Smith & Wesson S&W Model 52-2 .38 Spl 5″ Semi-Automatic Pistol 1979-1980
SOLD FOR: $1420
LSB#: 210917MW45
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 52-2, The .38 Master Single Action
Serial Number: A632215
Year of Manufacture: 1979-1980
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. The left side of the frame is marked “A632215 / MODEL 52-2 ”. 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 butt of the grip frame is marked “0” and the left side of the trigger guard is marked “T”. The right side of the slide is marked “PAT’S PENDING”.
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 is dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut, each with S&W medallion at the top. There are only a couple tiny compressions and light draglines, most noticeable on the left panel towards the top. The checkering is sharp. The grips are free of chips and cracks. The grips rate in about Excellent 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 96% of its metal finish. There are some little nicks on the top edge of the rear sight. There are some little scuffs and light thinning at the front of the slide, hardly noticeable. There is a light scuff on the left of the slide along the top edge. There are a few little nicks, most noticeable on the bottom of the slide and the bottom of the dust cover. There are light handling marks. There is light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine Plus 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 serial matching box, four 5-round magazines, cleaning rod, bristle brush, mop, screwdriver, and paperwork including the manual. The box has scattered wear and some of the corners have split.
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!