Smith and Wesson S&W Model 52-1 5″ .38 Spl Semi-Automatic Pistol MFD 1970
SOLD FOR: $1,305.00
LSB#: LSB260621JF014
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: Model 52-1
Serial Number: 100643
Year of Manufacture: 1970 / C&R
Caliber: .38 Special (wadcutter only)
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic with Magazine Safety Disconnect and Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “SMITH & WESSON” a Marcas Registradas. The left side of the frame is marked “100643 / MODEL-52-1”. The top of the exposed portion of the barrel is marked “38 SPECIAL / MID-RANGE”. The right side of the slide is marked “PAT’S PENDING”. The right side of the slide is marked with a S&W trademark.
Barrel Length: 5″
Sights / Optics: The front sight has a serrated patridge blade and is fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a square-notch adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered walnut grips with S&W monograms. There are very few light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. The grips are free of chips and cracks. The grips rate an Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is lead fouling near the chamber. There is no erosion in the bore. Bore rating at 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are just a few spots of handling wear on this firearm. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates an Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is short and crisp (with a 3 lb trigger pull) 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 is the original S&W serial numbered box, two 5-round magazines, and an S&W cleaning kit.
Our Assessment: The Model 52, called the .38 Master, is a 1911-style SA pistol introduced in 1961 and optimized for the sport of Bullseye Shooting. It was chambered in .38 Special, wadcutter only and had a magazine capacity of 5 rounds. It came with a long extractor (later replaced by a shorter extractor in the -2 variant and a magazine disconnect.
The Model 52 recalls a different age, with handmade parts hand-fitted by craftsmen and given a beautiful finish. It was last made in 1993 but can still be found in the S&W Model 952, made to this day by S&W’s Performance Center. The early (no-dash) Model 52’s had a setscrew that enabled a choice of DA/SA shooting, but later examples, like this one, are SA only.
This Model 52 is in excellent shape. It has a great trigger. Its stocks and finish are in Excellent shape. It would be a great way to get into precision shooting. Please see our photos.
-C.B.