Special News for S&W Model 52 Owners

June 25, 2016 was the superbly organized and conducted South Carolina Precision Pistol State Championship hosted by the Mid-Carolina Gun Club. Organizer Kevin Bonderer created a new "first shot" ceremony to open the Matches, similar to that which starts the Nationals at Perry.


Kevin arranged the attendance of 91 year old WWII  Navy veteran Eddie Mitchell as the first honoree. Eddie joined up at age 17 and spent 3 years in the Pacific Theater serving in a PC Class small ship. These PCs were never designed for invasion fleets or the open ocean work they performed and several companion ships were shot to pieces by the Japanese and others sunk by typhoons.


After surviving his heroic service, Eddie eventually became a Master Class shooter, Massachusetts State Pistol Champion and an employee of Smith & Wesson. With S&W for 30 years, Eddie built and, later, supervised the building of all S&W auto pistols and some special project revolvers.


Eddie fired the opening shot with a model 52 he built himself! He knows he built it because it has his number 2 "fitters stamp" on the bottom by the magazine well. Eddie isn't sure of many of the other fitter's marks which may be a number or initial. But, one thing is sure, if your 52 has a "2" on it, is was built by a true patriot and hero.

Nice story and history. You made me look. Tell Eddie "thanks" for me.

Mine is a 52-2 but I checked anyway.  No #2.  But it's a wonderful story.  Thanks for sharing!
All the best
Doug

My 52-1 has a #3 fitters stamp on the bottom, but I still appreciate the story. The WWII vets are leaving us in great numbers every day. They saved our country and freedoms we enjoy. Next time you see one, let him know he is appreciated.

Coincidently, the only other fitter's mark Eddie is sure of is the number "3" which is the mark of fitter Tony Gregonis. Don't have any info on Tony's history.

Very cool story. I have a 52-2. It's absolutely my favorite pistol.

Eddie's first shot at the opening ceremony was a 10. Eddie is a wonderful gentlemen and a national treasure.

I have a 52-2 that I bought new in 1987. It has an 'L' in that spot.

In almost 30 years, I never noticed that!

sorry I missed it!

Finally looked. Mine has an O or a 0..

orpheoet wrote:Finally looked. Mine has an O or a 0..

Mine also has an 0

That 0 guy did good work!

Nothing marked on my M52-2.  

Is there a way to check the serial number against an online list, to find the date of manufacture?

the Mine 0