S&w 520

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jframe38

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Hi folks. I currently own one revolver, a 642.
I found a new model 520, a .357, 7 shot, 18.5 oz, from last year at the local gun shop.
This was an '06 special edition where it's the lightweight/airweight model and w/wood grips and colored finish, not SS.
So here is my question: Has anyone shot that model as I'm looking for some feedback on its recoil compared to the SS/heavier models.
I did shoot a 686 4" SS model & loved it. I think the 620 may be a nice compromize. What ya think?

http://www.gundirectory.com/more.asp?gid=20447&gun=Revolver
 
I've got a 620, and I'm quite happy with it. Haven't fired the ultralight version though, so I can't help with that.

The 620 is a good, solid, reliable workhorse. My daughters shoot the heck out of mine with everything from light .38's to full on magnum loads. With the exception of my .22's, it's the most used gun in my collection.
 
I owned a M619 (same as the M620 but with fixed sights) and it was a very accurate revolver. It was also nice to have an extra round in the chamber. (I should have never sold it)

I don't know what you mean about the M620 being a compromise. The 4" M620 is only 2.5 oz lighter than a 4" M686 whereas the M520 is 21.5 oz lighter. The M520 is half the weight with some left over. A revolver that light might be hard to handle but I don't know because I've never shot one.
 
Arch, you expressed my concern w/the lighter weight revolver handling the recoil. I'm thinking it would be harder to handle than the 620 or 686.
I think I just was attracted to it because of it's looks. OMG I can't believe I wrote that! You would think at 60 I haven't learned much how those looks can get you in trouble.
 
I own the particular 520 you are referring to. The weight is not 18 oz. The actual weight of the gun is 37.9 oz. The recoil on it is comparable to other S&W SS models.
 
I did click on your original link and the gun listed is the 520 which I have. I'm pretty sure the weight is listed incorrectly on that web page. The 520 was reissued for a short time. It is a carbon steel revolver, 7 shot, Titanium cylinder, Hi-Viz sights, wood grips. I don't think they issued a lightweigth model so close to the issue of the Steel 520 using the same model number. Did you handle the 520 at the gun shop to see if the weight was different from a 686. They should be about the same.
You could also give S&W a call to see if they ever issued a lightweight 520.
 
You know, now that you mention it the M520 is a Blue version of the M620 but I went by what jframe38 said. prolanman is correct, the weight must be posted incorrectly. That is a very nice revolver and if I were in the market for another 4" .357 Magnum I would buy it.
 
Prolanman & ArchAngelCD I did handle the gun in the shop and it really is a lot lighter than the standard revolver. The gun shop owner said that it was a special version put out in '06. It's in the '06 catalog. The link is correct!
 
The only S&W 520 I've ever seen was an N-Frame .357 with fixed sights, kinda like a 581 is to a 586, this was similar but comparable to a 27/28. IIRC the guy said it was made for the NYSP (maybe NYCP) but never authorized or issued. (Maybe it wasn't a 520 but that's what the owner called it)

I've wanted one of those ever since. Never seen a second one tho'.
 
I guess by now you folks must think I'm from the Twilight Zone but I did handle the same gun. It's a limited edition. I'm headed out of town for awhile but when I get back I'm going to the gun shop to settle this. I handled the exact same gun as show on the web site:
http://www.gundirectory.com/more.asp?gid=20447&gun=Revolver

Does anyone have a the S&W '06 product guide? Seems strange that both the shop owner & web site would both be incorrect.
 
If it is that light then I stand by my original post.

It is a good looking gun for sure and if you can handle a .357 Magnum that light, buy it. The old M520 was built on the N frame and went out of production in 1980. The new M520 is built on the L frame and is alnost a clone of the M620 except for the finish and the cylinder.

This Site has that exact revolver and they list the weigh as 35.2 oz.
Here is another site with the same information.
 
I do find it a little odd that S&W would issue an addtional model using the same model number so close to the issue of the carbon steel, L frame based version of the 520. If it were me I'd email or call S&W just to verify that they actually did produce such a gun.

The "lightweight" version that you're speaking about looks identical to the carbon steel version that I own. I also noticed in the photo from your link that the gun in the picture does not have the usual markings on the right side of the gun that the lightweight S&W models have.
 
Thanks for all your replies. I'm taking it all in as I'm still learning here.
Like I said previously when I get back I'll check it out and let you know.
All I can tell you is that the gun does look exactly like Arch's links but is about half the weight of the SS gun.
Merry XMAS to everyone!
 
2006 S & W Catalog

Here is the model 520 shown in the 2006 S & W catalog. (This picture is cropped from a scan of that catalog page #33.)

th_520web.gif
(click for big)

This shows the weight to be 27.5 oz.
 
Thanks Skeezix! I thought I was losing my mind here. I guess 10.4 oz from the 37.9 oz SS model 620 makes a a noticeable difference. At least to me.
I'm just wondering how comfortable this gun would be to shoot as to lay out $675, compared to the SS model, and not like it would be a little tough.
I just like the way this gun looks. I also liked the way my ex-wife looked too!
 
That's the same gun I have. It is not hard shooting at all. I shoot mainly 38 SPL out of mine. There is a noticiable difference shooting .357 mag. All in all it is very managable. With so many different weights listed on different sites, I'll weigh the gun later for you and give you a more acurate weight. I paid $500 for mine new back in 2005.
 
Prolanman, thanks for your info, especially the cost as you got a great deal.
Do you ever carry concealed? Is it a little large for that?
For $675 + tax I have a lot of other options that I can decide on. Maybe if was $100 cheaper it might be worth it but this time of year it can be tough.
Thanks again.
 
I don't carry my Revolvers. I use them primarily for range time and for my wife as home defense gun. It may be a little large for concealed carry. It all depends on your size. I'm a big guy and have carried a government sized 1911 in the past with no problems. I would go with a 686+ 2" for concealed carry if you want to carry a steel revolver.

For carry I normally go with my HK P2000 and sometimes my Sig P229. I prefer an auto for carry. More capacity and quicker reload.
 
I’m confused. Are there two 520s? One with an alloy frame and one with a steel frame? If so, how do you differentiate between them when calling them out by model number?
 
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