As some of you may know, I generally do not buy Smith & Wesson revolvers built after 1957, meaning I don’t buy them with model numbers. In fact, the last time I bought one with a model number was a good 6 to 7 years ago. However, I made an exception for this one, being they were only built for one year and only 3000 units were manufactured. Still its not something I would have sought out on my own. It came into my favorite LGS and I got an outstanding deal on it. 
The 520 was the only N Frame 357 Magnum that Smith & Wesson ever built without adjustable sights. They were ordered by the New York State Police in 1979. However, after doing so, they decided not to wait the six months required to fulfill the order and instead went with a standard cataloged revolver. Therefore, Smith & Wesson notified their distributors that the 520 would be available on a very limited basis and never produced again. It was never cataloged at any time.
The gun itself is very nice and sort of looks like an oversized M&P. All 520 revolvers were identical. They had 4” barrels, Magna grips, and a polished blue finish. The barrels were pinned and tapered and the cylinders were recessed. The trigger and hammer featured beautiful case hardening. Of course, all of them had fixed, slotted rear sights and a low post front sight, which actually gives a great sight picture on target. Every one of them was shipped in 1980.
This one is unfired in the box and in superb condition. In many cases, guns that sit around for 40 years can show it whether they have been fired or not, but not this one. It looks new. There is no rust spotting from moisture or any bluing loss from resting in one spot. It was definitely looked after over the decades. The box is nearly mint, which isn’t always the case. It has the original registration card, ammunition catalog, and wax paper. Sadly the manual and tools are missing for whatever reason. Seems odd considering the incredible condition of everything else, but it is what it is. What it does include is the letter that was sent to the distributors, which I found very cool.
I got it for $900 OTD, which I thought was too good a deal to pass up. :banana:
At any rate, do any of you have one of these? Being that they were limited production and everyone knew it at the time, I’d imagine there are a good percentage of them that are still unfired. Since I own many 357 Magnums, I can’t imagine feeling the need to shoot this one. I’ll just let it gain value.
As always, please enjoy the pics and share your thoughts.
Thanks! :supergrin:
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The 520 was the only N Frame 357 Magnum that Smith & Wesson ever built without adjustable sights. They were ordered by the New York State Police in 1979. However, after doing so, they decided not to wait the six months required to fulfill the order and instead went with a standard cataloged revolver. Therefore, Smith & Wesson notified their distributors that the 520 would be available on a very limited basis and never produced again. It was never cataloged at any time.
The gun itself is very nice and sort of looks like an oversized M&P. All 520 revolvers were identical. They had 4” barrels, Magna grips, and a polished blue finish. The barrels were pinned and tapered and the cylinders were recessed. The trigger and hammer featured beautiful case hardening. Of course, all of them had fixed, slotted rear sights and a low post front sight, which actually gives a great sight picture on target. Every one of them was shipped in 1980.
This one is unfired in the box and in superb condition. In many cases, guns that sit around for 40 years can show it whether they have been fired or not, but not this one. It looks new. There is no rust spotting from moisture or any bluing loss from resting in one spot. It was definitely looked after over the decades. The box is nearly mint, which isn’t always the case. It has the original registration card, ammunition catalog, and wax paper. Sadly the manual and tools are missing for whatever reason. Seems odd considering the incredible condition of everything else, but it is what it is. What it does include is the letter that was sent to the distributors, which I found very cool.
I got it for $900 OTD, which I thought was too good a deal to pass up. :banana:
At any rate, do any of you have one of these? Being that they were limited production and everyone knew it at the time, I’d imagine there are a good percentage of them that are still unfired. Since I own many 357 Magnums, I can’t imagine feeling the need to shoot this one. I’ll just let it gain value.
As always, please enjoy the pics and share your thoughts.
Thanks! :supergrin:
