Info about S&W Model 520?

[bunnielab]

A firend is going to sell me his Model 520. All I know about it is this, its an L-frame .357mag with a 7 shot cylinder. I don't really know much about them and information hart to find.

Does anyone here have one, or know of them?

 

[Oro]

This is a new(er) L frame revolver. The 520 is the blue version, and I think came with the Hi-Viz sight sytem (v notch rear, fiber optic post front). I believe they dropped the blue model 520 a year or two ago and only sell the stainless model now (620). You can go to the factory sight and look up the 620 and see information, or google it and find reviews.

I think the big deal about them is they use the new two-piece barrel design (inner barrel, outer shroud, end torqued like an old Dan Wesson). Supposed to be very accurate (I have not fired or handled one personally, just read about them).

 

[highorder]

For whatever reason, this is my only gripe with S&W. The (first) 520 was a blued, fixed sight N frame; essentially a fixed sight version of the Model 28 .357 magnum. They were made for the New York State Police.

I don't understand why S&W would reuse a model number.

 

[Oro]

I don't understand why S&W would reuse a model number.

Yeah, I don't get that, either. When I opened the thread I was hoping he was talking about the old NYSP gun, but then he said "7-shot." I guess they wanted the "20" number enough to not care. I hate to say it, but it seems a lot of the current management doesn't "care" about the history.

 

[Moonclip]

Or how they reuse names like chiefs special and M&P.

 

[LA Rondo]

Here are 2 links about the L-frame 520 and 620:

http://www.alsarmynavy.com/p-1949-smith-wesson-model-520-revolver-hiviz.aspx

http://www.alsarmynavy.com/p-1954-smith-wesson-model-620-revolver.aspx

The L-frame 520 is described as a corbon steel/titanium cylinder construction. About 2 oz lighter than the 620. According to the links.

I picked up a 620 yesterday. One fine revolver.

 

[bunnielab]

I don't understand why S&W would reuse a model number.

This has caused much of the grief in finding information about it. The gun in question is the newer one. However, reading this in the link LA Rondo posted...

The new Smith & Wesson model 520 is an updated L-frame replacement for the well respected K-frame model 19 that is no longer in production.

Makes me pretty excited, as I want a Model 19, but am afraid to buy one without handling it first and none local ever seems to have one.

I am going to buy the 520 and will post pictures and thoughts when I get it.

 

[LA Rondo]

I think this model 520 is a good choice.

Yes, the dealer incompetencey. Most order only from the catalog and/or website. Plus, it depends if your dealer is capable of doing a "dealer's job" or if he's bias toward one gun manufacturer or another.

I think Ruger and esp.Taurus pay better percentages, thus making dealer margins more attractive.

However, as observed above S&W model #'s can be confusing. I always try and keep up the search mostly on the web, to maintain info.

Google is your friend, even here. Just type in the S&W model # and search the results.

 

[Oro]

Or how they reuse names like chiefs special and M&P.

Paul, do NOT even get me started on that!

If I had the chance to pick up a "new" used 520 at an attractive price, I'd take it. The Hi-Viz sights, while certainly not "classic" looking, are damn effective, quick to align, and easy on the eyes. I have a set on a 1911 style gun, and everyone who plays with it is really impressed. Also, the titanium cylinder is a unique curiosity - the "rumor" was that's why they quit building it - it was too expensive. I'd also think the two-piece barrel system would give some impressive accuracy, like in the Dan Wessons.

19's are darn nice - I have two, and two 66's (the stainless variant). If you really get hooked, also try an older 4" 686 .357 - they are superb platforms - the full lug makes the perceived recoil of a .357 feel like a +p .38 out of a 19/66. Very impressive.

In all honesty, the 520/620 is more an un-lugged L frame than a "new" 19/66 - the size/weight are in the L frame class, not the K. It's only because it's unlugged, I think, that they call it the "new" 19/66. But hey, it's one of the very few post-2002 S&Ws with the ILS that I think is interesting enough to buy vs. pre-lock models. Let us know about it when you get it. I've heard very little user feedback on the 620, and none on the 520.

