Smith & Wesson S&W Model 52 .38 Spl 5″ Semi-Automatic Pistol 1961-63 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1425
LSB#: 210506MW49
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 52, The .38 Master Single Action
Serial Number: 53665
Year of Manufacture: 1961-1963
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 “53665/ Model 52”. 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 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 and is fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a target sight with a square notch, adjustable for windage and elevation and dovetailed into the slide.
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. There is some thinning to the finish. The checkering is 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 but there is some stubborn fouling at the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a couple of little marks on the trigger guard and on the corners of the dust cover. There is some light thinning on the edges, most noticeable on the grip frame. There is light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent 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 standard operational thinning. The mag rates in about Fine Plus condition.
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 looks great. This is a great handgun, no longer produced by Smith & Wesson worthy of a spot in your collection. Please see our photos and good luck!