Smith & Wesson Model 52-1 .38 Special Midrange 5″ Semi Auto Pistol 1963 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,002.00

LSB#: LSB260522JR006

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 52-1

Serial Number: 55501

Year of Manufacture: 1963 / C&R

Caliber: .38 Special Midrange

Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Single Action, fed by Detachable Magazine

Barrel Length: 5″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the top of the slide. The rear sight is a fully adjustable square-notch sight dovetailed to the top of the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition / Grip: The grips are two-piece smooth hardwood target panels. The left panel has an integral thumb shelf and the right panel has a shelf at the top above the hand. The grip panels are in Excellent condition with no chips or cracks.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light fouling in the bore.  In the opinion of the writer the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its original finish. There is light handling and operational wear. The hardwood target grips remain in Excellent condition with no chips or cracks. Overall, this pistol rates in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions as intended. 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: This pistol comes with two magazines.

Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 52 was developed as a specialized precision target pistol for conventional bullseye competition and was designed around .38 Special Midrange full-wadcutter ammunition. The Model 52 earned an excellent reputation among competitive shooters for its accuracy, refined single-action trigger, and high level of factory fit and finish. The 52-1 was an early variation of the series and is representative of Smith & Wesson’s purpose-built target pistols from the golden age of American bullseye competition. Manufactured in 1963, this example is C&R eligible and should appeal to collectors of classic Smith & Wesson target pistols as well as enthusiasts of vintage competition firearms.

This pistol remains in Excellent condition, retaining about 98% of its original blued finish. The smooth hardwood target grips are in Excellent condition with no chips or cracks. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, the action functions correctly, and the pistol comes with two magazines. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!-C.M.