Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980
o

Notices

S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 03-22-2011, 05:38 PM
focsle's Avatar
focsle focsle is offline
Member
M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition  
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Alaska
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default M58 Ammunition

Hi-

Newbie here and glad, nice place.

I started on the other thread for newer revolvers, but found out I should be over here instead. The serial number started with an "s" so I was told that this 58 was older.

It has had some weird work done to it, but looks like a good shooter.

With that in mind, is it possible to get a modern cartridge that works well in this handgun? From what I've read, the old police loads worked quite well, but I don't hand load unfortunately.
Any suggestions as my wife would be the one to use it most. Thanks!
Mark
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 03-22-2011, 06:25 PM
Art Doc's Avatar
Art Doc Art Doc is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: The kidney of Dixie.
Posts: 10,509
Likes: 49
Liked 13,409 Times in 3,290 Posts
Default

The 41 Magnum is a caliber that demands reloading. Factory ammo can be scarce, it is limited in variety, and is very pricey. I would not own a 41 if I did not reload. You should consider investing in a good press and accessories.

Most factory 41 ammo is way too powerful for most shooters to use as a defensive handgun. The recoil can be bruising making rapid fire an impossibility for all but the most experienced of shooters. People of smaller physical stature, including most women, often find the N frame revolver too large to use effectively and the recoil of the 41 Magnum unmanageable. Personally, I would place the M58 far, far down on my list of preferred defensive handguns.

If all this sounds like I am suggesting you would be better off with a different gun for your wife to use, good, I have made my point.

BTW- What is the nature of the "weird work" that's been done to it?
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 03-23-2011, 10:52 PM
old bear's Avatar
old bear old bear is offline
US Veteran
M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: R.T. P, area NC
Posts: 9,701
Likes: 29,455
Liked 22,969 Times in 5,777 Posts
Default

Mark, welcome. Try a company called Georgia Arms, they list a .41 Magnum load that appears to very close to the old factory P.D. load. 210Gr. SWC at 800 F.P.S.

Best of luck
__________________
Always Stay Strong!

Last edited by old bear; 03-23-2011 at 10:56 PM. Reason: typo.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 03-23-2011, 11:11 PM
sheriffoconee's Avatar
sheriffoconee sheriffoconee is offline
Member
M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Watkinsville, GA
Posts: 1,844
Likes: 0
Liked 180 Times in 73 Posts
Default

Now that the obligatory negatives of the Model 58 are out of the way, those of us who are plankholders in the "Unofficial Model 58 Owners Club" here have a slightly different view of the old N frame.
However, unless your wife shoots a lot, or is comfortable with heavy handguns, I doubt the 58 is ideal for your wife to shoot well.
There is ammo available as another poster noted that mimics the original "police load". Even then it is less than an ideal platform for a shooter who doesn't shoot often or have access to a lot of ammunition and training.
Handloading is the best way to go with a 41 magnum, and it can be loaded in such a way that makes it accurate, controllable, and an effective fighting round.
My M58 is in my avatar.....
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 03-24-2011, 06:35 AM
jbcap's Avatar
jbcap jbcap is offline
Member
M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: upstate, NY
Posts: 363
Likes: 69
Liked 5 Times in 4 Posts
Default

I also have a 58 and they are a beautiful revolver. My wife shoots somewhat often and I do believe I would not let her shoot it. The recoil can be a little stout and do not want to discourage her from shooting. I personally would not let your wife shoot the 41mag, no matter what ammo you put in it. As mentioned earlier, Georgia Arms has a load similiar to the old police load, but I reload my own as it is more affordable to shoot that way. Could not afford to shoot factory ammo for the overall volume of shooting I do with multiple calibers. Good luck with the 58, it is a great gun and hard to come by as of recently. Welcome to the Forum - Joe
__________________
ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 03-24-2011, 07:54 AM
seeemmiss seeemmiss is offline
Member
M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Georgia
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times in 2 Posts
Default

