Smith and Wesson Model 52-2 .38 Spl. Master Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol
SOLD FOR: $1,186.78
LSB#: LSB260611JS059
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: Model 52-2
Serial Number: A483824
Year of Manufacture: 1978-1979 / Modern
Caliber: .38 Special (for Mid-range Wad Cutter with flush seated bullet ONLY)
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic with Magazine Safety Disconnect and Removable Magazine
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp Patridge sight and is fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch that is adjustable for windage and elevation. The top of the slide has a matte finish for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The refinished stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with S&W medallions at the top. There is a run in the finish on the left rear panel. There is minor handling wear. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is stubborn fouling in the bore. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 8.75/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are scratches on the sides of the slide. There is operational wear along the bottom of the slide and top of the chamber. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates a Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: 2x 5-round magazines in Excellent condition, serial matching S&W cardboard box with reinforced corners, cleaning kit, and paperwork.
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 52 is one of the company’s most specialized and highly regarded target pistols, developed specifically for conventional bullseye competition. Introduced in 1961 and based generally on the architecture of the Model 39, the Model 52 was engineered to feed the rimmed .38 Special cartridge using flush-seated mid-range wadcutter ammunition from a five-round single-stack magazine. Extensive hand fitting, an exceptionally refined trigger, adjustable target sights, and stringent factory accuracy standards earned the pistol a strong reputation on the competitive firing line. The Model 52-2 appeared in 1971 with a redesigned extractor and continued the single-action-only configuration established with the preceding 52-1. Its unusual combination of revolver ammunition and a precision semi-automatic platform makes the Model 52 one of Smith & Wesson’s most distinctive postwar competition pistols.
This Model 52-2 remains in Fine-Excellent condition, retaining approximately 98% of its original blue finish with scattered slide scratches and normal operational wear to the slide, barrel, and chamber area. The refinished checkered wood stocks remain in Fine condition with sharp checkering, no chips or cracks, and only minor handling wear, while the bright 8.75/10 bore retains sharp rifling with no erosion despite stubborn fouling. Mechanically, the pistol functions correctly, and the two five-round magazines are appropriate for its highly specialized flush-seated .38 Special wadcutter ammunition. The serial-matching Smith & Wesson box, cleaning kit, paperwork, and second magazine further enhance the completeness of this attractive example of Smith & Wesson’s legendary bullseye pistol. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY