Time for a Smith 52

[DrewN]

Ok Calgunners, it's time to address a gaping hole in my random accumulation by buying a nice Smith 52 or 52-1. Of course, prices are ridiculous now but I accept it could take most of 2k when it's all said and done. But, for that kinda coin, I'd better not !@#$ this up. Internet research is fine and all, but I'd appreciate it if folks could chime in with some inside skinny like only CalGuns possesses..

[6mmintl]

Just sold mine for $950 with 3 mags.

[DrewN]

Just sold mine for $950 with 3 mags.

Well, that's encouraging for sure.

[Waldo]

I just bought one, but pick up isn't until next month.

Back in the mid nineties, I had one that was in the box...paid 600 for it. But at the time, I was doing a different kind of shooting, and traded it in for something else.

With the local ranges being closed, I started shooting pistols again. And since i'm not getting any younger, I thought I'd go back to a 52 before the eyes and hands decide to go south.

[dfletcher]

Ok Calgunners, it's time to address a gaping hole in my random accumulation by buying a nice Smith 52 or 52-1. Of course, prices are ridiculous now but I accept it could take most of 2k when it's all said and done. But, for that kinda coin, I'd better not !@#$ this up. Internet research is fine and all, but I'd appreciate it if folks could chime in with some inside skinny like only CalGuns possesses..

That seems a rather proud price. I poke around looking for them and a strong $1K is about ballpark for one in nice shape. The 52 is always C&R eligible, 52-1 is depending on age. I'm told the 52 trigger isn't as good as the 52-1.

[jewboy929]

Check Carol Watson's Orange Coast Auctions. They get ones in their auctions and PPT for CA buyers. Great pistols, if you get the opportunity jump on one.

[javaduke]

OP, I assume if you are specifically looking for a 52 or 52-1, then you already have 52-2, correct? Just be aware that earlier 52 and 52-1 had problems with extractor, which was redesigned in 52-2.
The loaded ammo is hard to find and is expensive, if you are not looking to reload, I would recommend Precision Delta ammo : https://www.precisiondelta.com/produ...ed-ammunition/
If you are reloading, then the recipe is pretty standard, 2.7 or 2.8 grain Alliant Bullseye behind 148gr HBWC bullet. Remington bullet would be my choice #1, but since they are not manufactured anymore, Precision Delta or Magnus #514 are the best available options.
All 52 models are great shooters, with decent quality ammo you can get 2" groups at 50 yards.

[DrewN]

OP, I assume if you are specifically looking for a 52 or 52-1, then you already have 52-2, correct? Just be aware that earlier 52 and 52-1 had problems with extractor, which was redesigned in 52-2.
The loaded ammo is hard to find and is expensive, if you are not looking to reload, I would recommend Precision Delta ammo : https://www.precisiondelta.com/produ...ed-ammunition/
If you are reloading, then the recipe is pretty standard, 2.7 or 2.8 grain Alliant Bullseye behind 148gr HBWC bullet. Remington bullet would be my choice #1, but since they are not manufactured anymore, Precision Delta or Magnus #514 are the best available options.
All 52 models are great shooters, with decent quality ammo you can get 2" groups at 50 yards.

Hmmm, accuracy aside, are their factory wadcutters that are unwise to use with the 52s? I mean, I probably have a couple thousand factory 148s, probably mostly Winchester, but a few others IIRC. However I also have a ton of brass and a few kegs of Bullseye, so no worries there. I also have the Lee molds, don't recall the number offhand since I haven't had to cast in 15 years or so, but they work great in revolvers.

[javaduke]

Hmmm, accuracy aside, are their factory wadcutters that are unwise to use with the 52s? I mean, I probably have a couple thousand factory 148s, probably mostly Winchester, but a few others IIRC. However I also have a ton of brass and a few kegs of Bullseye, so no worries there. I also have the Lee molds, don't recall the number offhand since I haven't had to cast in 15 years or so, but they work great in revolvers.

No, if you have factory wadcutters, by all means use them, Remingtons were the most accurate, but Winchesters are also good, it's all good stuff and is very accurate. They are just hard to come by nowadays.
Cast bullets don't work well though, you'd need swaged hollow base wadcutters. Double end wadcutters tend to tumble before they reach 50 yards target.