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Firearm question for old school bullseye shooters
12/30/2010 9:59:33 AM
I looking at getting a .38 special mid-range wadcutter gun. I have an opportunity to get either a Colt 1911 Gold Cup National Match in .38 special mid-range (circa the early '60's) or a S&W Model 52-2 for essentially the same price.
The Colt appears to be more collectable. The S&W has a very good reputation as a shooter. If the Colt were likely to shoot just as well as the S&W I'd get the Colt for the added collector value. But if the S&W were head and shoulders above the Colt I'd get the S&W because shooting is more important than collecting to me.
Anyone here handle one or more of these and willing to share your opinion?
The Colt appears to be more collectable. The S&W has a very good reputation as a shooter. If the Colt were likely to shoot just as well as the S&W I'd get the Colt for the added collector value. But if the S&W were head and shoulders above the Colt I'd get the S&W because shooting is more important than collecting to me.
Anyone here handle one or more of these and willing to share your opinion?
12/30/2010 3:48:48 PM
Good afternoon, Sir. I was an assistant chief range officer at the National Matches and a bullseye competitor. It's only my opinion, but, should you decide to shoot a "hardball or wad" 45 at a later date to shoot 25 & 50 yards, having the Colt will be easy to transisition back and forth for practice and competition. Regards
12/30/2010 9:41:55 PM
If you are looking at shooting the matches that include hardball, wadcutter and 22lr
the 38 wadcutter has a fine reputation and is a great shooter (S&W 52)
The other weapons I use for this is Ruger competition slab side, Golt USAMTU build 45 hardball
the 38 wadcutter has a fine reputation and is a great shooter (S&W 52)
The other weapons I use for this is Ruger competition slab side, Golt USAMTU build 45 hardball
1/3/2011 9:41:40 AM
Back from vacation...
Thanks for your input. I was thinking the Colt might be a better choice due to the easy transition between it and the .45. There just doesn't seem to be too much info in the net regarding the .38 Spl. Colt 1911. Everyone talks about how well the S&W 52 shoots but I get the impression there just aren't too many .38 Spl. Colt 1911s out in the world.
Thanks for your input. I was thinking the Colt might be a better choice due to the easy transition between it and the .45. There just doesn't seem to be too much info in the net regarding the .38 Spl. Colt 1911. Everyone talks about how well the S&W 52 shoots but I get the impression there just aren't too many .38 Spl. Colt 1911s out in the world.
1/23/2011 7:25:46 PM
I would suggest a .45 wad gun (1911) as you can shoot it in the centerfire match and the .45 match. In the mil. you shot a hardball gun in both matches until you shot in the team match at Perry. If you want to make distinguished, that's the way to go. As far as the S&W 52, the team coaches felt that the lock time was slower than a 1911 so follow through was vital. Most top shooters that I met used a 1911 wad gun in both matches.
1/24/2011 11:36:26 PM
The Colt 38 special Wadcutter guns can be very cantankerous. S&W 52 is a better target pistol and cheaper. The Colt is way more collectable so if they are priced the same the Colt is either a verygood deal or the 52-2 is way overpriced.
Like already said you are better off with using a 1911 45 wadcutter gun for centerfire, it is just easier to master two guns than it is three.
Like already said you are better off with using a 1911 45 wadcutter gun for centerfire, it is just easier to master two guns than it is three.
2/2/2011 7:19:55 PM
I shoot a S&W M52-2 for center fire. It's an extremely accurate, reliable (once you figure out your load and spring combo), and soft shoting pistol. The problem is S&W no longer supports the model, and some parts are not available at any price. Barrels and extractors are very hard to come by. Magazines aren't too hard to find, but they are always expensive. As a shooter I'd pick the M52 over the Colt .38 because as others have said, the Colt is much more collectable.
2/3/2011 8:55:34 PM
I have three M52's in inventory and they are the top choice for my staff. I've been toying with the idea of getting one of my own. With a full rack of FWB93 and shelf's full of hardball .45's the M52 just rounds out the shooting box very well.
