The Elusive Model 520: .357 Magnum M&P

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

Although my interests have been in pre war S&W revolvers most of my life, a few of the more modern revolvers always struck my fancy. With only 3000 ever produced during 1980, I was convinced long ago that this model would one day become very desireable. I wonder how many of you have one and what your opinion is concerning them as either collectable or as a shooter? I have one of course, and it's a shooter grade piece at about 95% + or -.

Cheers!
Lefty

 

[austintexas]

I bought mine about 2 years ago. I knew they were collectable but just not what I Collected. I saw one that was unfired at the San Antonio gunshow and since it was way under priced I bought it. I collect 5 screw Smiths but if I see a model that had very few producted at the right price I'll buy it. If nothing else it will make good trading material for something I collect.

Frank
SWCA 892

 

[03clyde]

Mine is unfired, with the original box. Looks to be a great shooter but I'll just let it reside in the safe.

 

[Dave T]

(smiley face goes here) If I had one...I'd shoot it. Probably just as well I don't and can't bring myself to pay the prices people are asking for them.

Dave

 

[diamonback68]

I had one, but sold it to a fellow forum member.
Got another one with box and all the goodies in 99% condition and I will keep this one.
I firmly believe these are going to go up in price and desirabilty as time goes on.

 

[TRanger]

I came across one NIB about ten years ago. Dealer had it priced at $300 and I got it for $275. Later sold it to a friend who is a retired NYSP Trooper and wanted it because it was originally made for his agency. Wish I had held on to it. It is probably the ultimate police revolver.

 

[jbcap]

Mine is unfired in the original box, will remain that way in the safe. Looking for a shooter though. Joe

 

[jimmyjoe]

I picked up this 520 at a local gun show. It looks unfired and had aftermarket grips on it. I got it for $575 without the grips. After searching for some time, I found period correct grips on Ebay. As of today I have not fired this 520.

[/IMG]

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

Judging by the remarks of those replying, it seems the safe queens are pretty typical for this model. SCSW says the found ANIB is also typical. I wonder if the .357 chambering with fixed sights made it less appealing to shooters, than say the model 27 or 28? Despite that the appeal for me was the N frame which would tolerate very hot .357 loads over time perhaps moreso than the K frame .357's.

The NYSP never took delivery of the 520, and the sheer low production numbers probably account for it's collector interest. But did anyone know back in 1980 that no more of them would be manufactured? I believe it's interesting to find them most often as "New in the box".

As for value, how much difference in price do you think the box makes? A coupla hundred bucks or more?

 

[murphydog]

As for value, how much difference in price do you think the box makes?

Probably $100-150.

 

[lrad]

Mine is in the box as it came from the factory, and will probably remain that way. I also have a model 58 in the same condition. Different cal. but same frame. I would like to find a shooter in each model.

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

It seems the consensus so far is that "As new in the box" is the most frequent grade encountered and that those of you who have a 520 in that grade don't shoot it but, would like to find one in less than minty condition to shoot. It's a peculiar fact about investment grade guns and I've heard it said many times. On the other hand, there's the fellow who wants a shooter and doesn't concern themselves with collecting a pristine example. I've done both, so I do understand the appeal of owning collector grade weapons for pride of possession or investment and wanting one just to shoot.

Cheers!

Lefty

 

[kscardsfan]

I wish they would reintroduce it as a stainless model. I think a "620" would be the ultimate in a woods gun: fixed sights, heavy framed, 4" bbl, stainless. That would be awesome. Even with the MIM, IL, and other undesirable things, I know I would buy one.