Dr. Marneaus
Member
- Joined
- Oct 5, 2016
- Messages
- 227
- Reaction score
- 721
Wow, thats a beautiful N-Frame
What the Heck??? Fixed Sighted N Frame 357???
- Thread starter RKmesa
- Start date
BUFF
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I carried mine on duty a very few times.
I was hired as a deputy sheriff a few months after I bought my 520. Deputies could provide their own handgun or be issued a (usually) Model 15. I carried a Model 66.
Like all rookie cop handgun enthusiasts, I went through the "What is my best handgun option?" stage. Once I got off new-hire probation, I began qualifying with everything .357 Magnum I owned that fit department regulations (S&W, Colt or Ruger, .38 or .357, blue or stainless, no non-factory modifications). I stuck with the 6" M-66, though.
We worked strange schedules in my patrol division, 7 graveyards, 1 day off, 7 afternoon shifts, 2 days off, 7 day shifts, 4 days off, repeat.
I came up with the dumb idea to wear a different gun to work each day for my 7 day shifts to see if anyone noticed. I had Pachmayr Presentation grips, HKS speedloaders and Safariland (Model 29?) holsters for everything. So, one week I carried a 4" and 6" M-66, 3-1/2" and 5 " M-27, 4" and 6" M-28 and the 4" M-520. I even alternated frame sizes and holsters daily, to try to make it more obvious.
I thought only my area partner noticed, as he was also a gun buff. Later, I found out my sergeant had noticed, but rather than ask me if I was currently qualified with each of them, he checked with the rangemaster/armorer, who told him I was currently qualified with almost a dozen different guns, and asked what the heck was wrong with me?
I kept experimenting with different guns after that, but rarely carried anything but a 6" M-66 after that.
The M-520 would have been just fine as a uniform duty revolver for anybody who liked it, but the L frames were indeed a masterstroke.
I was hired as a deputy sheriff a few months after I bought my 520. Deputies could provide their own handgun or be issued a (usually) Model 15. I carried a Model 66.
Like all rookie cop handgun enthusiasts, I went through the "What is my best handgun option?" stage. Once I got off new-hire probation, I began qualifying with everything .357 Magnum I owned that fit department regulations (S&W, Colt or Ruger, .38 or .357, blue or stainless, no non-factory modifications). I stuck with the 6" M-66, though.
We worked strange schedules in my patrol division, 7 graveyards, 1 day off, 7 afternoon shifts, 2 days off, 7 day shifts, 4 days off, repeat.
I came up with the dumb idea to wear a different gun to work each day for my 7 day shifts to see if anyone noticed. I had Pachmayr Presentation grips, HKS speedloaders and Safariland (Model 29?) holsters for everything. So, one week I carried a 4" and 6" M-66, 3-1/2" and 5 " M-27, 4" and 6" M-28 and the 4" M-520. I even alternated frame sizes and holsters daily, to try to make it more obvious.
I thought only my area partner noticed, as he was also a gun buff. Later, I found out my sergeant had noticed, but rather than ask me if I was currently qualified with each of them, he checked with the rangemaster/armorer, who told him I was currently qualified with almost a dozen different guns, and asked what the heck was wrong with me?
I kept experimenting with different guns after that, but rarely carried anything but a 6" M-66 after that.
The M-520 would have been just fine as a uniform duty revolver for anybody who liked it, but the L frames were indeed a masterstroke.
tipoc
Member
A couple of shots of mine...
tipoc
tipoc
31FordA
Member
One of the few guns left on my must have list that I don't own. I ran across one for sale a couple of years ago, mint in the box, for $750. Sadly I was overcome by a brief and unusual attack of fiscal responsibility and stupidly didn't buy it. It's the only 520 I've ever seen in person.
Nice pics guys, thanx for sharing,,,,,,
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!
Did you consider dumpster diving for food for 6 months or a year and keepin those beauties? Magnificent revolvers.
SuperMan
Member
..hammer, trigger and PC Magna stock... I think you are right...
The 58 triggers were serrated however...
Bob
Last edited:
Triggerman66
Member
Early 520
I bought my 520 in 1980 and have kept it oiled and put up ever since. The serial number , N5578xx puts it in the first few to be assembled and every year I think about firing a few rounds through her but haven't been able to bring my self to do it. However, a factory letter would be a nice addition that would only add to the value.
I bought my 520 in 1980 and have kept it oiled and put up ever since. The serial number , N5578xx puts it in the first few to be assembled and every year I think about firing a few rounds through her but haven't been able to bring my self to do it. However, a factory letter would be a nice addition that would only add to the value.
Engine49guy
Member
While I am admittedly a 4" target site fan the S&W Model 520 is an interesting study.
As the Model number kinda suggests the Model "520" was actually more of a modern incarnation of the Model 20 ".38-.44 Heavy Duty" but chambered in .357 Magnum with a barrel rib and Baughman blade more like the Model 28 but shorter compared to the old non rib barrel with half penny FS,
Using the old 3 digit model code the "5" prefix denotes a steel frame (back then a 4 prefix usually identified an aluminum frame and a 6 prefix identified a SS frame/gun ) The L frame Model 581 would be its direct replacement and the Model 681 would be its SS counterpart.
The fact that no SS version of the Model 28 or 520 was ever produced probably explains to what degree the new L frame overshadowed the old N frame .357's.
As the Model number kinda suggests the Model "520" was actually more of a modern incarnation of the Model 20 ".38-.44 Heavy Duty" but chambered in .357 Magnum with a barrel rib and Baughman blade more like the Model 28 but shorter compared to the old non rib barrel with half penny FS,
Using the old 3 digit model code the "5" prefix denotes a steel frame (back then a 4 prefix usually identified an aluminum frame and a 6 prefix identified a SS frame/gun ) The L frame Model 581 would be its direct replacement and the Model 681 would be its SS counterpart.
The fact that no SS version of the Model 28 or 520 was ever produced probably explains to what degree the new L frame overshadowed the old N frame .357's.
I've heard of the 520 for years but have never seen one. I can't even swear I'd ever seen a picture of one until this thread. Beautiful revolver.
I like the idea of a fixed sight N-frame, so I've had to settle for a near pristine postwar 38/44 Heavy Duty. OK to stick a picture of it here? Just to show it off a little.
I understand a lot of these were converted to 357, but this one is still a 38.
I like the idea of a fixed sight N-frame, so I've had to settle for a near pristine postwar 38/44 Heavy Duty. OK to stick a picture of it here? Just to show it off a little.
I understand a lot of these were converted to 357, but this one is still a 38.
tipoc
Member
"Jones" fan? Who's Jones?
tipoc
tipoc
[QUOTE=tipoc;13947
My guess would be "Indiana Jones".
My guess would be "Indiana Jones".
tipoc
Member
Well that does make more sense than my first guess, Tom Jones. Good singer and appears a capable man, but Indiana makes more sense.
tipoc
tipoc
ParadiseRoad
Member
One of those "forehead slappers"; In the late 80's I was an 01 FFL a half hour from RSR. They had 520's for about $200 on clearance. The sales guy begged me to buy a couple, but I bought the guns on my list. In the late 80's I had to discount revolvers heavily, it was the "dawn of the wonder-nines." Joe
Similar threads
