box with a matching serial number end label. The original S&W wax paper, cleaning rod, screwdriver, and paperwork are also included.
Our Assessment:
The Smith & Wesson Model 52 is regarded as one of the finest American-made target pistols of the postwar era, purpose-built for bullseye shooting. Chambered exclusively in .38 Special and designed to feed only flush-seated wadcutters, it offered target shooters a level of precision that revolvers could not match in sustained fire stages. The -1 variant introduced an improved extractor, making it more reliable while retaining its single-action-only trigger and superb accuracy.
This example, serial number 104584, falls into the very end of the original sequential numbering system, produced in 1969–1970, before Smith & Wesson transitioned to the “A” prefix. This makes it an especially desirable piece, representing the tail end of the classic numbering era. With its crisp mechanics, vivid blued finish, and excellent bore, this pistol has clearly been well cared for.
Adding to its appeal, this Model 52-1 comes complete with its original box, tools, paperwork, and wax paper, making it an outstanding collector’s set. For the Smith & Wesson enthusiast or serious bullseye competitor, this pistol is more than just a fine firearm—it is a benchmark in target pistol design and one of the most sought-after S&W semi-autos ever made. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition of the item in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
