Vintage Smith & Wesson .38 Master Model No. 52-2 Pistol w/ Factory box 1911
SOLD FOR: $1225
WOA#: WY230329DM001
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 52-2
Serial Number: A749849
Year of Manufacture: Mid 1970’s (Best estimation) A prefix serial
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Single Action
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked, “SMITH & WESSON MADE IN U.S.A. MARCAS REGISTRADAS SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD, MASS”. The left side of the frame is marked, “A749848 Model 52-2”. The right side of the slide is marked, “PAT’S PENDING”. The right side of the frame marked with the Smith & Wesson trade-mark crest. The chamber is marked “38 SPECIAL MID-RANGE”. The sides of the grips have Smith and Wesson medallions. The bottom of the magazine is marked, “S&W”.
Barrel Length: Match grade stainless steel 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is an adjustable rectangular notch sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered wood with S&W medallions. The grips rate in Excellent overall condition. The checkering is crisp. There are no chips or cracks or signs of handling wear. Some of the peaks have been slightly dulled from storage.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1 original 5rd magazine in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Satin Black Oxide
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The screws are serviceable with strong slots, the pins are unmarred, and all markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in Like New condition. The previous owner states that this pistol has never been shot outside of factory testing. There are some minor marks on the pistol from storage within its original factory box over nearly 50 years.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance and storage requirements. The slide glides like butter and the trigger pull is very light and crisp.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes in its original serialized factory box with water absorbent paper, cleaning kit, factory manuals, and a total of one magazine.
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 52 is a match-grade target pistol that was first introduced in 1961. It was developed from the Smith & Wesson Model 39 and was specifically designed for the sport of Bullseye shooting. The pistol is chambered in .38 Special Wadcutter, which is a cartridge that is optimized for target shooting.
The original Model 52 featured a trigger mechanism that was based on the Model 39. It had a double-action function that could be selected via a frame-mounted setscrew. This allowed the pistol to be fired in either single-action or double-action mode, depending on the setscrew’s adjustment.
In 1963, the Model 52-1 was introduced with a separately developed single-action trigger system. This version was manufactured until 1970, when it was succeeded by the Model 52-2. Changes to the 52-2 included an improved extractor, which helped to enhance the reliability of the pistol. The 52-2 was manufactured for 23 years, until 1992.
At this point, the 30-year-old machinery used to make the Model 52 was showing signs of age and was starting to fail. Smith & Wesson decided against replacing it, and the handgun was eventually discontinued. Despite its discontinuation, the Model 52-2 remains a highly regarded pistol among competitive shooters due to its accuracy, reliability, and smooth trigger pull. Please see specs below and good luck!
