I'm considering buying a S&W 520 NYSP contract 357, and I know these are scarce. My question is should the stocks be numbered to the gun? I removed the stocks and they had some sort of assembly number but not the revolvers serial number. Just want to be sure it's all correct before I buy it.

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Mag31

I don't have a definitive answer, but the N frame PC magna's only came on 58's and 520's, so I would guess they are right. Since these were NYSP contract guns, the matching of stocks to frame may not have been a priority.

Also I am sending you a PM

Sackdaddy

There have been several discussions on this issue. To the best of my knowledge they should be numbered but it is very common to find the number a few off from the gun's number. Apparently, the grips were fit, numbered and then finished, then for some reason (cost most likely) they were put in a box from which they were selected during final assembly. Don't know how true but quite a few 520 owners, myself included, had grips that were close in number but not exact. They were however all within the proper SN range.
Keith

Most numbers don't match from the factory on the 520. But the gun and enjoy it. I still haven't brought myself to shoot mine.

I bought the 520 after doing more research on it. I really like the idea of a fixed sight N frame and since they made only 3000 of them they will only go up in value.

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Congrats on the gun!

The story on the 520 was told to me a few years back by a retired NY Trooper.

When Smith sent the evaluation models, before shipping the actual full run, several NYSP members were tasked with running the new guns through the paces.

As told to me, this is not the gospel, mind you, the evaluation was done in Troop G, Loudonville, NY. The major who was in charge couldn't hit a barn if he was standing inside it.

As he was a senior trooper, he raised enough of a stink over the lack of adjustable sights that the order was cancelled.

I have no idea which ammo they used for the testing or many of the other details.

Thought I would pass this on.

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Take your time..quickly.

I shot mine the other day and found the fixed sights to be perfectly regulated to 158 grn loads. I first shot some CPD/FBI 158 grn Winchester LHP 38 Special.and they shot to the point of aim. Next I tried 158 grn Speer Gold Dot 357 Magnum loads and they to were right on. Then for fun I tried some old Winchester 148 grain 38 wadcutters, and put 6 rounds into one jagged hole at 21 yards from a sandbag rest.
For a fix sighted revolver I was very impressed with the accuracy.

A bit off topic but I have found that my fixed sight S&W revolvers can be just as accurate as my adjustable sighted ones.

And most of mine shoot to correct windage and might be on as to elevation of a bit high, which is not a problem.

I want a M520, but I want one for about $700.00.....good luck huh?

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Have guns...will shoot'em.

I know these Model 520s are a throwback to a different age with revolvers now tending to be lightweight. But shooting this N framed 357 is a joy and the weight makes shooting hot loads a breeze. I've seen a few of these on auction sites and can appreciate why they command such high prices.

There may be even more to the story. I have a cop shooting buddy who is the best shot on his metro dept. and a die hard S&W revolver man. He owned a 520 years ago and said it was the worst S&W he had ever owned. Said his shot all over the map. Go figure.

I just picked up a 520 about 3 weeks ago. Bad shooter or not, I love it.

I can't imagine someone not being able to shoot a 520 well, since it's basically a Model 27 with fixed sights. The sights are definately regulated for 158 grn loads, either 38 Special or 357 Magnum. To bad there are not more of these out there so we could have more feedback. Also being as collectable as they are, a lot of owners will elect not to shoot theirs.

Just bought a custom 520 and have to wait
'till friday to receive it. The 520 butt has been rounded and a 3 1/2" model 27 barrel
added. With a nice set of hogue wood grips,
what cool looking Smith. The 27 barrel sight
was milled off and a much lower sight was dovetailed on. The work was done in Az. according to the seller and looks to be first rate(I hope). I'm getting a model 27 3 1/2 "
M&P sort of. Now if it shoots half as good
as it looks, I'll be happy camper.

Now that sounds like a neat revolver, post some photos when you get it.

I bought one of these last Nov. with box,paperwork and cleaning rod and brush. It has larger target stocks on it that I believe are not correct. Gun is in very good condition.Very little turn line. While completing the deal another shop employee told me he also had one and that his was stamped NYSP on the butt by the serial #. It also had a yellow insert front sight. I'm wondering if anyone knows how many are like this and who would have done the work, NYSP or S&W ? I'm going to letter the gun and ask for that info. I hope it's available.

The 520 never got to the agency and to my knowledge, none were marked. Other NYSP S&Ws, but not all, were stamped "NYSP" on the left side frame below the cylinder (probably because of the serial number placement on the butt). I'd be curious as to what gun the LGS worker has.

Only 3,000 made & pristine examples with box & all the goodies ain't gonna do anyting but increase in value . Look at the Model 58's & see the prices they command .

Late last year I picked up another 520 that showed some wear and had definately been shot. So with no qualms about shooting it I found it to be perfectly regulated shooting 158 grn ammunition. Seems like all fixed sighted 38/357 Smiths I've owned are all regulated for this weight bullet. The 520 is a joy to shoot. I started out with 158 grn RNL 38 Specials, talk about mild recoil and very accurate. I next amped it up a little with some Winchester 158 grn +P LHP (my favorite 38 Spc load) and these shot really tight groups. For a 357 load I tried some Speer Gold Dot JHP 158 grn and some Federal Hydro Shoks. The 520 bucked a little more and you know you're shooting magnum loads, but due to the weight of the N frame the recoil was comfortable and very manageable. This revolver is fun, it's just a shame that they've become so valueable most lucky owners will never shoot them.
It's hard to believe that any decent shot would find one of these inaccurate. Mine shoots as good if not better than either my 581 or 681. I'm glad I found one with enough wear on it that shooting it won't detract from it's value. I highly recommend to any fellow forum members that don't have a 520, if you ever come across one grab it.

He said it is a 520. I'm wondering if they were still in production stage when cancelled. I wasn't going to letter it when I bought it because I thought there were 3000 and that was the end of the story. I'll fill out the request for a letter tonight and ask if that info is available. Will post what I find out. Thanks.

This is probable an old tale, as the NYSP ordered the model 520 and changed the order and adopted the newly released stainless L-frame Model 681 instead. Both guns were fixed sighted 357 mag.

The model 520s came with grips that didn't match the gun, common place, my model 520 doesn't match either. Congrats on a nice find. Joe

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ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

I bought an unfired 520 earlier this year and love it...haven't been able to bring myself to shoot it yet (my ONLY true safe queen) but I probably will eventually. I agree with other posters in that my other fixed sight Smiths (13, 65, 581, 681, 10, and 58) have all been very accurate. I do have a question regarding the 520 though...a previous poster mentioned (and I've read before) that the 520 is "a fixed site model 27". But based on its matte finish and lack of checkering shouldn't it more accurately be considered a "fixed sight model 28"? Just curious as to others opinions (trivial semantics I know!)

Actually, I believe, the 520 is the final version of the old, classic model 20, Heavy Duty, which was originally a .38 spl. and, in the model520, was produced in 357 mag as specified by the New York State Police. It isn't a Military and Police as it has the underlug for the ejector rod as did the Heavy Duty/Model 20. I think the #5 was Smith and Wesson's designation of blue steel in the new model numbering system which came out in the new numbering system after stainless and aluminum models became more numerous and became separate models in their own right. I don't think it ever was or could not be considered a fixed sight model 28 or 27.

Thanks for the clarification. That makes more sense!