Model 520: L or N frame?

[MarkHayden]

Are Model 520 revolvers L or N frames?

Thanks,

Mark

 

[old bear]

They are the Model 27 with fixed sights, so they are an N frame.
Ya got one?

 

[mchom]

There is also an L frames given the 520 and 620 moniker

 

[mchom]

520 both N and L

Someone will provide pics and details I'm sure. It has caused mild confusion

 

[MarkHayden]

I don't have one, old bear. My small collection is focused on N frames; now I want one. I'm very interested in photos and comments.

Thank you.

 

[mchom]

PS
I much prefer the N frame 520
Originally made to fill a NYSP order but was cancelled

 

[ladder13]

If anyone has a 520 L frame I'd love to see it.

 

[demkofour]

I don't have one, old bear. My small collection is focused on N frames; now I want one. I'm very interested in photos and comments.

Thank you.

Here's a quick photo of a 520 (NYSP) that I won a couple of years ago. They don't come cheap, but are almost always found as either BNIB or ANIB. They are essentially a Model 28 HP with fixed sights or a Heavy Duty in .357. They are finished in bright blue and came with numbered PC Magnas (although for some reason seldom do the grips match the gun's serial number…)

 

[ladder13]

The 520 is akin to the 581's big brother, sort of.

 

[Hair Trigger]

I don't have one, old bear. My small collection is focused on N frames; now I want one. I'm very interested in photos and comments.

Thank you.

Another picture of the original production M520, which was never a catalogued model. 3000 were made as a special order for NYSP in 1979. The order was cancelled after production began; S&W completed the order and sold them to the public starting in 1980. It is listed as ".357Magnum M&P" and came with no options.

The "other" M520 was built from 2005-2007. Built on the L frame, has a 4" two-piece barrel, 7-shot titanium cylinder and hi-vis front sight and adjustable rear sight. Has the lock and MIM parts. Called the Model of 2005 .357 Magnum. The two versions have about as much in common as the Mona Lisa and the witch from Wizard of Oz.

 

[MarkHayden]

Thank you for the information and photos. Settled: Early 520 for me! Now, the hard part; finding one.

Thanks again, Mark

 

[Doug M.]

The "real" 520, as I think of it, was an N frame. It was in all respects of which I am aware an updated Heavy Duty chambered in 357 instead of .38 Special. It was not unknown for HD (M 20 after numbers were assigned) or Outdoorsman (M23) to be bored out to .357; not hard or risky to do.

I have no idea what made S&W reuse the model number, but to me the L frame 520/620 was an abomination. My recollection is that some agencies bought them and had an awful time with them.

 

[mchom]

Mine don't match either…

Someone opined here on Forum…
That when NYSP cancelled and changed order S&W hurriedly assembled guns with no regard to keeping numbered stocks to correct frame. Sounds plausible.

Here's a quick photo of a 520 (NYSP) that I won a couple of years ago. They don't come cheap, but are almost always found as either BNIB or ANIB. They are essentially a Model 28 HP with fixed sights or a Heavy Duty in .357. They are finished in bright blue and came with numbered PC Magnas (although for some reason seldom do the grips match the gun's serial number…)

 

[Pizza Bob]

If anyone has a 520 L frame I'd love to see it.

Adios,

Pizza Bob