Got a "new" 52-2..

Per my recent "favorite non-1911 CF pistol" thread I was fishing for a better idea for my next pistol. Nothing trumped the 52-2 for me, it's always been on my bucket list.
 
I got lucky I think and found this on GB, contacted the guy and struck a deal for $1100, came with the original box, I think all the paperwork and the unused original cleaning kit. He didn't have the ultra professional photos some people have, my pictures are way better than his. From what I've see he may have got $1300-$1400 with better pictures. I did a good cleaning on it and appears it's been shot very rarely. 

I'm going to get a BME barrel weight style red dot mount to use with a Sightron S30. I'm also gonna get a reproduction barrel weight from DJ precision for shooting irons. 

Jon is working on a custom 1911/38sp so this 52-2 should tide me over till he's done. Can't wait to get it. 

Also this guy dates back to 1979 per my S&W book.

Looks like a great buy! Enjoy it!

Might want to consider a reflex dot...EGW sells a mounting plate for most of the dots.  

Reflex sights are my least favorite, the dot itself is very nice but find the dot hard to find at times and I like heavier guns you can't get with a reflex. Also the BME barrel weight dot mount let's you switch back and forth from dot to irons quickly.

Make sure you get someone to take accurate measurements across the flats on your 52-2 frame. They vary enough that one size does not fit all.
The last thing you want is too tight or too loose. Also it will help hold zero better when you remove the mounted scope and reinstall. You can't remove the slide with that mount installed.

smithfan4152 wrote:Make sure you get someone to take accurate measurements across the flats on your 52-2 frame. They vary enough that one size does not fit all.
The last thing you want is too tight or too loose. Also it will help hold zero better when you remove the mounted scope and reinstall. You can't remove the slide with that mount installed.

Two good reasons to use a Reflex , IMO. The weight of them also means no adjustments in loads or springs.

my 52-2 with Vortex Venom is the most accurate gun I own, if I do my part.  This was born in 1974 and the barrel weight is indispensable to manage the almost non existent recoil.

Nice pistol!

I spoke to the owner of BME and I'm going to supply him the dimensions of the bottom of the grooves so it will fit like a glove. My buddy has the same mount on his 52-1 and had them fit to his go over as well, sliding the mount on and off feels smooth as butter.

Very nice 52-2 I looked at it as well but just bought a 14-6. I'd like to have a 52-2 down the road.

I picked up 2 52-1s last month, one from a forum member, With target weight and box, the other from a friend of mine. This is the 52-2 I picked up on GB already sporting a Ultradot tube and the mount I really don't care for, but I have yet to shoot a 52 with anything other than open sights, so I'm looking forward to shooting this, Original owner, no shipping, FTF deal, really sweet for 1K. Plus 950 rounds of wadcutter ammo he loaded. 1972 purchase date.    https://www.gunbroker.com/item/845246244

Shot the pistol today, I love it. These guns while not cheap I feel like are a bargain for what you get. Amazing action, fit and a very smooth 2# trigger. Enough like a 1911 where it felt familiar but different enough to make me feel like I didn't buy another 1911. 

I loaded some old star wadcutters with 2.7 WST and the pistol ate them without hesitation. One magazine was incredibly tight at the feed lips, more evidence it appeared to be shot very little. Only malfunction was a sticky slide stop that often didn't want to go up and lock back on the last round. Some rounds downrange may loosen it up.

This guy is gonna me in my keeper section for sure. When Jon is done with my 1911/38 I'll have one heck of a pair of 38's.

Very nice, a 52 is on my list of guns to buy someday.

zanemoseley wrote:... Amazing action, fit and a very smooth 2# trigger. 

A little light for NRA Precision Pistol and International Pistol Center Fire? Maybe ok for ISSF?

At least you have the option of mounting to a barrel weight. The 52 no-dash do not have that option. BME does make a nice mount for it. They are capable of handling full size dots or Micros. You don't have to mount a reflex there. This is a Nikon P-Tactical but could have been an H1 or H2. With the BME the dot doesn't have to be 4" above the rail like some grip mounts. Notice the lack of weight rails.

Zane- Could you check your S & W book to find the manufacture or sold date on a Model 52-2, S/N 1928**
BTW, loving this pistol!
Thanks!
John

Is that SN an A1928....? If so it's a 1973-1974 manufacturer date.

Yes! Thank you Zane!
John