Georgia Arms makes excellent ammunition as I have shot it for many years without problems. I too love the 41 magnum and especially the model 58 and 57 guns (kinda love older blackhawks in 41 mag too). Glad there are still folks still willing to defend the caliber and the guns. Also glad there are those that are willing to teach a spouse how to use a classic gun.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 03-24-2011, 08:21 AM
SAFireman's Avatar
SAFireman SAFireman is offline
SWCA Member
M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Home of the Alamo
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 16,456
Liked 15,491 Times in 3,085 Posts
Default

Mark,

I have had this very same dilemma....my wife has shot all of my 41's and the 58 was not her favorite...I had Executioner make some stag grips with 'extra bark' and they are not very kind on the hands with stout loads, so my 58 was not going to be my wife's favorite right out of the gate...I found that the wide and rounded combat finger groove grips were the most comfortable for her to use, but that her frame size was not really compatible with the N frames at all. She can shoot them all if she has to, but she prefers a lighter gun...now she is taking my 3" 686 CS-1 to the range...

as for self defense ammo, my choice is Winchester Silver Tip in 175 grain. They are not too hot and the Silver Tip round has been a proven stopper in both SD and hunting uses.

http://www.winchester.com/Products/h...mington+Magnum

Best luck with your new 58, and be sure to post your photos and experiences over in the 'Unofficial 58 Club' - you can join the rest of the cult in appreciation of the fine Model 58.

And here's a photo of my kids.

__________________
On the Oak Savannah
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 03-24-2011, 09:15 AM
Art Doc's Avatar
Art Doc Art Doc is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: The kidney of Dixie.
Posts: 10,509
Likes: 49
Liked 13,409 Times in 3,290 Posts
Default

"Now that the obligatory negatives of the Model 58 are out of the way..."

I assume this refers to me. I am not being negative, I am being honest. Everything I said is true and realistic.

Refusing to believe the sky is blue does not change its color.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 03-24-2011, 09:28 AM
David LaPell's Avatar
David LaPell David LaPell is offline
Member
M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,543
Likes: 667
Liked 6,774 Times in 1,312 Posts
Default

One of the reasons the Model 58 and the .41 Magnum really failed as a police cartridge was because most officers could not qualify with it, even with the lighter loads. The N frame revolver for most people will be at the least uncomfortable. But, if you are serious with the .41 Magnum, handloading is a must due to the lack of factory ammo out there and the cost. Don't be too surprised when a box of 50 rounds costs north of a $50 bill.
Since I see that you are in Alaska and you mentioned personal defense for your wife are you thinking bears?
You might be better off with a good .357 and heavy cast bullet handloads which will have some decent recoil, but you could get them into a L frame revolver like a 686 which she might have more control of. But, if you are serious about the .41 Magnum (what the heck, let her shoot it with a good set of rubber grips, you never know) than handloading is the way to go. I also advise you to google the .41 Special. It is a handload, a wildcat, and gives that revolver a milder cartridge to use. I have done alot with the .41 Magnum and the .41 Special with both a Ruger Blackhawk .41 and my Smith 57. John Taffin has done alot of research and should have his name stamped on the round if the ammo companies can ever be persuaded to load it commercially. Out of my revolvers the recoil is mild, maybe about that of a mild .357.
__________________
Vaya con Dios
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 03-24-2011, 09:52 AM
BigBill BigBill is offline
Absent Comrade
M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition  
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Planet earth
Posts: 13,869
Likes: 2,079
Liked 13,353 Times in 5,549 Posts
Default

I just purchased a S&W model 57 w/6" barrel and a model 58 w/4'' barrel. My dealer said they haven't seen the factory 41mag ammo in two years and just received some. I purchased two boxes of Cor-bon 210gr jhp hunting ammo and 6 boxes of the federal 210gr jhp ammo too. Plus i got some GA 210gr leadcast ammo too. I also ordered 1,500rds of 215gr leadcast from SnS castings to reload plus brass from any place that has it since its scarce too. I also purchased a LEE Pro 1000 progressive press setup in 41mag too and i ran 500rds of leadcast and 400 rounds of the 210gr berry flat point jacketed bullets too. My point is I figured i'd jump in with both feet into the 41mag caliber and cover it all since its a underdog and ammo/reloading stuff is harder to get. I do believe the overall popularity is growing on the net with the 41mag too. Its a great caliber but its side stepped by many shooters. If a shooter wants something more powerful than a 357mag but less recoil than a 44mag but almost the same power as a 44mag the 41mag is it. If it wasn't for S&W still offering there classics i would own the N Frames in 41mag today. My hats off to a great company for not forgetting us baby boomers who wanted the S&W back then but couldn't afford them till now. I'm going to take advantage of what S&W is still offering today for sure. Bill

