My Quest is over
- Thread starter Hair Trigger
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I wish I had not sold mine. There's a guy up in Jefferson who has one that might be for sale some day.
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I just recently bought a 2 1/2" Snubby 19-4 that was unfired by the owner (a friend). Yes, it was factory tested fired (every other cylinder charge hole) but not any more than that. Well, I've remedied that - I now shoot it on a regular basis. So far I've got about 300 rounds of 38 special and I have shot only 3 rounds of 158 grain .357 magnums through it. Shoots great!
This model was one I always wanted and never bought as I already owned a similar 3" M65. It was made in 1977 I believe. When my friend brought this over to my house for me to look at, he asked me if I was interested in buying it - I did not hesitate!
Use yours well!!
This model was one I always wanted and never bought as I already owned a similar 3" M65. It was made in 1977 I believe. When my friend brought this over to my house for me to look at, he asked me if I was interested in buying it - I did not hesitate!
Use yours well!!
OP
Hair Trigger
US Veteran
Thanks to Masterbuck54 I now have a model and period correct set of PC magna stocks for my M520. These are new old stock and un-numbered, but that's okay. Both they and the gun are unused, so the condition matches. Here's a picture of the M520 alongside the other revolver I own with PC magna stocks. The PC's on the M58 are numbered to the gun.
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smithra_66
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Awesome and congrats. This is why you have to hit the shows. The guns are out there, and you never, never know when they will pop up. Ya gotta be ready with cash in hand (or have a nice guy that let's you pay later like this one 
)
)Gunhohulk
Member
Anyone with a 520 that has matching grips have input on how they are numbered? Mine has a a set that the last 3 of the S/N are written in black marker above the washer on the right panel. Seems like the clear coat is partially applied over the marker but can’t say for sure. I’m not the original owner so I can’t say it wasn’t just written there by a previous owner but there is no other numbering on either panel.
520 Stocks marked
The right panel on mine has the number stamped. And they do not match the revolver. LNIB
The right panel on mine has the number stamped. And they do not match the revolver. LNIB
smithman 10
US Veteran
My almost 520
I once had the chance to buy a 520 for about $300 at a gun show must be 20 years ago. Not mint, no box, grips? - can't remember what it was wearing.
I passed. In fact I had forgotten it was an N-frame until reading this post, which is likely why I didn't buy it.
In hindsight, not being a collector, I'm glad I didn't buy it. Too heavy to carry, not compatible with K or L frame accoutrements.
But it is an interesting item, no question and quite rare of course. One has to wonder what the NYSP planned to with such a monster.
Not surprised they canceled the order when they came to their senses.
I once had the chance to buy a 520 for about $300 at a gun show must be 20 years ago. Not mint, no box, grips? - can't remember what it was wearing.
I passed. In fact I had forgotten it was an N-frame until reading this post, which is likely why I didn't buy it.
In hindsight, not being a collector, I'm glad I didn't buy it. Too heavy to carry, not compatible with K or L frame accoutrements.
But it is an interesting item, no question and quite rare of course. One has to wonder what the NYSP planned to with such a monster.
Not surprised they canceled the order when they came to their senses.
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From what I've read, NYSP tired of the delay and went with Model 28s instead. It's the same gun minus the sights. An N frame wouldn't have been a challenge to wear for cops back in 1970 given they wore less gear than today's cops wear.
smithman 10
US Veteran
Too heavy
For ME to carry is what I meant.
For ME to carry is what I meant.
OP
Hair Trigger
US Veteran
The letter I have said they were moving up to N frame from K frame. I figure they probably had M13's and wanted something with fixed sights like they were used to. No worries about one guy adjusting a gun to suit himself and then someone else getting it, or having to worry about rough handling tearing up the rear sight on an adjustable model. No .357 Magnum N frames at the time had fixed sights, and it seems the logical move on S&W's part was to take what was already their budget LE N frame .357 and modify it how NYSP wanted.
The letter also says they didn't want to wait 6 months for delivery on the 520, so they opted for the M28 because S&W could ship immediately.
All I can say is that NYSP's short-sightedness and impatience was a S&W collector's good luck.
Yes we do, thanks for noticing...Real men carry N frames.
Sometimes we'll stick a K-frame in our boot for a backup if we plan on traveling through any rough neighborhoods...
...BenRe: OP. Congratulations on finding and buying your grail gun!!! Perfectly delightful post and thread. Very much enjoyed. Sincerely. bruce.
