I have an opportunity to buy a NIB 520. Any comments on this one? Worth snagging up? I would obviously not shoot it, which to me is just short of blasphemy. Does anyone out there have one? Is it possible to own a gun and not shoot it? Can I not buy it? I'm soooo confused!
S&W 520 (Agonizing decision)
- Thread starter ExpatGator
- Start date
- Status
Only 3,000 or so manufactured, and only for a limited time.
NIB, with all paperwork and other goodies?
That's really a collector's item, in my opinion.
What is the asking price?
NIB, with all paperwork and other goodies?
That's really a collector's item, in my opinion.
What is the asking price?
While the M520 was a one-time run from 1980, the fact that there are 3,000 of them in circulation suggests these are not very scarce (as opposed to the very scarce M26's made for the Georgia State Patrol). The collector's appeal centers around the fact that the M520 is the only N-frame chambered in .357 Magnum to have fixed sights. IIRC, these were supposed to go to the NYSP, and for some reason, the deal never happened. Thus, these entered the distribution channels as the M520.
If the price is right or you really want it, I would buy it. A fixed-sight N-frame is a great revolver.
If the price is right or you really want it, I would buy it. A fixed-sight N-frame is a great revolver.
Brian Williams
Moderator Emeritus
Mike, Yes it is has the box and all of the goodies and the price is right.
I have, after considering y'alls input, decided to get it. I guess now the only decision is if I will shoot it or just retire it to the safe. Thanks for the help and input folks.
I have, after considering y'alls input, decided to get it. I guess now the only decision is if I will shoot it or just retire it to the safe. Thanks for the help and input folks.
Farscott,
Most of the 520s were, I believe, taken in by a police agency (I disremember which one, but not the one for which they were originally made) with a relatively few making it into civilian hands.
They were used, meaning that a 520 NIB is one hell of an uncommon animal.
Sure, you can find 520s if you look hard enough, but you're not going to find that many in the condition described, and THAT is what will appeal to the serious collector.
Most of the 520s were, I believe, taken in by a police agency (I disremember which one, but not the one for which they were originally made) with a relatively few making it into civilian hands.
They were used, meaning that a 520 NIB is one hell of an uncommon animal.
Sure, you can find 520s if you look hard enough, but you're not going to find that many in the condition described, and THAT is what will appeal to the serious collector.
Mr. Irwin,
If you are correct (and I have no doubt you are), I am an idiot.
I was at a gun show a few (maybe longer) years back (Marietta, Cobb County, GA) where three (!!) M520's were sold, and I only bought one for the whopping price of $300. My sample was NIB, but is no longer. In fact, mine would be lucky to grade as "Good"; it has been well-used.
I still am looking for the GSP M26. These had five-inch tapered barrels and a great balance in the hand, especially for a .45 Colt. I believe less than forty-five made it into the distribution channel, and no troopers (retired or not) I know are selling theirs. I believe "smithnut" from the Smith & Wesson forum has one or two.
If you are correct (and I have no doubt you are), I am an idiot.
I was at a gun show a few (maybe longer) years back (Marietta, Cobb County, GA) where three (!!) M520's were sold, and I only bought one for the whopping price of $300. My sample was NIB, but is no longer. In fact, mine would be lucky to grade as "Good"; it has been well-used. I still am looking for the GSP M26. These had five-inch tapered barrels and a great balance in the hand, especially for a .45 Colt. I believe less than forty-five made it into the distribution channel, and no troopers (retired or not) I know are selling theirs. I believe "smithnut" from the Smith & Wesson forum has one or two.
520's are cool guns, sorta like a latter day 38/44 Heavy Duty. I traded into this boxed Model 520 a little while back. It's unfired (outside the factory) in about 98% condition showing very minor box wear. As stated 3000 were made so they are not all that scarce but they don't seem to come up for sale that often. I probably won't shoot this one. A 4" Model 28 for around three bills would be a better choice for an everday shooter IMO. It's the same gun with adjustable sights.
The paperwork that came with the 520 is generic. Smith & Wesson didn't print up any specific manuals/parts lists for the 520.
Randy
The paperwork that came with the 520 is generic. Smith & Wesson didn't print up any specific manuals/parts lists for the 520.
Randy
Thanks for the pic Randy. That is the exact twin to the one I got. Judging by the condition and the probable rarity of 520's in that condition, I guess it will be a safe queen. I guess my quest for a good shooter .357 is not over. COOL, gotta keep looking.
- Status
