I just purchased an original Model 520, part of the undelivered contract to the NYSP that is new in the box and I have a question about the grips. Are they suppose to be numbered to the pistol or unnumbered.

Thanks, brand new member

The grips are numbered but the vast majority of the 520's checked and mentioned on this site have the grips and guns mixed up from the factory. The numbers are usually close but rarely match.

What Buff said.

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Curtis M Brier

Thanks much, I see I'm going to enjoy this forum. My 520 has one grip unumbered and the other is numbered but does not match. They match in color. This makes me feel much better about my purchase. My serial range is; 588xxx.

The left panels were never numbered, only the right one.
As Buff said almost all 520s have their grips mixed and usually don't match.

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Dick
SWCA #2292

Thanks and as Paul Harvey always said, "Now I know the rest of the story" I have printed off the replys and will put them in with the pistol.

No it's not.....

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Deuteronomy 23:1

Probably meant 558xxx. And even that lacks a little something.

I know that, was just pickin'

Welcome aboard cskroy-lots of us here are proud owners of a 520 NYSP and can rattle off the serial # range almost by heart N557750-N560860

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Deuteronomy 23:1

Welcome to the Forum cskroy. As a service to a new member, I will personally inspect your grips and see if the match to the gun. Just send everything to me and I'll look into it for you, no charge.

Enjoy that historical piece!

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NRA Life Member

Were I not awaiting an imminent hip replacement , I'd be doing backflips...

Both my 520s (N5595XX & N5578XX) stocks number to them ...

Yea...Just showin' off ...

You're toooo nice. I Will mail out first thing Monday morning.....

Serial number of my M520 is: N558216....

You and I have a really classic S&W. The first magnum to be built without adjustable sights, and one of the best combat wheelguns ever! I have made an effort to get as many revolvers in that configuration as possible (heavy caliber, N/L frame, fixed sights) love em all.

Actually, the .41 Magnum Model 58 and the .357 Magnum Model 10-6/Model 13 were earlier.

What years were these 520's issued to NYSP?
This is a N frame correct?

Never issued - circa 1979 - the outgoing 13-1 was replaced by the 28-2 instead of the 520.

I thought that the replacement was an L frame?

Brian~

it was the 1st with an underlug

The model 58 was never an NYSP gun. The 10-6, in .357magnum, replaced the Colt Official Police, next came the 13-1, then the failed 520 contract, next the 28-2 and then the 681 followed by Glocks. All these models were for uniformed members.

Just out of idle curiosity, I wonder how many of us on the Forum own those 520s. Mine is number 559465

I picked up my 520 5-6 years ago NIB, it's still NIB.

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

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.

you switched 'em!

and that's definitely considered cheating by us poor only have one Mod. 520 guys.

/c

the right side grip should be numbered, but they almost never match the gun is what ive been told by members and also 2 very knowledgeable gunsmiths .one owns a shooting range and has devoted the last 40 years to firearms and collecting facts.the other is a dealer and has owned his shop for over 30 years so i tend to believe what they tell me.

the one that i have is n560713..pretty close to the end of them? im no expert but i would have to call it a very nice shooter..(no box) not perfect..very few little spots on the right side..all ive done is wipe it down with an oil impregnated remington towel..was more into getting the bore and chambers clean..i didnt know it was a collectible..i bet someone who knows more then me could polish that thing like new..i just want to get my kimber paid off..i need 700 buks to pick it up..im really into the1911 thing..i own 12 of them in every size

i figured this was the place to get rid of an old smith wheelgun..(not really my thing).i can borrow my buds digital camera if pics are wanted..not exactly sure how to put them on here but im sure i can figure it out..ill ask my 12 year old kid!! or e-mail? im not very good on computers yet..but for my kimber ill try anything...

if you are going to place it up for sale...you need to place it in the for sale section of this forum

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SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

I sold my 520 so I don't have a dog in the fight, but you guys should consider posting a frame and grip number list so that the numbered grips can be reunited with the proper guns. There is a database where Luger owners are going this with numbered magazines.

The factory stocks were manufactured so consistently for proper fit by 1979 that they are right on the cusp of when stocks were no longer numbered. Hence why Smith didn't bother to match them to the guns. Like beemerphile said, 520 owners might want to create a thread to match and swap stocks. They will all fit the same.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

thanks buddy i just found this site while browsing.ill give it a try ,my computer skills are very limited....

good luck with your upcoming surgery

did u really mfind them withthegrip#s already matching, or did u find and put on thegrips?

If the NYSP went to the 28-2 instead of the 520, when did they go to the 681?

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My sgntr is mor thn 30 chrctrs

LOL - Guess I'm the only one who noticed the subjects of this thread are post-1980 and belong in the next forum, 1980 to present.

My wife says I have an over active sense of right. Have to admit she's probably right again! (smile)

Dave

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RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

I own N5587XX NIB. Why would I ever consider replacing the grips that originally came on this revolver. I see no good that could come out of swapping out the original grips on such a rare revolver. In my opinion it would make it less than whole and it would no longer be original.

Congrats on a neat S&W!

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Cheers, Charles
SWCA #2442

1981 THROUGH 1990 - followed by Tupperware pistols.

My 520 was made between 1978 and 1980 (per SCSW). Pinned and recessed 3 screw. What doesn't fit? By the way I checked my grip SN# and it does match the frame.

Numbered, but rarely match the revolver.

Guys, we need to see more pictures!

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Jorge