Can a s&w model 39 be converted to Model 52 by adding a 52s slide, barrel, etc

[SGM5091]

I recently picked up a dismantled S&W Model 52 parts without the frame.
I am wondering if a Model 39 frame could be used to put the 52 back together? Anyone try doing this?

[Winger Ed.]

I'd try it, just to see,
but you're going to have a problem with the magazine, and probably the magazine well if nothing else.

There's more than one reason why Model 39 magazines are $20-30 bucks and ones for a model 52
are higher than giraffe lips if you can even find one.

[M-Tecs]

You should be able to make a 52 out of it with a 39 frame but not a 52-1 or 52-2

https://www.shootingtimes.com/editorial/handgun_reviews_st_swmodel5238_200906/100100

In 1963, the Model 52-1 was introduced; it incorporated a steel frame, a new single-action trigger mechanism, and a different hammer.

[deltaenterprizes]

I was told that some of the first 39s were built on 52 frames!

[M-Tecs]

I was told that some of the first 39s were built on 52 frames!

Yes for the first 3,500.

https://www.shootingtimes.com/editorial/handgun_reviews_st_swmodel5238_200906/100100

In 1960, the U.S. Army Marksmanship Training Unit was so impressed with the performance of the Model 39, it requested that Smith & Wesson produce a similar model chambered for a proprietary cartridge it had developed, the .38 AMU, which was little more than the .38 Spl. Mid-Range wadcutter load but using a semirimless case. The new pistol was designated as the Model 52A, and approximately 90 pistols were delivered. They were used by the Army's pistol team for a short tim

S&W saw possibilities for this type of pistol, and in 1961, the company released it on the commercial market as the Model 52. It was similar to the Army pistol, except it was fitted with a longer, 5-inch barrel, used a setscrew to lock out the double-action option on the trigger, and it was chambered for the standard .38 Spl. Mid-Range wadcutter cartridge.

The company saw the Model 52 as the target pistol of the future, and great pains were taken to ensure quality. The company wanted to make sure it was the most accurate out-of-the-box target pistol available to the American shooter. One of the most prominent design features was the barrel shape, in that it increased in diameter at the muzzle so as to lock into a special threaded bushing that was screwed into the front of the slide and secured in place by a spring-loaded plunger. The setup removed all play in the barrel.

Except for the threaded muzzle bushing, field-stripping the Model 52 was exactly the same as for S&W's 9mm Model 39 pistol.
According to History of Smith & Wesson by S&W historian Roy Jinks, "To insure the accuracy of the pistol, extra rigid inspection was incorporated by having the Model 52 machine rest tested at 50 yards to insure that the pistol would shoot five-shot groups having maximum spread of two inches. Any pistol that could not meet this standard was returned to production for reworking."

Insistence upon such tight tolerances meant that production was slow, and only 3,500 units were produced by 1963.

[fc60]

Greetings,

I do not believe the M39 will work. Memory tells me the magazine well is cut different.

But, I have been wrong many times. So, find someone with a M39 and see if a M52 magazine will fit into the mag well.

Cheers,

Dave

[SGM5091]

I have a 52-2 and bought the parts in case I might need them. Would the dismantled parts (from a 52-2) work in a 39-2? If so, I'd consider having the barrel lined with a 9mm liner and chambered for 38 Super. Of course I would use reduced loads. The Supers should feed from the 39s mags with no problems.

[M-Tecs]

I have a 52-2 and bought the parts in case I might need them. Would the dismantled parts (from a 52-2) work in a 39-2? If so, I'd consider having the barrel lined with a 9mm liner and chambered for 38 Super. Of course I would use reduced loads. The Supers should feed from the 39s mags with no problems.

My guess is yes but that is just a wag based on the fact that the first 3,500 model 52 were built on the 39 frames but without having done I am not 100%.

[JRD]

Also bear in mind that Model 52 slides and frames were lapped together. Mag well differences aside, the slide will probably take some fitting to get on a different frame.

[rintinglen]

My 52 mags will NOT fit in my Model 39-2. They are too long, front to back, although the width seems as though they'd fit.

[country gent]

The 38 spl and 38 super require the 45 acp length action of 1 .20.the 9mm is to short The 38spl requires some small mods to the ejection port on a 1911 also.

[M-Tecs]

https://www.bullseyeforum.net/t4197-model-52-magazine

Update: Can you convert a model 39 mag to a 52? The answer is "NO". The 52 mag is .030" wider than a 39 mag. The rim on the 38 special will not go into the mag. They (39) are also shorter in length by about the same .030" with a much rounder front. I picked up a 52 with only 1 mag so thought I would try. Now I need to find another mag. Crying or Very sad

Len


They can not be converted but they can be built.If you have model 39 mags then Numrich has everything except the pins to build them and you can get those on e-bay. I cancelled my request to buy a mag after I found they had all the parts.

