S&W Model 52
My Model 52 has a firing pin block safety. Sometimes I engage this and dry fire. I understand that using Snap-Caps might be preferred, but am I harming anything on the Smith by doing what I am doing?
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My brother had this gun and now I do, he said it fires 38 special "wadcutters" my question is, are there any commercially available wadcutter ammo for sale?
OR, is this just reload stuff.....0 -
"WADCUTTER" IS A BULLET DESIGN THAT IS READILY AVALIABLE AT ANY STORE THAT SELL AMMO. IT IS GENERALLY USED AS TARGET AMMO BECAUSE IT IS CHEAP AND CUTS CLEAN HOLES IN PAPER TARGETS. IF YOUR SMITH IS IN GOOD SHAPE, YOU CAN SHOOT JUST ABOUT ANY AMMO FOR A .38 SPECIAL. BE SURE TO CLEAN ALL THE LEAD OUT BEFORE SHOOTING JACKETED BULLETS.
PRZNCOP1100 -
What interests me about the linked article is by how much the Python generally outshot the Smith & Wesson Model 52 target pistol and Model 686 revolver. Colt revolvers always had a reputation as being the most accurate revolvers, and that contention is certainly supported by the tests quoted. The large variation in accuracy from brand to brand is also very interesting, and certainly shows that cost does not always equal performance. 0 -
I believe przncop110 has misled you about what you can shoot in the S & W model 52. It is designed for wadcutter ammo only and the normal .38 Spec. with bullet protruding forward of the case will not function through the magazine. I don't believe the wadcutter ammo is even available in jacketed bullets. The model 52 recoil spring is of the correct strenth for lightly loaded cartridges and I am afraid damage would occur to the gun if you were so foolish as to single load and fire a +P .38 Special load in it. I have owned and fired one of these guns and it is specifically designed for the NRA bullseye competition at 25 and 50 yards. They are a joy to shoot. Even through the Python might outshoot them from bench rest or slow fire, bullseye shooters long ago gave up the revolvers as they could shoot better scores with semi-auto. I shot some bullseye competition in the 1970's and 1980's and don't recall seeing any wheelguns (revolvers) on the firing line as far back as those years. 0 -
Hershel is absolutely correct! The Model 52 is a wadcutter only pistol. If you don't think it will serve your needs sell it. The Model 52's command high prices if in good condition. They are no longer in production. Check out the GB auctions for used prices.............Hondo 0 -
You'll get better consistency and after carefully developing a load, better accuracy if you reload, However, there are lots of wad cutters available. The 52 is a fine target pistol that's not made to shoot anything but wad cutters.
PRZNCOP110, is wrong. Wadcutters only out of a 52. No need for caps only either. Shut off your caps lock.0 -
Thanks, I knew about the wadcutters only part I was just wondering if there are any companies who sell them so I do not have to reload. I have NO time right now.
Thanks,
Marc0 -
I've used Winchester loads and my Model 52 seemed to like them. I also fired quite a bit of Fiocchi several years back and these gave very good results- but I have no idea where to find them or if they are still available today. I've used my own reloads for many years and they've always worked well, but if time is an issue I'd say go for the Winchester- more expensive but probably the easiest brand to locate.
Mark T. Christian0 -
Thanks I will search some of the usual places to buy ammo on the net. 0 -
The 52's I have shot really liked Winchester's Mid-Range wad-cutters. They were extremely accurate, many 50yd 5 round groups less than 1.5 inches. Never had a Python do that. Keep the gun. I let mine go several years back and still regret it. 0
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