Athlon Outdoors Supersite
Tactical Life Website
Ballistic Website
Personal Defense World Website
Skillsetmag Website
  • Guns
    • Semi-Automatic Handguns
    • Revolvers
    • Semi-Automatic Rifles
    • Modern Sporting Rifle
    • Lever Action
    • Bolt Action
    • Shotguns
    • Airguns
  • Parts & Accessories
    • Optics & Sights
    • Thermal Vision
    • Lasers & Lights
    • Suppressors
    • Holsters
    • Slings
    • Targets
    • Handgun Parts
    • Rifle Parts
    • Maintenance & Tools
  • Ammo
    • Handgun Ammo
    • Rifle Ammo
    • Shotgun Ammo
    • Rimfire Ammo
    • Reloading
  • Gear
    • Apparel
    • Ears & Eyes
    • Storage
    • Tactical Gear
    • Knives
    • Less Lethal
    • Flashlights
    • Electronics
  • Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • Personal Defense
    • Home Defense
    • Hunting
    • Competition Shooting
    • Precision Shooting/Long Range Shooting
    • Training
    • Shooting 101
    • Survival
    • Military & LE
    • People
    • Rides
    • History
  • News
  • Giveaways
    • July Free Gun Friday: IWI US Carmel
  • VIDEOS
No Result
View All Result
Athlon Outdoors
  • Guns
    • Semi-Automatic Handguns
    • Revolvers
    • Semi-Automatic Rifles
    • Modern Sporting Rifle
    • Lever Action
    • Bolt Action
    • Shotguns
    • Airguns
  • Parts & Accessories
    • Optics & Sights
    • Thermal Vision
    • Lasers & Lights
    • Suppressors
    • Holsters
    • Slings
    • Targets
    • Handgun Parts
    • Rifle Parts
    • Maintenance & Tools
  • Ammo
    • Handgun Ammo
    • Rifle Ammo
    • Shotgun Ammo
    • Rimfire Ammo
    • Reloading
  • Gear
    • Apparel
    • Ears & Eyes
    • Storage
    • Tactical Gear
    • Knives
    • Less Lethal
    • Flashlights
    • Electronics
  • Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • Personal Defense
    • Home Defense
    • Hunting
    • Competition Shooting
    • Precision Shooting/Long Range Shooting
    • Training
    • Shooting 101
    • Survival
    • Military & LE
    • People
    • Rides
    • History
  • News
  • Giveaways
    • July Free Gun Friday: IWI US Carmel
  • VIDEOS
No Result
View All Result
Athlon Outdoors Super Site
No Result
View All Result
  • TL
  • PDW
  • BM
  • Skillset

Smith & Wesson Model 52: A Quick Look at the Forgotten .38 Special Pistol

Based on the classic Model 39 and built to compete, the Smith & Wesson Model 52 dominated competition during its short-lived, historic run.
Personal Defense WorldbyPersonal Defense World
February 12, 2020

The Smith & Wesson Model 52 was developed as a companion piece to the Model 41, which was chambered for the .22 LR and used for competition. Another interesting note is that S&W developed the Model 52 as a byproduct to the famed Model 39. The famed 39 started the trend in autopistol deployment by law enforcement.

Smith & Wesson Model 52

Using most of the Model 39’s lockwork but with a setscrew that would prevent double-action operation, the Model 52 was strictly a single action for target shooters. For additional accuracy, the muzzle bushing adjusted via a special tool. Meanwhile, a special socket arrangement held the barrel and slide to very close tolerances.

The gun used .38 Special wadcutter bullets seated flush with the case to ensure flawless feeding. At the factory, workers test-fired every gun in a machine rest to ensure its accuracy at 50 yards, with five-shot groups no larger than 2 inches. Otherwise, the gun went back to the bench for reworking.

To ensure the gun would hold its edge for competition, one Model 52 was subject to more than 100,000 cycles, and it still produced 2.14-inch groups. Another 25,000 cycles were ordered, and the gun came through with even better results—five-shot groups of only 1.93 inches.

In the short time the gun was around, it established records in target shooting circles that are still valid today. Purchased in 1979, my Model 52 is still the pride of my handgun battery. Sadly, the gun is out of production, but good samples are still available as used firearms.

This article is from the March-April 2020 issue of Combat Handguns magazine. Grab your copy at OutdoorGroupStore.com. For digital editions, visit Amazon.

Didn't find what you were looking for?

MOST POPULAR

Enter to Win a Colt Blued Python 357

Enter to Win a Colt Blued Python 357

The EOTECH Vudu 1-10x28 FFP Scope.

The EOTECH Vudu 1-10×28 FFP is the Ultimate LPVO Scope

Sig Sauer's new MCX Regulator.

Sig Sauer Redefines the Ranch Rifle

The Taurus GX4 Carry 9mm.

The Taurus GX4 Carry 9mm Is the Epitome of Reliability

TRENDING

The Benelli M3 Super 90 might be the ultimate shotgun for defense.

