Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this LIMITED PRODUCTION double-action revolver for a penny-start auction; this is the Smith & Wesson Model 520, also known as the .357 Magnum Military & Police!
The Smith & Wesson Model 520 is considered a limited-edition revolver due to its minimal production run of only about 3,000 units in 1980. Originally intended for the New York State Police but never delivered, this N-frame .357 Magnum was unique in featuring fixed service sights rather than the typical adjustable target sights found on other large-frame magnums. Its rarity, combined with its distinctive service-oriented configuration and NIB availability, has made the Model 520 highly sought after by collectors as a standout example of Smith & Wesson’s limited-production offerings.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: 520
Serial: N560183
Date of Manufacture: 1980
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 4" Pinned with Non-Reflective Top Strap
Optics/Sights: Serrated Ramp Front with Square Notch Rear Fixed
Stock/Grips: Checkered PC Style Walnut Grips with S&W Medallions
Action: Double/Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Smith & Wesson Model 520 is one of the more unique and collectible revolvers in the company’s history, owing both to its design and to the unusual circumstances of its production. Introduced in May of 1980, the Model 520 was a double-action revolver chambered for .357 Magnum and .38 Special, built on the large square-butt N service frame with three screws. It featured a 4-inch pinned barrel with a shrouded extractor rod, a six-shot counterbored and fluted cylinder, and a blue finish that gave it a subdued yet professional appearance. Unlike most N-frame revolvers chambered for .357 Magnum, the Model 520 was not fitted with adjustable target sights. Instead, it carried a fixed square-notch rear sight paired with a serrated ramp front sight, making it the only .357 Magnum revolver ever manufactured on the N-frame without target sights. Other notable features included a non-reflective topstrap to reduce glare, checkered “PC” style walnut grips, a .265" grooved service trigger, and a .265" grooved service hammer. At approximately 40 ounces unloaded, it struck a balance between recoil absorption and carry practicality, marking it as a true duty-oriented service revolver. The Model 520 was originally ordered for the New York State Police, who sought a robust .357 Magnum revolver to replace their older service sidearms. However, the order was canceled before delivery, leaving Smith & Wesson with an unfulfilled contract and a completed production run of around 3,000 units. These revolvers were subsequently released on the commercial market, often in new-in-box condition, and quickly became a curiosity among collectors and enthusiasts due to their low production numbers and unusual configuration. The Model 520 thus occupies a distinctive niche in S&W’s lineup, combining the strength and heft of the N-frame with the simplicity of fixed service sights rather than the adjustable target sights traditionally paired with that frame size. Today, its rarity, historical connection to a canceled law enforcement contract, and unique “service-grade magnum” configuration make it a sought-after revolver, appreciated both for its role in S&W’s history and for its collectibility as one of the company’s more uncommon offerings.
Contents:
Model: 520
Serial: N560183
Date of Manufacture: 1980
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 4" Pinned with Non-Reflective Top Strap
Optics/Sights: Serrated Ramp Front with Square Notch Rear Fixed
Stock/Grips: Checkered PC Style Walnut Grips with S&W Medallions
Action: Double/Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Smith & Wesson Model 520 is one of the more unique and collectible revolvers in the company’s history, owing both to its design and to the unusual circumstances of its production. Introduced in May of 1980, the Model 520 was a double-action revolver chambered for .357 Magnum and .38 Special, built on the large square-butt N service frame with three screws. It featured a 4-inch pinned barrel with a shrouded extractor rod, a six-shot counterbored and fluted cylinder, and a blue finish that gave it a subdued yet professional appearance. Unlike most N-frame revolvers chambered for .357 Magnum, the Model 520 was not fitted with adjustable target sights. Instead, it carried a fixed square-notch rear sight paired with a serrated ramp front sight, making it the only .357 Magnum revolver ever manufactured on the N-frame without target sights. Other notable features included a non-reflective topstrap to reduce glare, checkered “PC” style walnut grips, a .265" grooved service trigger, and a .265" grooved service hammer. At approximately 40 ounces unloaded, it struck a balance between recoil absorption and carry practicality, marking it as a true duty-oriented service revolver. The Model 520 was originally ordered for the New York State Police, who sought a robust .357 Magnum revolver to replace their older service sidearms. However, the order was canceled before delivery, leaving Smith & Wesson with an unfulfilled contract and a completed production run of around 3,000 units. These revolvers were subsequently released on the commercial market, often in new-in-box condition, and quickly became a curiosity among collectors and enthusiasts due to their low production numbers and unusual configuration. The Model 520 thus occupies a distinctive niche in S&W’s lineup, combining the strength and heft of the N-frame with the simplicity of fixed service sights rather than the adjustable target sights traditionally paired with that frame size. Today, its rarity, historical connection to a canceled law enforcement contract, and unique “service-grade magnum” configuration make it a sought-after revolver, appreciated both for its role in S&W’s history and for its collectibility as one of the company’s more uncommon offerings.
Contents:
This example is in SUPERB condition, showing no evidence of regular consumer use or handling, we can see! Additionally, it will ship with the original factory-labeled box and all other contents as pictured above.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