BTW; Lets not forget most of the old leo's back them had the 38 special for most of there Leo life, then they were probably thrown the 357mag or the 41mag to try to qualify with. Thats a big change over night to the magnum calibers after shooting the wimpy 38 specials. Plus the guns also got larger and heavier in size too. I believe it takes a lot of practice to get good with a larger weapon. Even with my 60yo diabetic eyes at 100yds i can hit a paper plate with 6 shots from my 44mag without practicing. With any gun its a matter of practice, practice and more practice. I'm no expert shooter but i can hold my own if need be within reason. If the weapon fits your hand and you like the feel and balance buy it. Then its a matter of shooting it alot. Start off with the leadcast lighter loads and work your way up. Then try staggering the leadcast loads withy the jacketed loads to improve your flinching and improve your focusing. You will improve your accuracy with the magnum loads too.

I started off with the 357mag, then moved to the 45acp, then the 44mag, then the 9mm luger, then the 9mm makarov and now i have the 41mag and the 45 long colt that i recently purchased this year. I went back to the magnums because of the knock down power over the 9mm's / 45acp's i like the 800ft.lbs. with the 41mag.

Last edited by BigBill; 03-24-2011 at 10:04 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 03-24-2011, 10:50 AM
Pilgrim's Avatar
Pilgrim Pilgrim is offline
US Veteran
M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Massachusetts - Live Free
Posts: 1,068
Likes: 11
Liked 609 Times in 206 Posts
Default

Don't 'let' your wife shoot it?!?!?! Come on guys.....

My wife shoots everything I own and her favorite of all is my 629 .44mag 4 incher.

You think I could tell her, "No, I won't let you shoot this gun." ? Not if I value my body parts.

Let her shoot whatever she wants and let her decide what she like/dislikes.

She hasn't shot my 58 yet, but she will.

The .41 is a great (but expensive) round.
__________________
ASA/NSA 67-71
NRA Benefactor
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 03-24-2011, 11:06 AM
David LaPell's Avatar
David LaPell David LaPell is offline
Member
M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,543
Likes: 667
Liked 6,774 Times in 1,312 Posts
Default

You tell a wife she can't shoot one of your guns, and I suspect a drought will be coming your way.
__________________
Vaya con Dios
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 03-24-2011, 12:00 PM
kennyb's Avatar
kennyb kennyb is offline
SWCA Member
M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,895
Likes: 736
Liked 1,208 Times in 737 Posts
Default

i too am a huge fan of the 41 mag.i will however echo what others said...reload the round...saves you a ton of money and you get what you want..when you want
__________________
SWCA#2208
KK4EMO
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 03-24-2011, 02:10 PM
TDC's Avatar
TDC TDC is offline
Member
M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition  
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Oregon
Posts: 1,349
Likes: 87
Liked 877 Times in 265 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by kennyb View Post
i too am a huge fan of the 41 mag.i will however echo what others said...reload the round...saves you a ton of money and you get what you want..when you want
Yep.... The 41 Mag factory ammo is expensive -- but I wondering if some of the posters on this thread have checked the prices recently on other calibers?

I shoot 41, 44, 45 ACP and LC, as well as 500mag. All of them are going "through the roof" with their factory ammo prices.

The 41 mag has long been my favorite caliber. But because of the comparatively small number of this caliber sold through the years the factory ammo isn't available in every "mom & pop" store.

The 41 mag has become a re-loader/shooter favorite and IMHO a dandy at that. I find it discouraging to see this fine caliber picked on based on factory ammo purchase price and "control-ability" when there are obvious solutions to remedy these issues...

Yes, re-loading is the best option, but that applies to many other popular calibers as well for the same reasons..... If re-loading isn't an option perhaps a person considering any big bore caliber should re-consider based on their intended use and pocketbook.....

