Model 520 NYSP

[BUFF]

I bought mine in 1981. Actually, I traded an as-new Model 39-2, which I had $85.00 in, for the -520. The -520 was for sale in a local shop for $250.00, but as a newly married home owner, I was cash-poor. While eyeballing the 520, another customer asked the dealer if he had a Model 39, which the dealer didn't. I followed the customer out of the shop, proposed a trade, and we met back near there the next day and swapped.

It is interesting that when S&W released these for retail sale, they were slow movers, untill they were gone. Then, suddenly, everybody wanted one!

I have shot a few boxes through mine. It shoots like an N frame .357 Magnum. To me, it shoots like a Model 28 with lousy sights! I prefer the bigger, blockier, easier-to-see adjustable sights on a S&W of any substantial size. I like a 4 inch Model 57 more than my Model 58, as another example.

It's good S&W has made so much variety, because we all prefer different things.

 

[Duke426]

Any of you that own these ever shoot one? All the ones I come across are NIB. I have never come across a shooter grade 520.

Of course, at that point, it's really just a 581 without a full lug barrel, right?

I shoot my 520. It still looks great (I'd say 95%). No, it ain't just a 581...got a 581 that I shoot also.

 

[Mickey D]

Of course, at that point, it's really just a 581 without a full lug barrel, right?

Nope, the 520 is an N frame. 581 an L frame.

Like to have both!

 

[UserName]

Any of you that own these ever shoot one? All the ones I come across are NIB. I have never come across a shooter grade 520.

I shoot mine with 148gr wadcutters. Tack driver.

 

[Dogmann]

What are these going for in the box new?

 

[Model39]

Model 520'S

These have been shown before, but worth showing again.
Rear gun, a standard Model 520.
Front gun, a Model 520 special ordered with a .400 smooth combat trigger, .500 target hammer, smooth Rosewood service grips numbered to the gun and a yellow front sight insert. (Gun was purchase from a factory employee who ordered it this way)

 

[JJEH]

The 520 is a very nice piece...

 

[boatbum101]

Asking prices I've seen this year for NIB 520's have been $1,000 to $1250 . Hope this helps .

 

[majbgd]

I bought one without box and papers for $500.00 a few years back. I have shot it a few times. It is a nice N frame, but I have a Model 28-2 and a 681 that I put more rounds through.

 

[gaijin]

NIB 520.
Had this for several years. Take it out of the safe now and then for "show and tell".

 

[JCS&W]

Not as good a picture as the others, but this is mine.

 

[kennyb]

glad i found this thread...i just found a M520 at my LGS today so "reading up" on it is in order!

 

[firebird69]

i recently came across one.my wifes father was a n.y.detective for @40 years and he has passed on,the guns were given to me since i collect.i think this will have to b one i let go of..i feel from past shows and auctions that $900 would be fair.. its not nib..but close..ill be putting it and pics on in auction form.

 

[firebird69]

The 520 is what the model 28 should have been. Wish I could find a shooter grade model instead of drooling but not usin my nib one.

very nice.wish i had a box..mine is is excellent shape but everyones hung up on nib?

kind of in a pinch and need to sell it

 

[KEN L]

The 520 is what the model 28 should have been. Wish I could find a shooter grade model instead of drooling but not usin my nib one.

I've read this several times and just don't get it. What should the model 28 have been?? I've shot my 28 some and just can't imagine what the 520 could possibly do better. Don't get me wrong it is definitely a way cool gun and has its place in S&W history, and if presented with the opportunity and the price was right, I'd have the 520. I have a friend who has one that's mint in the box, with extra goodies that he inherited from an uncle who died. He's not even a Smith collector but has this uncanny penchant for accumulating guns. People are always "giving" him guns. I should be so lucky. I've tried trading him out of the 520, but he said the only way I'll get it is in his will. I told him I didn't want it THAT bad.

 

[Sunfang]

I paid $425 15 years ago. It has sat in the safe ever since. My 520 is the ultimate safe queen. To pretty to shoot, too rare to sell.

 

[LaVistaBill]

I swapped a Dan Wesson .357 Magnum "Pistol Pak" plus some cash for a NIB Model 520 at a gun and bait shop in St. Charles Parish Louisiana. This was in August 1981, my son was born that same month. I had a NYSP off-duty badge I displayed with the 520 in a wood case with a glass cover. I swapped away a lot of nice handguns in my youth and this was one of them. As I recall, I traded it for a Model 19 with a 6" barrel at a little gun shop south of Deming, NM in 1983.

 

[firebird69]

Sorry have to resize pics but the gun is a 520 Ser#N560713. I'll try to post pics after resizing. Or send me email address. Thanks

 

[beagleye]

To me it's like a modern heavy duty,

 

[szuppo]