I've been told that my 520, serial number N5576XX, is not a NYSP gun. If that is the case, who did S&W make the other 520s for, the civilian market or other agencies? And if others outside of the 3000 were made how many were in total?
Keith

Your particular 520, nor any of the others, were ever issued to the New York State Police. The agency had transitioned to .357magnums from the Colt Official Police, (.38special) in the form of the S&W 10-6 and then the 13-1 (virtual twins). After a brief exposure to the 10-6 and the 13-1 they wanted to get a heftier replacement into the field quickly. They contracted S&W to build the 520. The contract was canceled. The 520 was produced in limited numbers (3000 pieces) and sold to S&W distributors after the failed contract. The agency then bought the Model 28 Highway Patrolman, 4" .357mag and had them marked NYSP. I hope this helps.