Smith & Wesson S&W 52-2 .38 Spl Wadcutter Master Single Action Semi Automatic Target Pistol & Box

SOLD FOR: $1,810
Make: 
Smith & Wesson
Model: Model 52-2, the .38 Master Single Action
Serial Number: A483620
Year of Manufacture: 1978 – 1979
Caliber: .38 Special (wadcutter loaded even with cartridge rim only)
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “SMITH & WESSON” and the four line Marcas Registradas address. The left side of the frame is marked “A4836020 / Model 52-2”. There is a “T” on the left forward side of the trigger guard and a “Y” on the right forward underside of the magazine well. The right side of the slide is marked “PAT’S PENDING” and the right side of the frame has an S&W logo. The barrel is marked “.38 SPECIAL / MID-RANGE” as seen through the ejection port.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is Patridge style blade on a serrated ramp. There is a square notch, flat top, matted face rear target sight which is adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with a brass colored S&W medallions at the top. They are similar to the grips on an S&W Model 59. They show only the lightest of handling marks and have no notable chips, cracks or scratches. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mirror bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99.5% of its metal finish. There are two very tiny nicks through the finish on the left edge of the slide, some light handling marks and that’s about all. . . This gun is the definition of clean. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This pistol has an adjustable trigger stop and employs a magazine disconnect safety. We did not fire this handgun, but we would like to.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Two 5-round magazines with floorplates marked “S&W” are provided in Excellent condition, showing almost no marks whatsoever. A two piece blue cardboard Bangor Punta box with metal reinforcements is provided. The unfinished edges are slightly frayed and there is one mark through the finish on the bottom. The box shows only a few handling marks and has a sticker on one end that is marked “0522025001 / 38 AUTO MSTR SA 5IN BRBL” and “Y”. The interior of the box is also blue cardboard, with a cut-out for the pistol and another for the second magazine. The pistol cut-out has mark at the rear sight and the bottom of the mainspring housing. The three parts of the box are all in about Fine to Excellent condition. The Owner’s Manual, Registration Card, Warranty Station list and a Holster pamphlet are all provided in Fine condition. Also provided in Very Good condition are a loop cleaning rod, wire bristle bore brush, cotton bore mop, screwdriver, hex wrench and barrel bushing wrench in the opened factory bag.
Our Assessment: The S&W Model 52-2 was the final configuration for what was arguably the best centerfire semi-automatic they ever made. If you are a handloader interested in serious accuracy, this pistol should pretty much shoot as well as you can hold. Although we believe this handgun has been fired, it was handled with care, maintained well, stored properly and comes to you just short of “as new in box”. We are confident that you will find this target pistol is in Excellent condition.

Smith & Wesson S&W 52-2 .38 Spl Wadcutter Master Single Action Semi Automatic Target Pistol & Box
Smith & Wesson S&W 52-2 .38 Spl Wadcutter Master Single Action Semi Automatic Target Pistol & Box