Cooperd0g
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Was there ever a 4" 386 model?
4” 386?
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Loyaljeeper
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I believe the 386 variants were produced in 2.5", 3", and 6". The 520 is about as close as you can get if you want a 4". It was a carbon steel seven shot with a 4" barrel and a titanium cylinder.
OP
Cooperd0g
Member
Yeah my research was coming up blank. That 520 isn't much lighter than my 4" 686. Hmm, maybe I'll have to get a 327 PD ...
Dale53
Member
I have a Smith Model 520 but it's considerably different than the New York fixed sighted model. Mine is as described above, with a four inch composite barrel and target sights. It has been extremely accurate and in the past couple of years it has become my most shot revolver these days.
After I lost the vision in my right eye, I added a Red Dot sight and this revolver really shoots. I shoot mostly standing at 25 yards with .38 Special cases (it is, of course, chambered for .357 Magnum) and an original H&G #50 148 gr. wadcutter, sized .358 ahead of 3.5 grains of Bullseye or equivalent. It has a modest crimp in the crimp groove of the bullet.
It will routinely shoot under 1" at 25 yards off a rest. It is not only quite pleasant to shoot with this load, it is also a very effective edible small game load (which I have used in a number of .38 Special and .357 Magnum handguns).
The Model 520 is not the prettiest of handguns but it IS a most effective piece both on the Range and in the Field.
Dale53
After I lost the vision in my right eye, I added a Red Dot sight and this revolver really shoots. I shoot mostly standing at 25 yards with .38 Special cases (it is, of course, chambered for .357 Magnum) and an original H&G #50 148 gr. wadcutter, sized .358 ahead of 3.5 grains of Bullseye or equivalent. It has a modest crimp in the crimp groove of the bullet.
It will routinely shoot under 1" at 25 yards off a rest. It is not only quite pleasant to shoot with this load, it is also a very effective edible small game load (which I have used in a number of .38 Special and .357 Magnum handguns).
The Model 520 is not the prettiest of handguns but it IS a most effective piece both on the Range and in the Field.
Dale53
OP
Cooperd0g
Member
I have a Smith Model 520 but it's considerably different than the New York fixed sighted model. Mine is as described above, with a four inch composite barrel and target sights. It has been extremely accurate and in the past couple of years it has become my most shot revolver these days.
After I lost the vision in my right eye, I added a Red Dot sight and this revolver really shoots. I shoot mostly standing at 25 yards with .38 Special cases (it is, of course, chambered for .357 Magnum) and an original H&G #50 148 gr. wadcutter, sized .358 ahead of 3.5 grains of Bullseye or equivalent. It has a modest crimp in the crimp groove of the bullet.
It will routinely shoot under 1" at 25 yards off a rest. It is not only quite pleasant to shoot with this load, it is also a very effective edible small game load (which I have used in a number of .38 Special and .357 Magnum handguns).
The Model 520 is not the prettiest of handguns but it IS a most effective piece both on the Range and in the Field.
Dale53
That is really cool! Just out of curiosity, what does it weigh without the red dot?
Loyaljeeper
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I think the 520 is about 37 oz which is about what a 3" 686 weighs. Titanium cylinder, half lug and two piece barrel drops about 4 oz from a 4" 686.
Dale53
Member
I don't remember the exact weight of my 520 but I suspect that "Loyaljeeper" is correct. With or without the Red Dot, it handles well and also seems nicely balanced.
Right after I got it, I sighted it in with my target load, then fired these five shots at a silhouette target standing at 25 yards. I was pleased:
Yeah, that "cluster" in the center of the group has three shots in it. Now, this won't impress a NRA Master Class Bullseye shooter, but I was pleased. It has continued to please me.
>))
FWIW
Dale53
Right after I got it, I sighted it in with my target load, then fired these five shots at a silhouette target standing at 25 yards. I was pleased:
Yeah, that "cluster" in the center of the group has three shots in it. Now, this won't impress a NRA Master Class Bullseye shooter, but I was pleased. It has continued to please me.
>))FWIW
Dale53
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