SMITH & WESSON MODEL 52-2
Posted Jun 12, 2023
Smith & Wesson Model 52-2 is a rimfire target revolver manufactured by Smith & Wesson that was introduced in 1959. It was intended for competition shooting, and is still a popular choice for target and air gunners. The Model 52-2 is built on the K-frame, the same frame as the Smith & Wesson K-22, and is chambered for the .38 Special cartridge.
The exterior of the Model 52-2 is strikingly attractive. The barrel is 6” in length and features a single rib running down the entire length of the barrel. The rib is factory checkered for a reduction of glare and improved accuracy. The checkered barrel is also drilled and tapped to enable the installation of an aftermarket sight if desired. The grip and frame of the Model 52-2 have an attractive blued finish, which has held up very well over the years. The cylinder is finished in a bright nickel, which looks excellent and still shines brilliantly.
The Model 52-2 is a medium- to heavy-frame revolver, with a production weight of 44 ounces. Even with its average weight, the revolver is quite manageable and is perfectly balanced. The trigger pull is smooth and relatively light and the hammer action is very crisp. The cylinder on this revolver has a six-shot capacity and features a caliber marking of .38 Special. The cylinder walls are solid, with no visible grooves or imperfections. The Model 52-2 has a trigger-stop feature to prevent the trigger from being pulled without sufficient pressure, making it an ideal revolver for competition shooting.
The sights on the Model 52-2 are impressive. It features a Patridge-style front sight mounted on a dovetail. The rear sight is fully adjustable, allowing the shooter to adjust both windage and elevation for precise shot placement. The grooves on the rear sight are generous, and provide plenty of space for adjustment and fine-tuning. The sights are very well constructed and the design ensures accuracy.
Overall, the performance of the Model 52-2 is outstanding. The revolver is incredibly accurate and reliable at both short and long ranges. I have tested the revolver on both paper and steel targets and have found it to be very precise and consistent. The trigger pull is smooth and light, allowing for easy target acquisition and follow-up shots. The Model 52-2 also features a solid construction with no visible gaps or imperfections.
The Model 52-2 is a classic revolver and one of the best .38 Special target revolvers ever made. It is an excellent choice for competition shooting or plinking, and its accuracy is second to none. It is an aesthetically pleasing revolver with an impressive finish, which has held up remarkably well over the years. The Model 52-2 is both reliable and accurate, and a great choice for anyone looking for a medium- to heavy-frame revolver.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-High quality construction
-Very accurate and reliable
-Designed to be a target gun with pinpoint accuracy
-Very low felt recoil
-Stunning visual aesthetic
Cons:
-Very expensive
-Heavy weight due to its all-metal construction
-Relatively low magazine capacity (7+1)
-Only available in .38 special or .38 Super caliber
Who Should Buy
The SMITH & WESSON MODEL 52-2 is a semi-automatic precision target-shooting pistol designed for competition shooting. It is not suitable for self-defense, so it should only be purchased by competition shooters, sport shooters, and gun collectors. It should not be purchased by anyone seeking a firearm for self-defense or home protection.
Comparisons
| SMITH & WESSON MODEL 52-2 | SMITH & WESSON PERFORMANCE CENTER PC1911 | WILSON COMBAT CQB TACTICAL LE | HECKLER & KOCH HK 416 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .38 Special | .45 ACP | .45 ACP | 5.56 NATO |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 Rounds | 8 Rounds | 8 Rounds | 30 Rounds |
| Barrel Length | 6-1/2 inch | 5 inch | 4.6 inch | 10.4 inch |
| Weight | 41 oz | 41.9 oz | 40.4 oz | 7.5 lbs |
Features / Specs
•Caliber: .38 Special
•Finish: Blued or Nickel
•Barrel Length: 5-inch
•Frame: Stainless steel
•Grip: Target
•Action: Single and double-action
•Interchangeable front sight: Patridge-style
•Rear sight: Adjustable
•Sights: Patridge-style front, adjustable rear
•Overall Length: 10 1/4-inch
•Overall Height: 5 5/8-inch
•Weight: 39.5 ounces
Popular Accessories
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- Spare Magazines
- Speedloaders
- Grips
- Compensators
- Trigger Job Kits
- Recoil Springs
- Sight options
- Gun Safes
- Holsters
- Cleaning Kits
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson Model 52-2 was a standard-bearer of accuracy in the 1950s and 1960s. Commonly used by police departments, competitive shooters, and match shooters. The Model 52-2 was made with exceptional accuracy in mind, featuring a High Standard-style adjustable trigger for precise shot placement and a match-grade barrel for maximum accuracy potential. Properly set up, the Model 52-2 has the potential of achieving 1–2 inch groups at 50 yards with proper hand-loading. For recreational shooting, the stock trigger gruantly provides better than 2-inch groups at 25 yards. Furthermore, its relatively small size and fact that it was initially made in .38 Special make it a great choice for shooters of all skill levels.
