Model 520 Information

[danb68]

I have a chance to pick up a gorgeous Model 520 (The 1980, NYPD model). It's one of my grail guns. There is no sign of a turn line, but I cannot be 100% this is unfired. Looks pristine, like 95-98%+. Comes with matching box and tools. My understanding from reading through some threads is that I should not expect the grip serial numbers to match.

What is the going value for these? I see some older threads putting these as high as $1250 for NIB a few years ago. My Smith and Wesson 2018 Standard Catalog 4th edition, $1200 LNIB. I see one on gunbroker for $1899 NIB, but that seems high. Or maybe it isn't in the ammo-is-unobtainium and guns are overpriced market of 2021.

I realize pictures would help, I can't post them.

I have ideas but ... Im looking for a 2nd, 3rd opinion.


Also, does anyone know: We're ALL 3000 delivered to the NYPD and them returned? The history seems to be vague on this point- some say not all were actually delivered when the contract was canceled, some say they were delivered to the NYPD and that's why the grip serial no do not match (NYPD armored took them apart, I read).

 

[gkitch]

This was one of only two N-Frames that came with the Plain-Clothes (PC) magna grips. The grips themselves can be scarce and valuable so we sometimes see these guns with the flat bottomed grips in lieu and hoping the buyer does not know the difference. Make sure the grips are the proper PC.

I think one in the box and in great condition would bring $1300-1400.

 

[majick47]

gkitch I'll raise you, $1500

 

[danb68]

I am not sure what you mean by "flat bottomed grips" gkitch.
the grips on the model 520 I am looking at look exactly like these


**SOLD** S&W model 58 N frame square butt "PC" plain clothes magna grips (New Price)

 

[SuperMan]

I don't know if they were ever delivered or not, but none of them went to NYPD...the contract was with NY State Police...

 

[gkitch]

I am not sure what you mean by "flat bottomed grips" gkitch.
the grips on the model 520 I am looking at look exactly like these


**SOLD** S&W model 58 N frame square butt "PC" plain clothes magna grips (New Price)

Those are the correct -and scarce- PC grips.

 

[danb68]

I don't know if they were ever delivered or not, but none of them went to NYPD...the contract was with NY State Police...

right, my bad.

 

[RGNewell]

$1750 IMHO

 

[danb68]

hmmm.

I think plan will be to start at $1200 and work my way up, and hope they don't read this thread lol.

My original thought was $1250-1300.

But in this market of endless government checks, who tf knows.

I decided last year, if I am going to risk overpaying, it will be for a grail gun that will hold its value.

 

[moralem]

A .357 N frame is quite the catch.

The model 58 and 520 share the same grips. These correct grips have an ever so slight roundness to their bottoms that makes them correct.

 

[murphydog]

In my observations not many model 520s have sold since the Great Seller's Market of 2020 - Present has been active.

I agree $1200 is a reasonable starting point but not far above that would be my limit; when these went on the market people realized they were going to be collector's items, so finding them ANIB seems to be the rule rather than the exception. Good luck in your bargaining.

 

[Truckman]

My 520 (absolutely NIB) was bought by me earlier this year for $1200 OTD at a gun store I frequent on a regular basis...The grips are number matched and are the correct PC Magnas...The only change I've made to this pristine beauty is a coat of Renwax......Ben

 

[whitestang]

If I recall correctly the contract was cancelled by NYSP and the delivery did not take place. S&W then sent the 520s out to wholesalers to sell to the public. I bought one in 1984 for $285,it had 100 rounds run through it and I shot another 300 during my time with it. I sold it in 2014 for $575.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Had two, both NIB. Let them go so I didn't have to worry about them. Picked up a 681 instead. Don't worry about that one and shoot the snot out of it. Past the point of babying pristine blue steel Smiths-although I do like them

 

[danb68]

At today's ammo prices I cant afford to "shoot the snot" out of anything, lol.

.85 cpr for 38 special on ammoseek, more for 357 Mag, smh. Thankfully, I still have a stash of pre pandemic ammo I have been careful not to run down too fast.

Thanks for all the info... I will post pictures if I seal the deal. Then everyone can tell me how much I overpaid, lol.

 

[PNY UP]

I agree it seems when you find one of these its almost always still NIB. Makes me glad this one isn't, still pretty enough to be proud of but not so perfect you're scared to shoot it.

 

[tgoose1]

The following information regarding the model 520 was distributed by S&W manufacturing to dealers regarding purchase in 1980:

 

[danb68]

Thank you for posting that letter.

 

[majick47]

I also check into other forum sites like Colt, Glock, HK and Sig from what I can see all the classic vintage models have gone up considerably in the last few years as mfgs switch to polymer. IMO even if you think you are overpaying it won't be long before that 520 will be going for even more money.

 

[danb68]

So I ended up at just shy of $1300.

Looks unfired. Matching box, tools, etc.




Edit: managed to get picture #2 uploaded.