[SGM5091]

I was notified the Model 39-2 I won on Gun broker is with my FFL holder. I'll pick I up this weekend and see how my Model 52-2 parts mate up. I plan to reline it and chamber it for 38 Super. That should eliminate the magazine problems. If it can be done at a reasonable price I will keep you informed of my progress.

[Bmi48219]

I have a 52-2 that, according to the guys on the S&W forum was made during the last year of production. Also have an early 39. I was told at the end of 52-2 production that team became the basis of the Performance Center. I’m not a machinist but really doubt you would be able to use the 39 frame to ‘make’ a 52.
You might be able to piece together a 952, assuming your frame is up to the challenge, but then again, I’m no gunsmith.
I wanted a 952 PC LS for years. Every year they became more and more expensive. Having shot a couple 952’s, I like the 52-2 even more.

[SGM5091]

I know that whatever I put together will not be as good as any of the Model 52s I have. I just want to see if I can utilize the parts I have to make an "improved" Model 39 in a caliber I believe is better than the 9mm.

[SOFMatchstaff]

Been following this thread, concept is good, execution not so much. I went the opposite way and put a M59 top end on one of my 52s' to get a higher capacity range pig with a really good trigger pull. It work out much better than I had hoped for, indoor match gun that I didn't care if I got the brass back, won gold 5 years running. So there is a way to a better M39 if you have the right parts.

As to more poop from the 39 platform, you might as well forget the 38 super, as neither mag will work, OAL is to much. I suggest you consider the Eyetye sooper(9x21) or the S&W version, the 356 TSW .. Both will work in the 39 mags and exceed the 9x19 power levels. Its a simple chamber stretch and pay attention to the cartridge OAL when loading. I like doing what you are trying to do, but its wasting the 52 parts on something that's not going to do what you hope it will. I have some mixmasters I'd bet nobody has tried yet(thanks Dan Coonan)..... so have fun....

[SGM5091]

Some Questions Answered! Picked up my Model 39-2 and couldn't wait to check it out. Removed the slide, barrel, and recoil spring assembly from it and compared the bottom of the slide with that of the Model 52-2.
The machining looked the same. I then assembled the Model 52 upper and slid it on the Model 39's frame. They mated well, so I installed the Model 39's slide stop and inserted a 39 magazine. When I pulled the slide back it locked open. I released the slide and the gun remained cocked. Squeezing the trigger dropped the hammer, as did engaging the safety. Everything went together well and operates as it should.

[30calflash]

Watching closely as I've a 39 top end that does fit my 52.

[SGM5091]

Now comes the hard part - what caliber? I am considering the 38 Super. It has a semi rim so it should fit the slide face, which is cut for the 38 Special. I plan to use the extractor from the Model 39, which should work with the Super. I just need to find someone to re-line and chamber the barrel. Ammo will be reloads, as factory ammo will be too long to fit the magazine.

[Bmi48219]

Is your 39 frame the S&W version of aluminum?

[SGM5091]

It sure is. The Model 39-2 was not made with a steel frame.

[Bmi48219]

I know S&W made some all steel 39’s early on. Then made stainless versions: 639 and 3906.
I purchased an early 59 when they came out. The slide to frame fit was tight for about 10,000 rounds. The aluminum frame got pretty sloppy after that. Replaced it with a 5906.

[M-Tecs]

https://americanhandgunner.com/handguns/historically-important-sws-model-39/

The prototype used an alloy frame. Wanting to cover all bases, in the early ’50’s the factory forged 1,000 steel frames. They also designed a single-action variation. Samples were provided to the US military for testing. About this time the military decided to stay with the pistols on hand. It would be another 30 years before a new pistol was adopted........................................... .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................Remember those 1,000 steel frames forged in the early ’50’s? In 1966 the factory decided to finish machining the 927 steel frames still on hand, assemble completed pistols on them and release them for commercial sale. These were marked model “39” and sold along with the alloy framed version, in three s/n ranges: 35,000 between 60,000-64,000 and 80,000.

[SGM5091]

First major problem! I have not been able to locate a 9mm barrel liner small enough to use in the Model 52's barrel. I am considering having a tube installed on the end of a Model 39 barrel to make it long enough to use in the 52's slide. We'll see what the gunsmith says.

[Bmi48219]

First major problem! I have not been able to locate a 9mm barrel liner small enough to use in the Model 52's barrel. I am considering having a tube installed on the end of a Model 39 barrel to make it long enough to use in the 52's slide. We'll see what the gunsmith says.

I’m not following your plan. A 52’s barrel is roughly .357” ID, a 9 mm is roughly .356”.
Would have to be a pretty thin liner. If your goal is a 52 that shoots 9mm, look for a 952 barrel. The 952 barrel to model 52 barrel bushing fit may be an issue, as well as general barrel fit up.
I think Clark or someone made 38 WC replacement barrels for model 52’s.
It would be expensive but you might find one on eBay or S&W forum.

Edit note: two model 52 barrels listed on eBay

[elmacgyver0]

Sounds like an excellent way to ruin a good model 39.