Model 52-2 Parts and Accessories

I just acquired a 52-2 from a fellow shooter in superb condition.  I’d like to be ready to service it and get it on the line regularly, but I’m struggling to find much online. Anyone have a lead for a vendor that would have springs, barrel bushing wrench, RR inserts, etc?

Also, anyone have pet loads for their 52? I use Zero 148 WCHB with 2.7 BE for my model 14. What works for you?

Greetings,

The Model 52 was discontinued in, roughly, 1995.

Most parts have dried up since then. S&W will tell you they have no parts.

There are a lot of common part numbers between the M52 and M39.

Locate some parts lists with actual S&W part numbers and start watching the online auction sights.

Try to focus on parts still in the sealed bags with the part number written on them.

Recoil springs can be sourced from Wolff.

Cheers,

Dave

DO NOT USE THE 3.1 Red Dot load.  It is over pressure.  

These are velocities obtained this year.  They were fired in a 10 inch contender, subtract 50 - 75 fps for a 5 inch barrel.    All these shot good to excellent groups from my 52-2.  Speer HBWC were used.  The best groups were fired with 452AA and Bullseye.  My usual load for training is 2.6 Bullseye and it shoots fine.

As a fellow Model 52 owner, which parts would one need to replace with any frequency? I'd like to start searching and collecting them so I have them when needed.

Thanks!

Val

Hello Spurls,

From what I understand, a correctly sized socket (like you would you use for car repair) makes a perfectly fine bushing wrench for a M52.

Jim

valbern67 wrote:As a fellow Model 52 owner, which parts would one need to replace with any frequency? I'd like to start searching and collecting them so I have them when needed.

Thanks!

Val

Extractors, firing pins, their appropriate springs.  Just remember the 52-1 extractor is not interchangeable with the 52-2.

I've managed to pick up several parts for my 52-1 over a period of time at Numrich Gun Parts.  If you periodically check there you may get lucky.

PM Sent

I used the regular 1911 RR inserts.

Does anyone know the sequence and process for barrel fitting?

The one thing you could do without is the barrel bushing wrench, it is said to hand snug this bushing, if the notch does not line up with the spring loaded pin, you back it off to the previous notch that will line up. It's not supposed to be torqued. The only reason that wrench is needed is if the guy that owned it before you over tightened it. Since there are aftermarket barrels being made for the model 52s, they are also making the barrel bushing.

Magazines seem to be nearly impossible to find anymore. The last ones I saw were $150 and now that seems to have been a bargain. Has anyone come up with a source for them or a way to modify a magazine for a different gun that will work in a 52-2? I have 5 mags for 2 guns and would like more.

I stay away from the plastic follower mags at all cost. Your right they are getting harder to find and also more expensive, and the $150.00 ea. seems to be for the plastic followers.
A few years back I had quite a few of the plastic followers, and noticed people paying over $125.00 ea. for them, so I sold them on e-bay and bought steel followers that were being sold for slightly more. Sometimes you have to buy a package deal on a 52-2 where the guy  has 4-5 mags with the gun, and then take 2-3 and do a re sell. Just always make sure you can see the follower so you know what your getting. I don't know of any other magazines that would work, but Lets say a colt for 38  special would work, I think the price factor would be right back at you.  Just be glad your not looking for 41-1 mags, model 41 in 22 short, $250.00 on up, I saw one on GB sell just over $500.00 which is nuts, and now a second is listed and already up to $389.00 same 2 guys bidding. I used to have 20 or so of those. But I can easily modify model 41 mags to shoot the short rounds. As for the 52s, just have to keep your eyes peeled. Good luck.

Being the proud owner of a pristine 52-1, I was worried about the lack of spare parts so I did the smart thing, bought another complete pistol. The second one shoots marginally better than my first one and has a little blue loss so it’s now my shooter, keeping the pristine one that way.

Does anybody have 52-2 parts for sale 
Need extractor ,spring, roll pin 
I also have a complete 52 no dash 
For sale in excellent condition 
Email me samurai57@optimum.net
Thanks William

Sorry a complete slide assembly 52 no dash
For sale  contact me at samurai57@optimum.net

From: Bruce
"Does anyone know the sequence and process for barrel fitting?"


I'd like that answer too Bruce!

Greetings,

Going from memory...

Hone the barrel bushing to slip fit on the barrel doughnut.

Machine the barrel hood extension so the barrel goes into battery. I.e. the end of the hood and sides to fit the slot in the slide breech face.

Now, the tricky bit. S&W ground the slide stop where the barrel lower lug contacted the slide stop. They had a nice fixture to control the radius.

Note that the M39 and M52 slide stops only LOOK ALIKE. The M52 stop has a larger diameter pin.

Cheers,

Dave

As an avid S&W shooter/collector and owner of a pair of 52-2's I would strongly suggest that you sign up on our SWCA forum....a wealth of info to be found there!

Here's a link to the forum.....no charge to join the forum!!

I go by THREEDFLYER on the forum.

https://smith-wessonforum.com/forum.php

You may also want to give the folks at Lee's Gun Parts in TX a call they may have some of what you are after.....they are only open on Tues/Weds/Thurs during the week.