JMHO
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 03-24-2011, 03:51 PM
Art Doc's Avatar
Art Doc Art Doc is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: The kidney of Dixie.
Posts: 10,509
Likes: 49
Liked 13,409 Times in 3,290 Posts
Default

I said the 41 was a caliber that requires reloading. I didn't say it was the only one.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 03-24-2011, 06:12 PM
focsle's Avatar
focsle focsle is offline
Member
M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition  
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Alaska
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Model 58 Identification Help

Here were the modifications done to the handgun, too bad for one. I posted this in handguns 1981 to the present, so just reposted it again.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 03-24-2011, 06:58 PM
Art Doc's Avatar
Art Doc Art Doc is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: The kidney of Dixie.
Posts: 10,509
Likes: 49
Liked 13,409 Times in 3,290 Posts
Default

The good news is you got it for free. The bad news is that at this point it is not worth much. If I got it for free, and chose to keep it rather than sell it (but in reality I would try to sell it) I would lose the scope and replace the rear sight and stocks and have a refinshed shooter grade 58.

Is the original side plate under that scope mount? Tragedy if not.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 03-24-2011, 07:24 PM
sheriffoconee's Avatar
sheriffoconee sheriffoconee is offline
Member
M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Watkinsville, GA
Posts: 1,844
Likes: 0
Liked 180 Times in 73 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SaxonPig View Post
"Now that the obligatory negatives of the Model 58 are out of the way..."

I assume this refers to me. I am not being negative, I am being honest. Everything I said is true and realistic.

Refusing to believe the sky is blue does not change its color.
Yes, I was referring to your post. Notice also that I didn't try to change the color of the sky, nor did I actually disagree with you or challenge the truthfulness of your statements.
What I wrote in somewhat wry recognition of your lack of appreciation for the Model 58 and 41 mag as evidenced by various posts you have made in past discussions was intended as humor, obviously it fell flat....
Next time I will use one of thse...
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 03-24-2011, 08:26 PM
Art Doc's Avatar
Art Doc Art Doc is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: The kidney of Dixie.
Posts: 10,509
Likes: 49
Liked 13,409 Times in 3,290 Posts
Default

I don't lack appreciation for the 58. I appreciate it for what it is. It is a gun of limited usefulness that was a failure in the marketplace. I never said I didn't like it, only that it doesn't really seem to serve any particular purpose that isn't better served by another gun.

Here's mine in case you forgot that I have owned one since 1989.

Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 03-24-2011, 08:51 PM
Chubbs103 Chubbs103 is offline
US Veteran
M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Ridgecrest, CA
Posts: 712
Likes: 43
Liked 841 Times in 330 Posts
Default

A couple of quick points:

The M58 fills a unique and extremely under-represented niche. A blued, fixed-sight N frame with more power than a .357 Mag.

If the gun fits your wife, by all means let her shoot the snot out of it.

I have seen more factory .41 mag ammo options in the last two years, than ever before. The GA Arms is a great bet. The Win Silver Tips are a great round, but you may find they shoot low with the M58's fixed sights.

I encourage reloading for everything above the .22lr. You get exactly want you want for a much better price.

Hope this helps.

Chubbs
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 03-24-2011, 08:53 PM
jdh's Avatar
jdh jdh is offline
US Veteran
M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 116
Liked 1,116 Times in 510 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by focsle View Post
With that in mind, is it possible to get a modern cartridge that works well in this handgun?
Mark
Yes, 175 gr. Winchester Silvertips.

Mid-range load that performs well, has moderate recoil, is accurate, and can still be had at a reasonable cost.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 03-24-2011, 09:15 PM
badge badge is offline
Member
M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Pa.
Posts: 765
Likes: 822
Liked 1,090 Times in 429 Posts
Default

Hey Pig,... maybe I misunderstood your post but let me give you my truths. I like and have carried N frames for a very long time. I am a large persons but I doubt that is the reason I use it well. For the female gender it may not be the best weapon. That may or may not be true for a male counterpart. I prefer them but would not carry one over a Glock in a LE scenario anymore.

