Model 52 barrel

Manage to buldge my barrel...kicking myself should have checked it...very rare to not kick the shell out... Got it apart but need a barrel I know they are hard to find hoping to get some contacts to find one

I have read a couple of posts over the last year that say that Clark plans on making 52 barrels - consider calling them and letting us know what you find out.

Before I started looking for the Unicorn (if the pistol still functions) I'd put it on a machine rest. It could be that it will still shoot good groups.

I want a spare barrel, and heard the same about Clark. I called, and they said nothing is definite, but they have a list going to see if there is interest.  I got on the list.

BE Mike wrote:Before I started looking for the Unicorn (if the pistol still functions) I'd put it on a machine rest. It could be that it will still shoot good groups.

A+ what BE Mike says ,I have a barrel with a ringer that still shoots very good. Try it, you can't do any more damage.

Bubba Blaster wrote:

BE Mike wrote:Before I started looking for the Unicorn (if the pistol still functions) I'd put it on a machine rest. It could be that it will still shoot good groups.

A+ what BE Mike says ,I have a barrel with a ringer that still shoots very good. Try it, you can't do any more damage.

+3 on that.
You just never know until you test it.

KenO wrote:I want a spare barrel, and heard the same about Clark. I called, and they said nothing is definite, but they have a list going to see if there is interest.  I got on the list.

I talked to Jim Clark, Jr extensively before he passed about a faster twist barrel for the M52. He did have a list of 52 owners that were interested.  However, the last time we talked was at Perry before he passed and he was not having any luck finding someone to supply the barrel blanks to his specifications.  My guess is that the project is on the back burner at this time as the shop seems to be moving away from bullseye pistols in general.

Well I may try making a die and cold forging the buldge back to its correct diameter....possibly make my own from an over size barrel blank....I have a lot of machine connections

Greetings,

I have not done this; but, give it some thought.

Get a scissor knurling tool and replace the knurls with hardened steel blanks with a slight radius. Then swage the barrel bulge back slowly by adjusting the pressure of the "knurls" with the adjusting screw.

Cheers,

Dave

I have a hammer type cable end swager...but I like the knurl roller ideal...I will try that

If the fix doesn't work would you be interested in selling your pistol?

Have you considered having a new barrel blank fit to the breach block?
I have seen this done a few times with 1911s, specifically when chambering for non-standard calibers, such as 30 Luger.

The old barrel tube is cut off, and the breach block is reamed for the O.D. of the new barrel blank.
Sliver solder or permanent epoxy can be used for assembly.
The advantage is that you have complete freedom to specify barrel I.D. diameter, twist rate, etc

Hypothetically, what would a new & unfitted Barsto S&W M52 barrel go for ?

I have reached out to Alex at Ten Ring Precision asking if it is possible to reline a M52 barrel. Let you know what he says.

bar-sto is pretty proud of their 1911 barrels so a limited run of 52s would be pricey..  how about $300 for a very conservative guess


there were several 52 barrels on eBay last year but have not seen any this year. ebay and gunbroker would be place to keep an eye out.

Heard secondhand at a match yesterday that S&W will sell Model 52 barrels but only if you buy 50.  Group buy anyone?

50@ $10 eacb. I'm in.