Model 520

[JP@AK]

So! For those of you who love the 4" Highway Patrolman (as I do), here's a question for you.

Anyone own a Model 520? Now, to be clear, I'm asking about the 1980 version - I've no interest whatever in the later, Fancy Dan version with the Hi-Viz sight that came out in 2005.

I think of the Model 520 as a fixed sight version of the 4" HP (Model 28-2), but I know S&W called it the .357 Magnum M&P. Well and good. I want one!

I've gone all these years without ever even seeing a Model 520, and now one has popped up almost in my back yard. At this point, I don't think the guy wants to sell it, but I may be able to change his mind. It is ANIB, but lacks the tools. The box is a pristine BP blue box with the label intact. Overall a very nice package.

Anyone who wants to tell me about this model or show off pictures of one he owns - here's your chance!

 

[shawn mccarver]

I love that 520 (not the newer version).

I always thought of it as a fixed sight Model 27, but it really isn't as it lacks the top-strap checkering. On the other hand, it has the nicer blue as opposed to the old matte finish of the Model 28.

Either way, it is one of those guns S&W should have had in the catalog, kind of like the 5 inch K38, the 5 inch CM, the 5 inch 19 and the 3 inch 19.

Oh well, I am certain that we will never see the likes of a fixed sight N frame Model 27 again for several reasons, the chief among them being the fact that autos have taken over.

I am told that an entire generation of young people have no idea how to open, load, or unload a revolver, or how to shoot one, especially in DA mode.

I witnessed this just a couple of weeks ago when someone at the range had no idea how to swing out the cylinder, thinking instead that the cylinder release was a "safety."

A bunch of young kids who don't know what they are missing!

 

[EarlB]

I don't have any pics of mine (need to take some) but I've owned 2. One was like new, no box. I sold it because I figured as long as I had it I would never spend the $ for one in the box. I did find one on the for sale forumn here recently. JDOWD was selling several of them. AFAIK his for sale thread is still up and he has 2 others that he's selling but they are a consecutive numbered pair being sold together. The one I got from him is brand new, in the box - never fired. As with all fixed sight guns there isn't much in the way of tools with them - no SAT. Mine just has the rod and a brush and paperwork & S&W wax paper.

They are very cool and interesting revolvers. Only 3000 were made as you know for the New York State Police. The label on the opposite end of the lid (opposite side from the typical S&W model/S# feature label) even says "357 NYSP 4IN".

As you said it's akin to a Model 28, but with the finish of a Model 27 and the PC Magna stocks of a Model 58...really, really an interesting gun.

It's one of the few smith's I may never fire since it's unfired...maybe I should have kept the other one too

Earl

 

[raisedin99]

Here you go.
Bought this in late 2017.

terry

 

[g-dad]

Nice looking firearm Terry!

Earl, get the camera out and get us a pic or two! Lol

 

[kennethg]

I bought this model 520 from a forum member a few years ago. It was unfired and in the original box with all the goodies. I had wanted one for a long time and finally decided grab it when I saw it for sale. They are a very unique revolver. This is the only "N" framed 357 magnum without target sights. The model 520 extractor rod is shrouded, unlike the extractor rod on the model 58. If the owner does decide to sell at a fair price, grab it.

 

[6518John]

Search "Model 520."

There are several good threads on here about these gems. I pulled a couple with nice pictures.

Model 520

Model 520: The .357 Magnum Military & Police

 

[turp_dog]

I bought one NIB a few years ago for 1100 IIRC. Fits in nicely with my collection of pre-lock 357 magnum revolvers.

 

[swagmeister]

Buy it if you can. They are somewhat rare and a great looking gun.

 

[Engine49guy]

While not a huge fan of fixed site N frames they are neat revolvers.

Never got the M&P name as its really a newer version .38-.44 HD in .357. with a ramped FS and shrouded ejector rod

Story was the Model 520 order was cancelled after the NYSP learned about the new S&W .357 Magnum L frame Model 581/681 coming out.

 

[Usmc5811]

I saw one yesterday morning with box and docs for $750. Went back to the site yesterday evening and it was gone. I thought it was a good buy. Maybe the buyer is on here? I know if i didn't have two kids and right after the holidays it would have been mine!!

 

[RKmesa]

So! For those of you who love the 4" Highway Patrolman (as I do), here's a question for you.

Anyone own a Model 520? .... Anyone who wants to tell me about this model or show off pictures of one he owns - here's your chance!

Jack:

I picked this one up about 10 years ago... SN N560336:







For whatever reason, the bluing on these NYSP Contract 520's is really something special - basically a model 27 without the adjustable sights and the checkered rib. But, you've got to love that mini ribbed barrel - very cool...

The perfect gun for a .357 Mag Collector, who is also an M&P Collector.

Here's a link to my other post on the gun - some good info there:

What the Heck??? Fixed Sighted N Frame 357???

Good Luck,

 

[JP@AK]

Thanks, Richard.

The perfect gun for a .357 Mag Collector, who is also an M&P Collector.

Very true!!!

Interestingly, the one I was looking at is serial number N558xxx. I imagine most of them are in the same serial range.

The guy has stopped corresponding with me, so I guess he plans to keep it. I'll come across one at a reasonable price one of these days. Given that I'm still trying to sort out my brother's estate, this probably isn't a good time for me to buy anyway.

 

[RKmesa]

...The guy has stopped corresponding with me, so I guess he plans to keep it...

Too bad for you, but can't say that I blame him...

One more thing that I have noted about the Model 520 is that most of the right grip panels are numbered, but do NOT number to the gun they are attached to. Rarely have I seen one that have grips that number to the gun. My understanding is that the factory was in a hurry to get them out the door and they just slapped grips on them regardless of which gun they were originally numbered to.

Does anyone have a 520 where the grip numbers match the gun?

 

[raisedin99]

Too bad for you, but can't say that I blame him...



Does anyone have a 520 where the grip numbers match the gun?

Mine does not match, it is 176 numbers off.

terry

 

[Pizza Bob]

I saw one yesterday morning with box and docs for $750. Went back to the site yesterday evening and it was gone. I thought it was a good buy. Maybe the buyer is on here? I know if i didn't have two kids and right after the holidays it would have been mine!!

Ahhh, that would be me. I, too, thought it an excellent price and jumped on it as soon as I saw it. Unfortunately, being a resident of the gulag called New Jersey, I won't see it for a while as there is another gun in front of it and NJ is an OGAM state. I have a thread in the 1980 to Present forum about good things happening in threes.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[EarlB]

Darn right that was an excellent price! I paid $250 more for mine and was happy to get one for that price new and in the box.

 

[Usmc5811]

Ahhh, that would be me. I, too, thought it an excellent price and jumped on it as soon as I saw it. Unfortunately, being a resident of the gulag called New Jersey, I won't see it for a while as there is another gun in front of it and NJ is an OGAM state. I have a thread in the 1980 to Present forum about good things happening in threes.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

Yes I saw that post after I made the post here last night. I'm just glad someone here will have it so we can see pics!!!! Congrats on two excellent revolvers. I have purchased quite a few firearms from that email. It helps when your on nightshifts when the email comes through!!!!