"I could be wrong, but since the NYSP version of the 520 was ordered without departmental markings on the left frame below the cylinder ("NYSP"), and the fact there were 520s not allocated to that buy, the collect-ability is then enhanced by an accompanying matching box showing NYSP on the end tag. Without a list of serial numbers associated with the refused contract, the practice of forged boxes and tags is a concern for collectors."
Maybe you are aware of guns I am not, but I don't believe that any Model 520's were manufactured or shipped that were NOT a part of the NYSP production run and a normal over-run. They were never a catalog item. I have never heard of or seen a 520 box that wasn't NYSP indicated.
I got mine in February, 1982. I traded a like new, in box, ex-SLCPD Model 39-2 for it. I was into the 9mm all of $85.00, so I did okay. I shot I a few boxes worth before putting it away. I haven't shot it in probably 20 years.
I bet I could get my $85.00 back!
They are great sixguns, but large frame fixed sight .357's (I count the L frame 581 and 681 as 'large') have never been hot enough sellers for S&W to keep them in the line-up. The M-520's, when released through the retail distribution network, took a few years to sell out.
I bet if the new Model 58 "Classic" sells at all, it might encourage S&W to make some more 520's. We have seen the Models 21 and 22 made recently, so S&W can make these again if they want to.
I bought a 25-2 .45acp cylinder assembly a long time ago to convert it to .45 acp, but thankfully I never found a cheap barrel to complete the project.
