1964-2014...The .41 Magnum

Sixshooter44 · #**301** 03-01-2016, 11:47 PM

I'm in the process of buying a model 57 that some one refinished with a black spray on coating, since it's already been molested I'm going to send it out for a action job and some hard chrome. Should I do the barrel and cylinder in bright nickle with a hard chrome frame like a beginners bbq gun or just go straight hard chrome?

SuperMan · #**302** 03-02-2016, 07:40 AM

I vote straight hard chrome... The polished nickel scratches fairly easily...I have been carrying a HC Commander daily since 2007 and it still looks new.

You could however differ the polishing... Accurate Plating has three different finishes for their HC...matte, satin and high polish. I've had all three on 1911s. Matte is what you would expect...almost like a fine bead blast. Satin is like a lightly polished stainless...my favorite. High polish is like a mirror...

#1&2 is the daily carry gun that has a satin slide and matte frame...

#3 is satin slide and frame...

#5 is high polish HC..

#4..top gun is the satin slide and matte frame. Bottom all satin...

Sixshooter44 · #**303** 03-02-2016, 11:30 AM

Thanks for the pics! I will probably stay full hard chrome, but I feel as though I need a BBQ gun soon in my life

SuperMan · #**304** 03-02-2016, 02:28 PM

...if you want to stay .41 and simple and elegant....how about a 4" nickel 57 with smooth presentation grips...

bruner1981 · #**305** 03-02-2016, 02:51 PM

I'm really liking the look of the high polish hard chrome. Might look pretty good for a daily carry Highway Patrolman

BigBill · #**306** 03-02-2016, 03:18 PM

How come the date ends at 2014?

The m57 in 41 mag is alive and well in blue and a 6" barrel it continues on today. There seems to be a growing legacy in the 41 magnum caliber. It not too late nor down for the count. Don't sell this caliber out yet.

pawngal · #**307** 03-03-2016, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigBill

How come the date ends at 2014?

The m57 in 41 mag is alive and well in blue and a 6" barrel it continues on today. There seems to be a growing legacy in the 41 magnum caliber. It not too late nor down for the count. Don't sell this caliber out yet.

Because this thread was started in 2014, 50th year of the .41 mag

lowriderfxr · #**308** 03-03-2016, 08:35 AM

Brown Santa dropped off these too late last night. I'm on days and havnt had time to play with them yet. I found my NRM right before Christmas and now these two right before my birthday. It's been a good start.

Shark Bait · #**309** 03-03-2016, 09:06 AM

I'd love to hear the story of how you acquired those two, lowriderfxr.

jswhitesell619 · #**310** 03-03-2016, 09:30 AM

Just read the whole thread, and man these are some great guns! In August of 15 I got my first 41 mag, ruger bisley hunter, and I've been hooked since! About a week ago I picked up a used, but not abused model 58 s serial numbered and that's goin to be a shooter for sure! Then yesterday I picked up what appears to be a new in box n prefix 4" model 57. I am so happy I can't express it, but I'm surely going to shoot the 58 and the ruger! I'll try to get some photos here soon for you guys!

jimmyj · #**311** 03-03-2016, 09:33 AM

As a rural county Deputy I carried a blued Model 58 for my service revolver in 1990 era. I didn't reload and my ammo was W-W 210 grain Silvertips. My negative issues were the ammo was scarce and expensive, plus there wasn't a smaller revolver in .41 Magnum for a backup and off duty. IIRC#2 Son has it now.

Frank V · #**312** 03-03-2016, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sixshooter44

I'm in the process of buying a model 57 that some one refinished with a black spray on coating, since it's already been molested I'm going to send it out for a action job and some hard chrome. Should I do the barrel and cylinder in bright nickle with a hard chrome frame like a beginners bbq gun or just go straight hard chrome?

I vote for hard chrome or send it back to S&W for an original finish?
Hard chrome is very tough.
If you want a BBQ gun have it engraved then refinished? Then nice Ivory stocks, Then a nice engraved Tom Threepersons holster from El Paso Saddlery, Of course you need a matching belt, on & on & on it goes.

