S&W Model 52-1: Target Pistol for .38 Special Wadcutters

[Bob Riebe]

       

       The Model 52 is a purpose-built target pistol that Smith & Wesson built on the Model 39 frame. It is chambered for a very specific flush-loaded 148gr .38 Special wadcutter loading, to be used in bullseye pistol competition. It was first introduced in 1961 as a double action pistol, and replaced by the single-action-only Model 52-1 in 1963.
          It remained in production until 1993, with a few internal improvements in 1970 making it the 52-2. Ultimately, the production tooling wore to the point of needing major refurbishment which wasn?t worth the cost. The style of 3-gun bullseye pistol competition that the Model 52 was designed for was no longer popular, and so S&W chose to drop the gun form production.

         A friend of mine owns one, not sure if he ever shot it.

[Lloyd Smale]

had one. good shooter but not a great shooter like some of the 1911s i own and did own. had the 9mm version too. like the 52 a good shooter but nothing exceptional

[Bob Riebe]

 
              Here is why shooting an 39-1 .38 A.M.U. is so expensive. It takes special cartridges that are
              hard to find and very Expensive.
              The rim is not the same as the .38 special revolver and it needs the special ammunition.