Benelli M3 Super 90 Combat: The Shotgun That Ends the Debate

Med-Eng TAC 6 Explosive Protection Suit

Med-Eng TAC 6 Explosive Protection Suit | New Product

USAREUR Best Warrior Competition 2016

USAREUR Best Warrior Winners Ready For Stateside Competition

cz 75 sp-01 phantom semiautomatic handgun

CZ 75 SP-01 Phantom 9mm Handgun Review

BROWSE BY BRAND

Skillset Magazine
Ballistic Magazine
Combat Handguns
Tactical Life
PDW Concealed Carry Handguns
Personal Defense World
Guns of the Old West
American Frontiersman

SPOTLIGHT

7 Shooting Fundamentals: A Guide to Better Shooting.

Shooting 101: Hitting the Gun Range for the First Time

You’ve acquired a firearm, studied up on how it operates, learned about gun safety, bought the right ammunition, and picked...

VIDEO SERIES: NIGHT SHOOTER | Season 3

MORE VIDEOS

Shoot on the move when training carbine entries.

Carbine Entries: Training to Get the Gun Up & Shooting Fast!

Walther PDP Pro ACRO: Delivering Dynamic Performance.

TESTED: Walther PDP Pro ACRO Delivers Dynamic Performance

HANDGUNS - click to see all

Walther PDP Pro ACRO: Delivering Dynamic Performance.

TESTED: Walther PDP Pro ACRO Delivers Dynamic Performance

TESTED: Shooting the Colt Anaconda 4.25-inch .44 Magnum.

The 4.25-inch Colt Anaconda .44 Mag is an Affordable Extravagance

Tisas 1911 Stakeout

Tisas 1911 Stakeout Now Comes With 9mm & 38 Super Barrels!

Different Pistol Sizes: The Pros and Cons of Each Size.

Pros and Cons of the Four Basic Pistol Sizes and Their Uses

Taurus GX4 Carry T.O.R.O. Review: Reliability You Can Count On.

The Taurus GX4 Carry T.O.R.O. Offers Reliability You Can Count On

How to Operate a Revolver: Proper Handling and Shooting.

Handgun Basics: How to Properly Hold and Operate a Revolver

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TERMS OF USE
  • CORPORATE
  • ADVERTISE
Menu
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TERMS OF USE
  • CORPORATE
  • ADVERTISE
No Result
View All Result
  • Guns
    • Semi-Automatic Handguns
    • Revolvers
    • Semi-Automatic Rifles
    • Modern Sporting Rifle
    • Lever Action
    • Bolt Action
    • Shotguns
    • Airguns
  • Parts & Accessories
    • Optics & Sights
    • Thermal Vision
    • Lasers & Lights
    • Suppressors
    • Holsters
    • Slings
    • Targets
    • Handgun Parts
    • Rifle Parts
    • Maintenance & Tools
  • Ammo
    • Handgun Ammo
    • Rifle Ammo
    • Shotgun Ammo
    • Rimfire Ammo
    • Reloading
  • Gear
    • Apparel
    • Ears & Eyes
    • Storage
    • Tactical Gear
    • Knives
    • Less Lethal
    • Flashlights
    • Electronics
  • Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • Personal Defense
    • Home Defense
    • Hunting
    • Competition Shooting
    • Precision Shooting/Long Range Shooting
    • Training
    • Shooting 101
    • Survival
    • Military & LE
    • People
    • Rides
    • History
  • News
  • Giveaways
    • July Free Gun Friday: IWI US Carmel
  • VIDEOS

© 2023 Athlon Outdoors - Premium Firearm product and industry news, reviews and magazines" .

No Result
View All Result
  • Guns
    • Semi-Automatic Handguns
    • Revolvers
    • Semi-Automatic Rifles
    • Modern Sporting Rifle
    • Lever Action
    • Bolt Action
    • Shotguns
    • Airguns
  • Parts & Accessories
    • Optics & Sights
    • Thermal Vision
    • Lasers & Lights
    • Suppressors
    • Holsters
    • Slings
    • Targets
    • Handgun Parts
    • Rifle Parts
    • Maintenance & Tools
  • Ammo
    • Handgun Ammo
    • Rifle Ammo
    • Shotgun Ammo
    • Rimfire Ammo
    • Reloading
  • Gear
    • Apparel
    • Ears & Eyes
    • Storage
    • Tactical Gear
    • Knives
    • Less Lethal
    • Flashlights
    • Electronics
  • Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • Personal Defense
    • Home Defense
    • Hunting
    • Competition Shooting
    • Precision Shooting/Long Range Shooting
    • Training
    • Shooting 101
    • Survival
    • Military & LE
    • People
    • Rides
    • History
  • News
  • Giveaways
    • July Free Gun Friday: IWI US Carmel
  • VIDEOS

© 2023 Athlon Outdoors - Premium Firearm product and industry news, reviews and magazines" .