1974 357 Magnum NYSP help with Value

[GM Auctions]

I just received my letter from Smith & Wesson confirming that this revolver is indeed a New York State Police revolver shipped in 1974. I am thinking of selling it, however I would like input about what the value would be. It is a very nice gun,and appears to be used very little, the only thing I see is that some of the blueing is worn from the tip of the barrel, where it was holstered. Photos and S&W verification document attched. Any help with the value is appreceated.

 

[Pizza Bob]

Nevermind...that will teach me to read the entire post, including pics - thought it was a 520

 

[80sgyrene]

The Model 520 became an instant collectible as soon as the NYSP cancelled the contract before they took delivery. That dumped 3000 of them into regular distributor channels. Since it was an iteration probably never to be repeated, they got snapped up.

Many that you see for sale in the secondary market are unfired, complete in the box. Those and high condition used ones go for around $2K, give or take. Yours is in less desirable condition (horrors, it was actually used), and you don't say whether you have the box, docs and tools. Gun only in that condition - just a WAG since you don't see many (any?) in that condition - $800 - $1000.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

That’s a 10-6, not a 520.

 

[Bald1]

I think the State Police provenance only adds value to it if you collect police guns. Being a NY resident I’d be interested in it. But others would only value it as a pre 13. Hopefully you sell it on the forum to a S&W enthusiast.

 

[03clyde]

Another variation of this revolver was an overstamp - 13-1 stamped over the existing 10-6 markings. As I recall there were flame cutting issues leading to a short service life. The 520 was supposed to be the desired replacement. The 520 never made it into the holsters of uniform members and the agency settled for the 28-2.

 

[MajorD]

03 Clyde - if my memory serves, the NYSP used various mix of handguns prior to standardizing the 10-6 357, then the 28-2. The 520 was intended to be a replacement for the 28 but the introduction of the L frame cancelled the 530’s and the L frame issued instead. Which I believe were 681’s. Pretty sure that was the last issue revolver, with the then new glock 17 becoming one of the first big agencies to issue the glock 17.

 

[03clyde]

The 10-6 and 13-1 replaced the Colt Official Police, 4", .38 special until about 1972. The intended replacement for them was the 520. More than several stories why the 520 wasn't issued. Instead, the 28-2 was issued circa 1979 -1981. The 681 replaced the 28-2 and served 1981 -1990. Plastic since then - Glock in several models.

 

[LPD256]

Sorry that no one has given you a value yet for your 10-6/13-1. It’s hard to assess but looks like it has typical Police gun use and condition. I sold a 13 4 inch without any provenance in the same condition for $600 a few months ago. So I’m gonna say your gun is between $800 to $1000 to a collector. They made 3000 of your gun and 3000 of the 520’s that everybody loves. So it’s a small edition. Only way to know is an auction. I could be totally wrong. Good luck.