S&W Model 952

[Bob96]

   Who has one of these?  How does it shoot? Trigger pull ?  What weight ammo shoots best in these/  I really like the longslide version.

[Bob96]

  Just found out that the Longslide version and see that is not CA approved. The S&W site listed several extra features over the std. - trigger - polish - barrel bushing - etc. Wonder if the std. trigger is as good as a Model 41?

[Lloyd Smale]

had one and wasnt impressed. Trigger was a good 3 lbs out of the box so that was nice. The gun was very finiky with reloads and if your going to shoot competition with it you best be figureing on finding factory ammo to use at least when shooting comp. If your going to use handloads you best use matching headstamp brass (only once fire) Trim your brass. Use only jacketed bullets. Cast just didnt work. They are just to dirty for the gun. You also must make sure when your seating bullets that you help every bullet into the die to make sure its absolutely straight. Doing all of this and working up loads for months the best i came up with is about 2 inch at 25 yards mayby 1 3/4 with some of the loads. I got frustrated with it jaming and sold it and bought a sti trojan in 9mm and it runs with any loads any bullets and shoots an inch at 25 yards with almost any load. I wouldnt trade that gun for two 952s. In there defense the reasons for some of the problems is they are built very tight with great precision but what made me shake my head is a gun built that precisely should have shot much better then it did. To me there just not worth the headaches. Personaly i wouldnt buy another if i could get it for 500 bucks. Now the 52s ive shot have been just the oposite. Theyve been reliable and very accuate.

[HappyHunter]

I have a blue 952 and a stainless 952 longslide.

Both like the Zero 125 gr jhp bullet with titegroup.

I also have a 52-1 and 52-2, these shoot better if you have follwo thru.  The 952s are more forgiving.

I love my longslide.

Fred

[haroldclark]

Well, I was truly disappointed to hear Lloyd's opinion of the S&W 952.  I have been drooling over on since the first came out.  I have a Model 52.  I just checked all my accuracy records at 25 yards with the model 52.  I have 23 targets recorded at 1.88" and under.  My most recent recorded groups are under an inch.  Latest 2 groups are 0.75".

I really had hopes for the 952 to match the model 52.

I have an old 1911 Colt National Match (just before the Gold Cup version) and it just barely shoots under 2 inches and that has irritated me for years.  (34 years to be exact).

Harold Clark

[Lloyd Smale]

keep in mind that mine is the only one i ever shot and maybe others are better but from what ive heard 2 inch groups are the norm and in all the asking around i did when i was loading for it i couldnt find one other sole that was loading cast. I dont know if they found out they dont work like i did or the guys buying them are rich enought they can afford to shoot factory ammo or jacketed bullets. But to me if it wont shoot cast and reloads its down the road. Id try taking that national match to a good smith. Ive never seen one that wouldnt shoot at least 1.5 at 25. My trophy will shoot under an inch with loads it likes.

[HappyHunter]

Had my longslide out at a local gun range and a shooter gave me a handfull of 147 gr rounds someone loaned me to try.   

I was impressed, these showed great promise.  I will be working up a new load for my longslide.



Overall, my 52's will outshoot my 952's if I am shooting.  But a new 52 shooter typically will do better with the 952's as they are more "forgiving" as to follow thru.



Fred

[HogSniper2]

Here's what I can tell you regarding my new 952-2.  The performance is fine, the trigger "sweet" @ 3 pounds, the tolerances are "tight" and the overall appearance  flawless.   Now, regarding accuracy.  I placed it on a bench support and fired at a target 25' down range for sight adjustment.  I used the following factory ammuntion and will list them from the most accurate to the least (in my gun, using my poor eye sight).  Keep in mind, the rounds hit center bullseye within an 1 1/2" pattern.  Not exactly the best from a custom made auto.

1. PMC Bronze 115 gr. FMJ (go figure) most accurate
2. American Eagle 147 gr. FMJ
3. American Eagle 124 gr. FMJ
4. CCI Blazer Brass 115 gr. FMJ
5. WWB 115 gr. FMJ

According to the rep. I spoke to at S&W Performance, he said the guns are set up for 115 grain factory ammo.  I will tell you, I have a Walther P99 that can out shoot my 952-2 for close accuracy and it cost $1000.00 less.  I think an excellent shooter with near perfect eye sight could make the 952 very accurate.