M29since14 · #**313** 03-03-2016, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperMan

...if you want to stay .41 and simple and elegant....how about a 4" nickel 57 with smooth presentation grips...

I agree with that - simple is always good, and extra nice wood in the stocks and pretty leather often make up for lack of engraving.

As to refinishing with hard chrome, a M57 in a vapor blasted finish is in S&W no-man's land since it doesn't resemble factory production. An intermediate "brushed" finish will look a lot like a M657. Might be a good choice for rehabbing that poor old painted gun. I'd give a factory re-blue some thought too. The cost should be similar. Just a matter of which look you prefer.

SuperMan · #**314** 03-03-2016, 05:02 PM

...another thought is Ford's....they do fabulous work.

Bob

BigBill · #**315** 03-03-2016, 05:28 PM

I like the world famous smith and Wesson nickel finish. Even the Russian Zar's son liked the nickel finish when he ordered the 44 Russian revolver in nickel.

Nickel finish is being phased out. Pretty soon blued guns will follow too. Handguns will be in stainless only soon. Get some cheese for the wining we will hear soon, I wish I purchased nickel when I could of should of?....

Frank V · #**316** 03-04-2016, 01:59 PM

I hope you are wrong about the nickle & blue finish going away.
I really like the deep blue on guns & nickle is nice too maybe a little more work keeping it looking nice?

SuperMan · #**317** 03-07-2016, 02:03 PM

Finished the 1964 First Year of Production Collection this week.

Bought a 6" way back in the early 90s before knowing anything about Cokes and "S" prefix serial numbered guns... There was a farmer at one of the gun shows who had bought it new back in the 1960s AND HAD NEVER FIRED IT.... No presentation case but the original grips were still there and except for one tiny scratch on the cylinder it was pristine... I had a 1980 vintage 4" that I loved and wanted a longer barrel for hunting. It wasn't until about 15 years ago that I even bothered looking at the serial number and it was a mid-1964.

Next was a 58. Got it off AuctionArms for cheap money because someone had thoughtfully parkerized it...it was half of what a standard blue one was going for but turned out to be a late 1964 and the best shooting 58 of the ten or so I have owned. A set of damaged Targets came with the gun and a friend who does professional wood refinishing cut off the damage from the botton, rounded them more like PC Magnas and then put a beautiful shine on the...

A few years ago a mint 4" turned up on GunBroker...minus of course the Cokes. But I had a set that had come on a Model 27 that I bought just to get the grips. There was a set of Herrett's on this gun that were the nicest feeling of any N-frame grips I have ever shot so they went over to the 1980 4" and the Cokes onto the 1964.

Now I had always wanted a 5" 57 but of course Doc44 has the only known example and it isn't a 1964. So when a badly rusted 1964 6" came up for sale locally I got it for about half of what it would sell for in nice condition...but again no Cokes, just a nice set of Targets. And then I lucked out when a reasonably priced set of Cokes came up for sale here in the Classifieds... A local Smith smith who was factory trained cut the barrel down and did a proper radius on the crown...and then reinstalled the front sight base on the barrel....three down one to go.

It doesn't seem that Smith made a lot of 8 3/8" guns the first year. My guess is that they were fulfilling police orders for 4 and 6" guns... Those Long Tom 64s that would come up once in a while were usually in collector grade condition with a collector grade price...so I waited... Then a couple of weeks ago a dealer on GunBroker posted a gun from an estate. It was in good condition but of course...no Cokes...but it did have a set of 80s vintage Combats that sell for more than $200. But it also had a clamp-on scope with a Burris 2X handgun scope...so I bought it.

Got it in two days ago and took it out shooting...a very nice gun... Has a little more wear than described but that means I don't have to worry about taking it hunting... So I listed my 657 8 3/8" and it brought almost as much as I paid for the 57 with all the accessories...

So yesterday I took off the scope mount and mounting hardware. The only thing that was missing were two of the sideplate screws...which I just happen to have extras of from a Model 58 parts kit I bought... a set of Nill RetroCokes complete the package...again off of a Model 27 I bought just to get the grips...

