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

[bigchuck83]

I've never seen one for sale locally yet, but if i ever find one i can afford it will be mine. I like the looks of the fixed sight guns, vs the adjustable.

 

[SilentKnight]

WOW!! What a beautiful firearm. It is a piece of art. Treasure it.

 

[BUFF]

SmithNut:

I have read the same reasons given as you posted but still have never been able to attribute it to any authoritative individual in the NYSP or S&W. I would imagine the episode was a big enough embarrassment to those involved that they didn't want to talk about it in public!

I remember when they were shipped. There were fair number of them in stock at the local dealers who got their stuff directly from S&W. I wanted one badly but had just gotten married and was buying a house and couldn't. Around here, they came and went pretty quickly. I found mine used (fired just 2 rounds, a morbid tale indeed). If I remember, they wre priced about the same as a Model 28.

I've got a letter around here somewhere from Roy Jinks about the 520, not a history letter per se but an answer to "What is this?" From memory, he wrote that it might become a catalog offering and would be made with the brushed blue finish if more were made.

 

[DWFAN]

The only reason I have two is because I was bidding on two auctions at the same time and ended up with both. It was entirely unexpected.

DW

 

[Russell Cottle]

A local PD officer carried one through out the '80's. Jim was a BIG fella and the N frame suited him. Only one I ever saw outside of photos.

 

[6518John]

My 520.

Sorry for bad pictures of an amazing gun.

 

[Malpasowildlifer]

That's a nice one! I love mine.

 

[6518John]

I have never shot mine. What do they shoot best--158 grain or the hot 125 grain load?

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I think they shoot both OK, but they seem to be sighted for the 158. I bought my used one specifically for the 125, and sighted it in for that, but if I had it to do over, it would be harder to make that decision. Still might have done it.

 

[6518John]

I think they shoot both OK, but they seem to be sighted for the 158. I bought my used one specifically for the 125, and sighted it in for that, but if I had it to do over, it would be harder to make that decision. Still might have done it.

I assume you sighted it in for 125 by filing the sights?

 

[simmitt]

520

I just saw two for sell on the web. It was collectors fire arms. Looked just like mine.

 

[fyimo]

Congratulations on the purchase as that is one sweet N frame.

 

[loeman]

Possibly my favorite N frame...seriously. The lines are perfect.

I'll have one

My sentiments exactly ^^^. I'm very partial to the aesthetics of guns with fixed sights and your 520 is just magnificent! Seems like that 4 inch barrel is the perfect length for creating the near perfect proportion for the gun. Impressive.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I assume you sighted it in for 125 by filing the sights?

yes 1234567

 

[Texas Star]

I was told by a man who should know, US AID Agent and gun writer Harry Archer, that S&W .38 and .357 fixed-sight guns are sighted for 158 grain loads at 15 yards, for a 6 0' Clock hold.

My experience has been that this is correct. I doubt that it varied for the Model 520.

BTW, I found 158 grain JHP .357 ammo to be exceedingly accurate in M-27 and M-28 guns. Mine all had six or 6.5-inch barrels, and Remington's 158 grain JHP ammo sometimes shot into one ragged hole at 25 yards on a good day. I think it's a better all-round load than the hot, abusive 125 grain ammo, too, especially if you may have to shoot a large animal.

 

[clang444]

Here is what killed the Model 520:


This 681 is NYSP marked.

And not too many years later the Wonder Nines killed revolvers as service weapons.

 

[SmithNut]

Here is what killed the Model 520:


This 681 is NYSP marked.

And not too many years later the Wonder Nines killed revolvers as service weapons.

Outstanding, this is the first NYSP marked M681 I've seen.

I like it.

 

[steamloco76]

A tear comes to my eye as I post this, as I had a pristine 520 and an NYSP marked 28-2 until February of this year. Two great S&W's. A downturn in finances sent them to new homes. I still have the pictures though!

 

[hardcase60]

"A tear comes to my eye as I post this, as I had a pristine 520 and an NYSP marked 28-2 until February of this year. Two great S&W's. A downturn in finances sent them to new homes. I still have the pictures though!"

My deepest sympathy and condolences on your loss. hardcase60

 

[Tom K]

I think they shoot both OK, but they seem to be sighted for the 158. I bought my used one specifically for the 125, and sighted it in for that, but if I had it to do over, it would be harder to make that decision. Still might have done it.

The shooter grade 520 I have has a shorter-than-normal front sight, presumably for that reason.