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Smith & Wesson 52-1

JGR2018JGR2018 Member Posts: 186 ✭✭✭
edited April 2011 in Ask the Experts
Can the 52-1 take all 38 special or just wadcutter. Blue book is not clear on this. I would think any 38 will take wadcutters and all 38 ammo, thanks.
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Comments

  • perry shooterperry shooter Member Posts: 17,105 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Just the flush mounted wad cutter normal 38 specials are too long to fit in the Magazine of the Model 52
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  • beantownshootahbeantownshootah Member Posts: 12,776 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Smith model 52 was purpose built as a target gun designed to run just wadcutter ammo.

    I don't think conventional ammo will even fit in the magazine, let alone load or cycle.
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  • Laredo LeftyLaredo Lefty Member Posts: 13,451 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    As you can see, flat wadcutters are the only .38 rounds that will load in the 52 mags.

    IMG_0005-2.jpg
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  • 62fuelie62fuelie Member Posts: 1,069 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    These were VERY load specific - 148 grain full wadcutter seated flush with the case mouth and slightly crimped over 2.7 grains of Bullseye. Even the slightest bullet projection beyond the case mouth caused feeding problems. I had one for a while hoping to find some way to make the magazine accept a sixth round so I could use it in PPC matches - never happened.
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  • beantownshootahbeantownshootah Member Posts: 12,776 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by 62fuelie
    These were VERY load specific - 148 grain full wadcutter seated flush with the case mouth and slightly crimped over 2.7 grains of Bullseye. Even the slightest bullet projection beyond the case mouth caused feeding problems. I had one for a while hoping to find some way to make the magazine accept a sixth round so I could use it in PPC matches - never happened.


    Actually, I used to compete in PPC matches against two guys who used exactly these with converted magazines. Its not an uncommon modification.

    All of the mags in question were professionally converted and ran 100%.

    I don't know how technically difficult it is to do the conversion, or who actually does it nowadays, but supposedly all you need to do is elongate the follower slot a bit.

    If you're "bold" and don't mind taking a chance messing up a $50 mag, you could try a dremel!
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