Just a bunch of shooters but that is just what I wanted....

Bob

Biker Bill · #**318** 03-07-2016, 02:10 PM

Bob:

Quite a saga you have gone through!

Congrats on a beautiful set of revolvers in my favorite caliber!

Bill

SuperMan · #**319** 03-07-2016, 09:57 PM

..just takes time and patience....of an oak.

FXR...that is a nice set.... And I ride a FXDXT...my friend has a FXRT...

Had a call tonight from the Buyer who purchased the 657...a new to .41 guy who does reload...wants the gun for hunting. Another Cult member in the making.

Bob

Frank V · #**320** 03-08-2016, 12:28 PM

Wow every time I stop by I see some nice .41s thanks for sharing everyone.

SuperMan could go into a little detail about the mod. 58?
Thanks.

SuperMan · #**321** 03-11-2016, 08:32 AM

The 58...not much to tell... It was over on AuctionArms on a Penny starting bid.. At the time a clean 58 was bringing $8-900.00. I think I got this one for $430.00. Serial number is late 1964.

Gun looks like it was in nice shape when it was parkerized. No pits or other damage under the surface. The grips had a big chip out of the bottom and were well used. A friend who is a master wood finisher cut off the damage, rounded the bottoms and put a beautiful finish on them.

Is one of the best shooting 58s I have ever had...

Bob

SuperMan · #**322** 04-28-2016, 07:36 AM

Thanks to BigBill for posting this:

https://gunsmagazine.com/hail-the-41-magnum/

Frank V · #**323** 04-29-2016, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperMan

Thanks to BigBill for posting this:

https://gunsmagazine.com/hail-the-41-magnum/

Thanks for that link, I like reading about the .41.

SuperMan · #**324** 08-14-2016, 07:35 PM

So any new .41 owners out there...or has anyone picked up something new???

Bob

cowboy4evr · #**325** 08-14-2016, 10:27 PM

I''m a die hard 41 mag owner . My sister has my very first one I bought yrs and yrs ago . It's a really nice 4" nickel 57 w/target grips . She shot it so much I gave it to her . I cast and reload for her . An LBT 210 LFN on top of IMR 7625 is her fav load .
I then went on the hunt for another 57 4" nickel and got one , then a 6.5" blued came my way followed by a ruger blackhawk in 4 5/8" that had been highly customized . Then I finally got my 58 . It had to go back to the factory . The finish was very nice but the lock up was very loose . It should of never been continued to be fired as it was so bad .
My 58 got a custom made shoulder holster ( I'm left handed ) that has seen quite a bit of use . Like I always tell people , the 41 can be loaded down to almost a 38spl and loaded up to about a 44 mag . I have a H&G 258 mold , the Keith 220 gr swc that I really like . I had tom @ Accurate mold cut a 41 mag " wadcutter mold " that is really fun to target shoot @ about 800fps .
Starline Brass is now listing 41 " Special " brass available . There is no load data but working up loads should not present a problem . Just remember it's to be a " special " so don't try to magnumize it . Personally I simply set my cast bullets deeper and use light loads of faster burning powder to replicate 41 Special loads in magnum brass . I like Bulls Eye powder for those loads .
My buddy in Az has a 58 that he had converted to 45LC . That's an interesting gun and real fun to shoot .

S.B. · #**326** 08-15-2016, 01:22 PM

Here's my 57-0 along with an unconverted Ruger three screw along with my Ruger Redhawk but, I can't claim any of mine are unfired. I like shooting this caliber!

Steve

Toyman · #**327** 08-15-2016, 02:54 PM

This is one of the last current production model 58. It sat in a shop I frequented for a year and the owner offered it to me at what he said was below his cost to get it out of the shop. I have never fired it and not sure I will.
The grips are Keith Brown's crafted from Mexican Red Heart with pre war style checking and post war medallion.

Jackcpat · #**328** 08-15-2016, 07:27 PM

Here's a couple of 6 inch Model 57 no dashes. Dated with the help of Forum member Colt SAA. Blued 77/78 Nickel 79/80

SuperMan · #**329** 08-15-2016, 07:49 PM

NICE guns guys!!!

