S&W 52 - 2

Hello Folks,
 
Today I purchased a S&W Model 52-2 from a dealer in Fairbanks, AK.  I’ve wanted one since childhood!  The gun appears to be pristine.  If it has been fired at all, it was not fired much.  The serial number falls in the 1977 – 1978 production range.  It will probably be a couple of weeks before I see it.
 
I also ordered 148 gr HBWC bullets and a Redding Profile Crimp die.  I’ll be loading 2.7 gr WST with Federal SP primers and new cases.
 
Please help educate me on this model.  Anything you can tell me to help it run reliably and accurately will be appreciated.  Also, I may want to install an EGW base in the rear sight dovetail.  How do I remove the rear sight; is there a set screw or must it be pushed or drifted out?
 
Thank you, Tom

PM your email address. I got a bunch of info for you. Mostly from the Smith & Wesson forum but I put it in a nice, neat PDF.

Here is mine. I did not get it with a rear sight installed. I believe I used a base from EGW. Is there an online database to find the year by serial number?

The "Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson" appendix - Serial number ranges by years has the information.  If you have one you would like me to look up just send me a PM.

To remove and install the rear sight:   Removal is straightforward, looosen a set screw and slider the rear sight off the slide.  Be aware that there is a spring loaded plunger system that will fall out if you do it haphazardly.  To install the EGW, I recommend that you use a “pusher” which are available at a number of places.  Here is one… 
https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Sight-Pusher-Tool-Handguns/dp/B075QV1SQY

Thanks Mike & Wobbley, I appreciate the help.

Mine wears a Burris Fastfire3 on an EGW mount.

I have the same sight and mount (waiting on the gun though).  Thanks.

My personal scope mount for model 52 is the BME mount:

A friend of mine wanted one but couldn't get it from BME, so I just made one like this for him

Hi Javaduke,

Does your mount and tube-type dot sight reduce your slide speed?  What load are you using?

Tom

I use standard 148gr wadcutters over 2.8gr BE. Well, the slide speed is reduced but not to the point where it becomes very noticeable. So far I have no issues with feeding and ejecting, if I do my job, the gun shoots very well.

I just got a 52-1 and it shoots 148 grain HBWC on top of 2.8 grains of Bullseye well.  When you reload them load the bullet flush with the case mouth with a small roll crimp.  Also the barrel bushing should only be finger tight.  Nice pistols, a bit different in the hand then a 1911.

Thanks Troy.  What's the reasoning behind the finger tight bushing?

Hey Boxturtle if the bushing is overtighten it can be hard to remove plus the steel is relatively then and it could crack.  So the drill is just to finger tighten it until you can get the pin to lock.

Thanks Troy, that's good to know.  Tom

Wobbly do you know if that EGW base will work on a model 52-1?

Thanks

According to EGW it works on all S&W Model 52 pistols.

https://www.egwguns.com/pistol-and-red-dot-mounts/mounts-by-firearm-brand-sight-cut/?brand=766&model=820

javaduke wrote:My personal scope mount for model 52 is the BME mount:

A friend of mine wanted one but couldn't get it from BME, so I just made one like this for him

I use this same mount on mine with an Ultradot 1" model. Works fine. I use 2.7 grains of WST with a Precision Delta 148 grain HBWC. cast DEWC bullets don't shoot well at 50 yards in this gun at all. You'll want a good HBWC.