Smith & Wesson S&W Model 52-1 .38 Master Single Action 5″ Semi-Auto Pistol
Sold For: $1036
LSB#: 201019MW31
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 52-1, The .38 Master Single Action
Serial Number: 59378
Year of Manufacture: 1978-1979
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 address. The left side of the frame is marked “59378 / Model 52-1”. The upper left side of the trigger guard is marked with a “P”. The top of the exposed portion of the barrel is marked “38 SPECIAL / MID-RANGE”. The right side of the frame is marked with a an S&W monogram logo. The right side of the slide is marked “PAT’S PENDING” under the ejection port.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight has a Patridge type top rear face with a serrated ramp leading up to it. The rear sight is angled target style sight with a square notch, adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut, each with S&W medallion at the top. There are some scattered light draglines and little compressions that are very light. The most noticeable defects are a mar on the right side in the checkering and marks on the bottoms. The checkering is otherwise strong. The grips are free of chips and cracks. The grips rate in about Fine 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 94% of its metal finish. The bottom of the dust cover has two drilled dimples and a few nicks. The top right corner of the rear sight has some little dings. The slide has some has a couple tiny dings, the most noticeable are on the left at the front. The barrel has some small dings into the metal. The backstrap has some scattered small spots of oxidation. The frame has a few marks into the finish, most noticeable behind the serial number. The slide has some small scrapes in the metal on the bottom edge below the Marcas Registradas. The screw heads are lightly worn with strong slots. 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 is a single 5-round magazine marked “S&W” on the baseplate. The magazine has some scattered draglines and light scuffs plus standard operational thinning. The mag rates in about Fine condition.
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 52-1 (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 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 52-1 is far from being worn out, it has some cosmetic wear but functions great and is in about Very Good condition. This is a great handgun, no longer produced by Smith & Wesson. Please see our photos and good luck!