Oyaji
Member
Introducing the Model 520 I purchased today from a fellow revolver fan. New in box, unfired, deep rich bluing, and beautiful stocks. Came with original factory serialized to gun box and cleaning tools. I think it's gorgeous.
Model 520: The .357 Magnum Military & Police
- Thread starter Oyaji
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Very nice, congrats.
Are you planning to keep NIB or try it out?
Are you planning to keep NIB or try it out?
Nice. I've been wanting one of those for a while myself. Found one locally, no box/docs/tools but they are asking $1k for it. Not near as nice as yours of course.
Very Nice acquisition. I love my HP's but that 520 has an all business look to it I'm liking as well.
OP
Oyaji
Member
It will see range time just like the rest of my Smiths.
Agree 100%......a bad to the bone N-frame.
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Good in planning to shoot it..........They weren't made to look at.
My sentiments exactly. I collect shooters, not safe queens.
I have a few NIB revolvers that I won't shoot. A 520 is among them. A 1954 Highway Patrolman that I bought used in the box is an adequate stand-in. I no longer hold out for NIB examples of guns I want, just higher condition well maintained shooters. It's a lot more fun that way.
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cmj8591
Member
These are cool guns mostly because they are oddities. I can understand why they didn't become popular duty guns. Why would you carry all that weight when you can get the same power from a model 13 or 65? Generally, I like to shoot everything I have but I think if your gun is unfired you should keep it that way. This is a collector gun, not a shooter in my opinion and the unfired condition will only add to its desirability as time goes by. If you really need a fixed sight 357 to shoot, find yourself a police turn in some place and blast away.
I think what killed the 520 was that the L Frames had just been introduced (after the order was placed for the 520s) and they were the hot thing. I don't think the K frames were what did it because at that time PDs were looking for a compromise between the weight of the K frame and the durability of the N frame. I think NYSP got the blues when they saw the new 586 with the increased size and the eye appeal of the full lug. Kind of like when you buy a new truck and they come out with a radical body style change the next year. I want a 520 very badly.
Engine49guy
Member
Neat revolver,
Never got the name though as its really a modernized .38-.44 HD.
The M&P was traditionally based on the K frame.
Never got the name though as its really a modernized .38-.44 HD.
The M&P was traditionally based on the K frame.
I've never seen a 520 in person, so forgive a basic question. Does the NYSP 520 have the checkered top strap of the normal M-27's had?
1234567 No.
You CAN do both.
Art Doc
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Since everyone knew the story on these limited production guns when they were sold to the public I bet the vast majority of them are still NIB. They were instant collector items. I have seen exactly one that showed wear from being used.
Doug M.
Member
FWIW, it is not a .357 Magnum M&P. That would be the M13, if one were to use the old name of "M&P", as that was a K frame. This is actually a Heavy Duty in its logical caliber of .357.
Nice piece though, and I would love to hear how it shoots. I sold mine unshot, both regrettable. Not sure why NYSP gave these up for the L frames - the weight has to be pretty much the same (hefty), and that full lug barrel was a cheesy play on trying to look like a Python. I can't understand why I liked the looks of the Python, because those full lug barrel L frames are too ugly for words. Hated them then, still do.
Nice piece though, and I would love to hear how it shoots. I sold mine unshot, both regrettable. Not sure why NYSP gave these up for the L frames - the weight has to be pretty much the same (hefty), and that full lug barrel was a cheesy play on trying to look like a Python. I can't understand why I liked the looks of the Python, because those full lug barrel L frames are too ugly for words. Hated them then, still do.
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OP
Oyaji
Member
I understand and appreciate what you're telling us however, this revolver is described as "Model 520: The .357 Magnum Military & Police" on page 245 of the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Ed.
"Caliber: .357 Magnum/.38 Special. Introduced in May of 1980. Double-action revolver built on the square butt N service frame with three screws, 6-shot counterbored and fluted cylinder with a nominal length of 1.62:, blue finish, 4" pinned barrel, non-reflective topstrap, N frame square butt with checkered PC style walnut grips, shrouded extractor rod, .265" grooved service trigger, .265" grooved service hammer, serrated ramp front sight with square notch rear fixed sight, smooth backstrap and forestrap. Originally ordered for the New York State Police but never delivered. The only .357 Magnum manufactured on an N frame without target sights. Weight 40 oz. "N" serial range of N557750 - N560860 with 3,000 manufactured in 1980. Usually found in ANIB condition."
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Jack Flash
Member
It's interesting to hear how the 4" M520 was too heavy for everyday carry, but then read in another thread how popular 6" M28s / HPs were with law enforcement agencies. Seems like a disconnect somewhere.
cmj8591
Member
I'm not sure where N frames were popular with day to day street cops. Maybe out west but in the metro areas where cops spend a lot of time walking around and getting in and out of a car, the extra weight and bulk does make a difference. I saw a few guys who showed up at the range with their 27 or 28 and loved it only to abandon it after lugging it around for a couple of weeks. As far a six inch barrels go, in 35 years of work in city areas I can't remember ever seeing one in regular duty use. You were much more likely to run into a 2 1/2" barrel than a six. Even the L frames didn't seem to catch on. Then Gaston Glock showed up and nothing was ever the same!
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
Love the 520's. Have had two and sold each off because I think that the 681 makes way more sense for a fixed sight duty 357.
I think that is the L frame makes way more sense than the N frame for the 357. Everything you need and nothing you don't
I think that is the L frame makes way more sense than the N frame for the 357. Everything you need and nothing you don't
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