M52 not cycling

So I'm using 2.7 gr WST with a Zero HBWC and the gun runs great. However thats with the spring that came with it. I tried a new recoil spring from Numrich and the brass gets stuck between the slide and top of barrel. The new spring is about 3/4" longer than what I assume is the original spring. What to do? I've read 2.7 is as high as I should go with WST. Thanks

Put the old spring back in.  

Could try some Remington/Winchester/Federal factory match ammo and see if your loads are too soft.  (I doubt it tho.)

Could get a replacement spring from Wolff.  They only sell factory weight for the 52.  I bet the one from Numrich is off a tad.

I have bought several springs from Numrich for my M-52 only to find out that they did not match the original springs. In the garbage they went after costing me points with alibi's

Now I only buy springs for my M-52 from Wolff or original replacements from S&W which can be bought at places like Brownells and have never had a probem or alibi because of them. The Wolff recoil and magazine springs are great for the M-52 !

I like Numrich for buying parts for obsolete firearms but not springs. There are better sources available for springs.


Virgil

Get a Wolff spring and load with 2.8 gr of Bullseye.

orpheoet wrote:So I'm using 2.7 gr WST with a Zero HBWC and the gun runs great. However thats with the spring that came with it. Thanks

There's your answer..

For some reason I didnt see the 52 recoil springs at wolff until you guys said they were there. So I ordered some. I'm sure that will solve the problem. Yesterday was the first time I competed with it and I shot a 801 which I'm happy with(for now). It ran great with the old spring. I love the sight picture on it.

Is not Numrich all used parts ?
Glad you found the Wolff springs.
Wolff does sell reduced power and extra power recoil springs for the M52(just use the factory 8#).
I have been using the factory 8# since the beginning and also use their magazine springs for the M52.
To be honest Wolff is the only springs I have purchased for all of my firearms when needed.

Clarence

C.Perkins wrote:Is not Numrich all used parts ?


Clarence

No. You can buy magazine springs from Numrich for the M-52 and they are new manufacture but I don't know who makes them. The wire used in these springs are about twice the diameter of the stock S&W springs and are painted dull orange.

While these might be overstock or from a company that has gone out of business they are new as are many other parts that Numrich carries. When companies that make gun parts go out of business  places like Numrich buy up the remaining stock. They get parts from all over the world and some questionable quality too.


Virgil

For what it's worth, I've chronographed 2.7 WST with the Zero hbwc at 730 fps, but it was out of a 6" Model 14. Zero factory reloads were 770.

Let's see, you have a gun working perfectly, so you replace the recoil spring and now you have problems.
Why replace the spring?
RE: spring length
Note how far back the slide goes. Replace the spring with the original and see how far back the slide goes. If the original goes back further, you have your answer--length of new spring too long.
Could also get a spring tension tester and check spring weights.

You can buy springs directly from the Wolff website store. Don't know if its cheaper or more expensive. A week or so ago, I ordered. The next day I remembered I wanted to order for a different gun also, so I called to see if I could add to it, to save postage.

I couldn't get through, sent an email, same thing. Then, I called again and got a real person, the guy apologized, and said they have been swamped with orders. I asked why that happened, this isn't shooting season for most the country. He thought it was because of the blizzard, shooters sitting around thinking about things they should catch up on for their pistols.

noylj wrote:Let's see, you have a gun working perfectly, so you replace the recoil spring and now you have problems.
Why replace the spring?

43 year old pistol that I bought essentially new. Part of a large collection of safe queens. This was the first time I'd competed with it and my thought was to eliminate any possible problems by putting a new spring in it. Fortunately I realized immediately when I tested it that the new spring wasn't working. Live and learn. I'm just happy that it worked perfectly and I shot it pretty well. The new Starline brass with Zero 148 gr HBWC and 2.7 gr. WST seems to be a recipe for success. Thanks all

If you still feel the need Midway has them in stock. I picked up one of these kits for mine. They also fit a 952.

Len

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/577533/wolff-variable-power-recoil-calibration-spring-pack-s-and-w-52-2-38-special

You can load doubled ended cast wadcutters a little higher than 2.7. Most manuals list the load for the hollow base which has more pressure. I would not go higher than 2.9.

One thing about DEWC's is that I have never found an accurate one.
Not for BE shooting anyway.

Just wanted to say that the issue was in fact that the spring from Numrich was WAAAY too heavy. I put a new Wolff "factory" spring in and it runs flawlessly. Also replaced the magazine springs. I think the 52-2 is my favorite pistol:)

Glad it is up and running.

Keep all of those springs you replaced for spares.

for anyone that has a -1 or no dash 52 there is a New extractor on eBay at a decent price considering it's unobtainium..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Smith-and-Wesson-Model-52-and-52-1-Extractor-/172123541004?&_trksid=p2056016.l4276

That extractor is gone. Looks like someone from Oargun bought it.

Thanks,

didn't take long.


anyone interested in it should contact the seller.. this is the second one he as sold... he may have another ?