Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 52-2, .38 Master Single Action

Serial Number: A435842

Year of Manufacture: 1977-1978

Caliber: .38 Special Mid-Range (wadcutter)

Action Type: Single Action, Detachable Magazine Fed Semi-Auto Pistol

Barrel Length: 5″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge blade with a serrated ramp integral to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation dovetailed and screw-set to the rear of the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with S&W medallions. The grips have faint handling wear with only a few minor marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are only a few scattered minor marks. The action shows faint operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a wood presentation case, total of two 5-round magazines, cleaning rod, brush, mop, grooved alloy-handle screwdriver, allen wrench and barrel bushing wrench.

Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 52 (the .38 Master Single Action) is a serious target pistol designed to fire only .38 Special Wadcutter ammunition with the bullet seated flush with the case mouth. It was created in 1961 for the sport of NRA Bullseye shooting and retained the basic trigger mechanism of the Model 39, with the Double-Action disconnector removed, allowing the pistol to be fired in Single action only. The 52-1 was produced as a true single-action and the 52-2 improved the extractor design. The model was produced by S&W until the machinery used to manufacture it wore out and was considered to be too costly to replace. Fortunately, this Model 52-2 is far from being worn out and has a bright bore and good mechanics. This is a great handgun, no longer produced by Smith & Wesson, which is still ready to deliver lead as aimed or add to your collection. Please see our photos and good luck!