As for reloading being a must. I am at odds with you over this as well. Ga. Arms has an array of ammo normally readily available in both hunting, defnesive and target varieties. I dont find it exorbitant although reloading would be cheaper. The 175 Silvertip is a fine round and has an excellant reputation as far as two legged and four legged critters stopped.

I would much prefer to shoot an N framed .41 over an N framed.44 all day every day. There is a differance and the 58 is by no means difficult to handle for me at least. My bride shoots all ofmy guns but doesnt for the 58 as much as the Md. 25 in .45 Colt. Just my truths and opinions friend.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 03-24-2011, 09:28 PM
David LaPell's Avatar
David LaPell David LaPell is offline
Member
M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,543
Likes: 667
Liked 6,774 Times in 1,312 Posts
Default

I can tell you that with the .41 Magnum in the long run you will want to reload. While you might be able to get commercial ammo, why keep paying a fortune for factory stuff when you can reload it for much less. Right now Remington's 210 grain JSP goes for $65 for a box of 50 ordered through Midway. I recently picked up a box of 500 210 grain lead SWC's for $30 and 100 pieces of Remington brass for $30. Even 100 bullets through Montana Bullet Company for the .41 Magnum cost me only about $35 shipped. Believe me, reloading is theway to go with this caliber. Sure other calibers can be reloaded, but the .41 doesn't have all of the factory offerings that the .44 Magnum. .454 and the others have that have been around for less time. I can tell you that I haven't bought a box of factory ammo in .41 Magnum for years. If you want to buy factory ammo, go for it, its your money, but I like keeping a few extra dollars in my pocket.
__________________
Vaya con Dios
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 03-24-2011, 10:17 PM
thomasinaz's Avatar
thomasinaz thomasinaz is offline
US Veteran
M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Arizona
Posts: 995
Likes: 836
Liked 1,205 Times in 288 Posts
Default

Here's another vote for the 175 Gr Silvertip round. And my 2 cents on the 58: I like them.
__________________
Tom
"Panem et Circenses"
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 03-24-2011, 11:51 PM
Art Doc's Avatar
Art Doc Art Doc is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: The kidney of Dixie.
Posts: 10,509
Likes: 49
Liked 13,409 Times in 3,290 Posts
Default

badge- If you like it and can handle it great. I never said you couldn't handle it... I said many couldn't, like men with small hands and many women.

And please don't call me pig. That's insulting. My username is SaxonPig. Saxon is OK. SP is fine. Pig is insulting.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 03-25-2011, 12:06 AM
RoninPhx RoninPhx is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: phoenix arizona
Posts: 168
Likes: 1
Liked 160 Times in 68 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by focsle View Post
Hi-

Newbie here and glad, nice place.

I started on the other thread for newer revolvers, but found out I should be over here instead. The serial number started with an "s" so I was told that this 58 was older.

It has had some weird work done to it, but looks like a good shooter.

With that in mind, is it possible to get a modern cartridge that works well in this handgun? From what I've read, the old police loads worked quite well, but I don't hand load unfortunately.
Any suggestions as my wife would be the one to use it most. Thanks!
Mark
well I guess my wife isn't most women. I think it is sometimes wrong to generalize. She has outshot men in ccw classes with a four inch model 19.
when i first bought a ruger super redhawk in .44mag she shot hot loads through it maybe because nobody told her she was a woman and wasn't suppose to handle it. The 58, and i have one, she doesn't have any particular issue with particularly in the light loads. Then i don't generally run full throttle loads in any of my magnums unless there is a reason too. I have one model 19 i have been shooting since the 70's and probably 20k rounds through it. Maybe one box of magnums.
As far as the wife is concerned, she is the one that should make that decision. I would agree on reloading, but i would say the same thing about any ammo today store bought as to cost.
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 03-30-2011, 12:55 AM
kennyb's Avatar
kennyb kennyb is offline
SWCA Member
M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,895
Likes: 736
Liked 1,208 Times in 737 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SaxonPig View Post
I don't lack appreciation for the 58. I appreciate it for what it is. It is a gun of limited usefulness that was a failure in the marketplace. I never said I didn't like it, only that it doesn't really seem to serve any particular purpose that isn't better served by another gun.

