Older or newer production ?

I have been looking at some S&W Model 52  pistols on line.
I gather this gun was manufactured in small numbers from the early sixties to the early nineties.
My question to you professionals   is if I start looking to purchase which is better early or late production ?
TIA
Ron

I would want a 52-2 with the new style extractor. Aside from that it's probably luck of the draw.

Greetings,

Consider parts availability.

The model 52 is similar to the model 39, as it is double-action capable.

The model 52-1 was made single-action only and shares a lot of the same parts as the model 52-2.

All three pistols use the same barrel so accuracy is limited to the person that assembled the pistol at the factory.

Smith & Wesson offer no parts for any of the model 52 pistols.

Numrich occasionally get old stock to sell and they move quickly.

Cheers,

Dave

the 52s were pretty much hand built at S&W. they even have the smith's mark on the frame(typically a letter).  many smiths built them for years at S&W..

honestly don't think S&W could produce them today. The 41 is an example of that... todays 41s are no where near the old ones.

if you get one,  start the quest for spare parts..Gunbroker and eBay.. My wife shoots a 52-1 which had the old style extractor.. it had a history of breaking them so I've acquired two new extractors for it, as well as, most all internal parts over the years.. even have a new barrel.
 
Of course I've never had an issue with her pistol..   great little pistols

A year or two ago we had a discussion about a Smith who built Model 52's for S&W. I think you can rest assured that he knew how to build a match pistol. I lucked out and had a pistol with his builders mark. Get any one you want as long as it has a "2" on the frame.   https://www.bullseyeforum.net/t5895-special-news-for-sw-model-52-owners?highlight=model+52+gunsmith

How nice to see this tread resurrected as I had the honor recently to see and talk with  "number 2" Eddie Mitchell again at Mid-Carolina Gun Club. What a guy!  At 90+ years of age, his stamina  in helping us score and generally being a fun guy all day in the heat makes me feel old. Just being at this match with Eddie and his son was another  special experience.

Had to go look.  Mine has a 1 or what appears to be a 1 in that location.  Guess I need to be selling it. Not  Don

LenV wrote:A year or two ago we had a discussion about a Smith who built Model 52's for S&W. I think you can rest assured that he knew how to build a match pistol. I lucked out and had a pistol with his builders mark. Get any one you want as long as it has a "2" on the frame.   https://www.bullseyeforum.net/t5895-special-news-for-sw-model-52-owners?highlight=model+52+gunsmith

Thanks for sharing the old link.  I also had to go check my 52 no dash.  I have a 0 stamped.