 

[bunnielab]

Well, I got to shoot the 520 today. I put about 25r of Win .38+p and 100r of WWB through it.

I am pretty impressed. The trigger, both DA and SA are good, or at least good enough that I cant notice any problem with them. I was having a hard time with the dot and "V" notch sights, but the guy who is selling it shot some amazing groups so I will assume any problem is mine.

As to recoil, the +p loads let you know that something has happened, but are totally controllable, however, I dont think this is the gun to shoot full house .357 all day in.

Being a round butt, I have a huge selection of grips to choose from, and as is the gun comes with the stock wooden and a set of Hogue grips.

The guy wants $450 for it, and I think I am going to take it.

 

[LA Rondo]

For $450 I wouldn't waste another moment on a second thought.

I haven't shot one of those, but I agree, it may not be the ideal model for for full power .357 on a continued bases. But I am sure she's quick and good looking. Is there a nuance in the black between the frame and the cylinder? I was wondering if the different metals show.

Coming from the trigger action on my new 620, I can imagine how smooth the 520 works.

Somebody mentioned the word "pointability". For a revolver in this class, it is "fluent" pointability.

 

[bunnielab]

Is there a nuance in the black between the frame and the cylinder?

That is my only reservation, the cylinder is a dull silver with alot of visible "stains". My friend has tried to clean it, but nothing has worked. The rest of the finish is almost 100%.

But I'm not going to let some discoloration stop me, I told him i would take it. The FLL I like is on vacation until the 18th so here's hoping that he doesn't get cold feet before then.

 

[Oro]

That is my only reservation, the cylinder is a dull silver with alot of visible "stains". My friend has tried to clean it, but nothing has worked. The rest of the finish is almost 100%.

If you can get it for near $450 OTD, that's a deal. I'd take that in a heart beat.

Sounds like someone tried some polish or something on the Titanium. Best not to touch it other than with solvent/bore cleaner. Also, I think it's bead-blast or such, which is great for being a) cheap to produce, and b) easy to stain and hard to clean. There is something to be said for high-polished blue, stainless and nickel as to ease of maintenance.

If you want to shoot .357 all day, get a 28 or 686.

The Hi-viz takes a bit to get used to. You set the sight up so as the "dot" just cradles in the bottom of the "V" without being obscured, you are on target at your preferred range. Once you get used to it, it is very fast and accurate.

If you guys are residents of the same state, you don't need an FFL to do a deal, just trade cash and shake hands. Or are you in some very restrictive "anti" place?

 

[bunnielab]

are you in some very restrictive "anti" place?

Yep, Maryland. But my friend lives in VA so we need an FFL anyway.

And yes, it is bead blasted, but I am not too worried about it. There are pretty guns and there are working guns, sometimes they are both and sometimes not.

 

[Oro]

My heart bleeds for you. I was in DC for 5 years, then NYC for 7 or 8 years. It's nice to be in the land of the free again.

You know, this thread has inspired me to put a 520 on my "buy" list, or "watch" list. The blue frame and titanium cylinder is interesting, and they aren't making anymore. It screams "future collectible," and it is supposed to shoot sweet. Thanks for making me think about it! Tell us more when you shoot more.

 

[9mmepiphany]

careful not to try too hard cleaning the cylinder...it's coated in melonite to make it harder.

i think of the 520 as a diamond in the rough. the last one i got to handle had had it's action tuned by Randy Lee of Apex Tactical and it was awesome. i think the DA was <7lbs

 

[LA Rondo]

I think the frame on this 520 is a matte black powder coating, rather than blued. I haven't seen one in natura, but it looks that way. It's the carbon steel, that favors the powder coat finish.

Titanium is best to just keep it as it is, I suppose that is why many of the airweights are 2-tone, because the Titanium is not very helpful in having any other finish applied but it's own.

I also think is a rare find, if all the mechanics look and feel good I wouldn't be worried at that asking price. You might be able to have the cylinder refinished , down the road.

 

[Don Lu]

Its a great gun...I shoot lots of .357's out of it, why are people saying this is not the gun to do so in. Also, I dont know anyone else who has one..they seem pretty rare..go ahead and get it.