Smith and Wesson Model 52-2 Semi-Automatic Pistol With Box 1978 production

SOLD FOR: $1,332.55

WOA#: WY240303JP005

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 52-2, The .38 Master Single Action

Serial Number: A435749

Year of Manufacture: 1978

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 “A435749 / 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 “D” 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 Partridge-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 an S&W medallion at the top. There are a few light handling marks. 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 99% of its metal finish. The slide has turned a “plum” color over the yearsThere is a small area of scarring on one of the magazine’s baseplates. Both magazines show some operational wear. The defects are hardly noticeable. There are light handling marks and light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition. The box and paperwork is a great bonus. The blue bradcornered box is in 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 are two 5-round magazines, a serial matching box, custom blue foam insert, paperwork including the manual, bushing wrench, and cleaning kit.

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 or repair the machine. Fortunately, this Model 52 “38 Master” is far from being worn out, in fact it looks like it hardly saw any use at all. This is a great handgun, no longer produced by Smith & Wesson and is a perfect addition to any collection, especially one that looks this sharp with its accessories. Please see our photos and enjoy the auction!-K.F.