So This 520 Walked Right Up To Me Yesterday...

The finish on that gun is outstanding. Great buy, I am guessing that your daughter will not loose any $$ should she sell it in the future.
 
What is a reasonable price for a 520, "New in the Box"? just in case I ever come across one?
 
That's a great find! Ya done good. :D
I stumbled across one NIB at a gun show almost 20 years ago. It would have taken every cent I had to buy it and then some. So I passed.
Been kickin' myself for that mistake ever since. :(
 
I retired from the New York State Police and have a LNIB 520, even the label has nysp typed on it. i don't like to discuss prices but it was 20% less then the estimate above. It was shipped in 1980.
 
jackvs1 said:
I retired from the New York State Police and have a LNIB 520, even the label has nysp typed on it. i don't like to discuss prices but it was 20% less then the estimate above. It was shipped in 1980.
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This may have been covered here in the past, but with your history I was wondering if you had any insight as to why the deal fell through. As I said, it could have been covered but I am ignorant of the details. 3000 guns must have been a big contract, even for S&W.
 
What gun show did you find this? Frank from Alpharetta. I gave up on the Atlanta shows a few years back.
 
Triathloncoach said:
What gun show did you find this? Frank from Alpharetta. I gave up on the Atlanta shows a few years back.
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RK show on Jonesboro Road this past weekend. It was a good buying show as several good guns came through. I sold nothing but ammo and some other junk. One of our guys picked up a beautiful 6" 57 nd for $800. I had several Colt OP's NIB from 1962 show up. I don't care for Colt revolvers but I could not turn it down. Missed a pre-12 NIB (star burst box). Oh well. More people coming through the door selling than buying. Nothing wrong with that as far as I'm concerned.
 
Retired W4 said:
This may have been covered here in the past, but with your history I was wondering if you had any insight as to why the deal fell through. As I said, it could have been covered but I am ignorant of the details. 3000 guns must have been a big contract, even for S&W.
Click to expand...

If 03clyde see's this thread he may be able to answer more thoroughly. Here is a theory; the N frame was just too heavy at 40 oz and we began to hire women. I believe that is not true; Smith & Wesson could not manufacturer and deliver the more than 3500 model 520's in a timely manner. So we went to the 28-2, 4 inch barrel, NYSP stamped. The weight was 41 oz so throw out the weight theory. Shortly after that we went back to a fixed sight revolver, the model 681, stainless steel on the L frame. That was also stamped NYSP. Then on to Glocks in 1990 to date.
 
jackvs1 said:
If 03clyde see's this thread he may be able to answer more thoroughly. Here is a theory; the N frame was just too heavy at 40 oz and we began to hire women. I believe that is not true; Smith & Wesson could not manufacturer and deliver the more than 3500 model 520's in a timely manner. So we went to the 28-2, 4 inch barrel, NYSP stamped. The weight was 41 oz so throw out the weight theory. Shortly after that we went back to a fixed sight revolver, the model 681, stainless steel on the L frame. That was also stamped NYSP. Then on to Glocks in 1990 to date.
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So the 520 contract was a big order for S&W. So large they couldn't keep up with the required time table (small question mark here). After reading posts from those who shoot their 520's I am really tempted to accelerate my time table to shoot mine. With that in mind I should have tried to get a better price, which was, in my opinion, a safe queen price, but still good. No problem though.

Thank you for the history info on this great gun. Tom
 
Some are Offlimits

Retired W4 said:
Thanks Big. I don't know what you might do to a specimen like this but it definitely needs to stay in its original configuration. I've always been a big fan of fixed sight S&W magnums, and this one is a real boost for me. My dilemma now is whether or not to shoot it! I will probably leave it at home for now with the knowledge that I am going to shoot it eventually. I will apologize to my daughter, who will end up with it eventually, and let her know that it's OK for her to shoot it. In a way howiema is lucky because his has been shot. No anguish in deliberation.
Click to expand...

I agree completely with you in that this handgun needs to be collected and preserved as the perfect example of the epitome of the third generation S&W "N" frame revolvers. And that brings up a big quandary for me personally. I 'need' to work with my hands in the gunsmithing/pistolsmithing field. If I go for more than two days without working in my shop I become very nervous. Therefore, I have no business buying a handgun or rifle that I can't in all good conscience modify. I have of course bought both that I won't touch except to shoot and clean. But, they will be the first to go up for sale when I know it is time for me to start cleaning out the safe.

Back to you questioning yourself as to shoot this handgun. IMHO, its yours, do what you want. But, there are lots of 27s and 28s in shooter grade out there. You might consider buying one and then shooting the heck out of it and 'saving' every bit of collector's attraction for this M 520 that exists now. ...............
 
I love the 520! It is a "bucket" gun. They are priced reasonably enough...not like those blasted Pythons.

Hope I'm able to get one before I leave this earth. Enjoy it!
 
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