Here's mine in case you forgot that I have owned one since 1989.


nah...the 41 mag.is NOT a failure...it's been in production since 1963...thats not a failure at all
__________________
SWCA#2208
KK4EMO
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 03-30-2011, 08:50 AM
Art Doc's Avatar
Art Doc Art Doc is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: The kidney of Dixie.
Posts: 10,509
Likes: 49
Liked 13,409 Times in 3,290 Posts
Default

Not the 41 cartridge, the Model 58 revolver. The 58 was an abysmal failure in the marketplace.
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 03-30-2011, 12:35 PM
TDC's Avatar
TDC TDC is offline
Member
M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition  
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Oregon
Posts: 1,349
Likes: 87
Liked 877 Times in 265 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SaxonPig View Post
Not the 41 cartridge, the Model 58 revolver. The 58 was an abysmal failure in the marketplace.
Let the Model 58 be a good example of what can become very appealing to would be collectors.

It wasn't an "abysmal failure" but simply a gun that didn't appeal to it's targeted market.... which was thought to be police agency's looking for more firepower than what the 38/357 could provide.

Ammo was very expensive and the load choices very limited. Because of the additional power of the 41 Mag caliber many officers had difficulty qualifying with it. Had the gun been offered with a light loaded "special" type practice round (ie. 38 Special/44 Special) its acceptance may have been a whole different story.

This "bare bones" N frame pistol didn't go over well but what a beautiful and inexpensive N frame it was for people interested in modifying them for other purposes.

We would buy the guns for about $120 new. Install a 4" or 6" bull barrel and add a Bomar Rib for adjustable sights, add Pachmayr's or custom grips and have a very useful target pistol for well under the cost of it's fancier brother, the Mod. 57.

Others, if they didn't like the 41 caliber for some reason, converted them to larger calibers with 44 Special being a commonly seen favorite.

Today the Mod 58 has found belated acceptance, not from the PD's it was originally intended for, but from those today who recognize not only its useful simplicity but it's growing collect-ability due to its very low production numbers.

"Abysmal failure"...... no way. Was it a mis-targeted and poorly promoted caliber that at the time was, along with the Mod 28, one of the "best-bang-for-the-buck" guns S&W ever produced?...... absolutely. Today it is one of the most sought after models of its era.

S&W has recognized the unique appeal of the Mod 58 and they are producing it again. I just wish it were available at a price comparable to what they were in the "old days." LONG LIVE THE MOD. 58!!!

JMHO
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 03-31-2011, 01:50 PM
kennyb's Avatar
kennyb kennyb is offline
SWCA Member
M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,895
Likes: 736
Liked 1,208 Times in 737 Posts
Default

well stated TDC...i would agree it did not do well within the police market...although i believe it would have if it had been released "in order" meaning after the 357mag.but before the 44 magnum...and yes...if the M58 was a failure it would not have been released again...it's all that you need with no frills
__________________
SWCA#2208
KK4EMO
Reply With Quote
  #31  
Old 03-31-2011, 04:30 PM
Retired W4's Avatar
Retired W4 Retired W4 is offline
US Veteran
M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition M58 Ammunition  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Atlanta area
Posts: 8,802
Likes: 15,784
Liked 19,361 Times in 4,352 Posts
Default

Another choice in the market for ammo is the Double Tap 210gr. Nosler JHP. They rate it at 1455 fps out of a 6.5" barrel and it seems to perform pretty well out of my 57 4". I bought 3 boxes and got the price w/shipping down to a buck a pop. I'd like to see what a real pistolero can do with this load, as my skills have dropped significantly with my BET.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
22lr, 41mag, 44 magnum, 629, 686, bull barrel, cartridge, ccw, colt, commercial, executioner, glock, l frame, model 19, nosler, pachmayr, redhawk, remington, ruger, scope, sig arms, silvertips, stag, wildcat, winchester

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
44-40 ammunition panamajack310 Ammo 60 03-11-2017 09:50 AM
PPU ammunition Wahoo57 Ammo 27 03-12-2016 01:41 PM
Ammunition Wayne937 Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 14 02-09-2014 02:22 AM
RAM ammunition oneyeopn Smith & Wesson M&P15 Rifles 4 02-23-2012 03:01 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:28 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)