Frank V · #**330** 08-15-2016, 10:52 PM

S.B. & Toyman, an unfired gun is rather like a car you won't drive. You can enjoy it, but if you use it it really becomes you. You need to use those guns.
My opinion but it's your gun & money.
Thanks for sharing with us.

Papaw · #**331** 08-17-2016, 12:07 AM

I never planned on getting a .41 MAG but about 7 years ago saw this 1970 Ruger Blackhawk with a Super Blackhawk frame in a gun shop at a crazy price. So I bought it, then ordered some brass and bullets and dies. I mostly shoot 215 GR LSWCs at mid-range velocities with some of the same bullets in stout loads. I've never shot a factory load through it. Now I wouldn't part with it.

Andrew2105 · #**332** 08-18-2016, 04:28 PM

I have a Ruger Blackhawk 4 5/8 41 Magnum that I bought in 1973 or so. One day at the range a colleague of mine from the SO asked to try it. He really liked it & purchased a model 58 4" as I recall. He hated the gun claiming that it had too much recoil for him to deal with. I believe that he sold the gun not too long after that. I don't know for sure (I'm sure that someone here would have an opinion) but my guess was that the dimensions & shape of the grip of the Ruger were the reason for this situation.

crsides · #**333** 08-18-2016, 06:30 PM

These showed up at local gunshow and went home with me, along with a 3 1/2" 27-2. All NIB, unfired after test firing, pres wood box and outer sleeve with labels. Salt and pepper 57 no dashes.

Charlie

Chubbo · #**334** 08-18-2016, 08:27 PM

http://attachment.php?attachmentid=2...1&d=1471562783
I thought I'd posted my Mod. 57 S&Ws, but couldn't find the post, so here goes the pictures, and the story. My first .41 Mag was the 6" 1964, shown in the middle picture, It was the first .41 Mag to be offered for sale in Columbus OH. at Dave's Gun Store. I paid $100.00 new for it. The only ammo available for it at the time was the Remington jacketed hot ammo, and the lower powered lead bullet offering. No bullets were offered for reloading yet, and I cast lead bullets, and supplied them to the store for quite some time until they were available from their suppliers. The Mod. 57 stirred up a lot of interest at the Police Pistol Range, in Columbus, as they had never heard that loud, and sharp sounding of a report from a handgun before that, even the .44 Mag. The next one that I acquired was the 4" 1965 year Mod. shown. Got that one at a OGCA gun show in Columbus. Paid $100.00 used with the mahogany case, tools, and papers. Acquired the 8 3/8" 1976 year mod. in 2004 at a OGCA show at willmington OH Paid
$600. New unfired. mahogany case, Tools, and papers. prices had gone up by then. All three revolvers have WO rear sights & Red ramp front, WT, & WH,. The 4", and 6" have been shot a lot, but, the 8 3/8" is still unfired. The .41 Mag. is in my opinion one of the best all around calibers out there, and one of the best to reload. Thanks for sharing a true but long winded story.
Chubbo

Spent quite a bit of time Taking pictures, downloading them, composing the post, submitting it, and when it appeared, the pictures disappeared. Don't know where they went. Lot of time down the drain. Lot of disappointment. My stupidiity. Should know enough to give up, and quit.
Chubbo
Gonna' try one more time to post that picture.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachm...1&d=1471647651

kraynky · #**335** 08-18-2016, 08:47 PM

I may have already piped up in this thread, but it's a great caliber and worth repeating if I did. I unexpectedly ran across a 1971 Ruger Blackhawk at my favorite gun shop about 2-3 years ago ( old farts don't keep time), setting in the used rack with price tag of $369 bucks. I asked the Owner if he would make that an "out the door" price and he agreed.

When I asked him if he had any ammo, he said, "Yep, I have one box". When I saw the price I almost backed out. $54 bucks for 50 rounds! As a reloader I knew I could improve on that, but bought it anyway so I could shoot it. I brought it home and was hooked! It's a 4-5/8" barrel with customized sights.

Now I'm searching for a levergun to go with it! It's a KEEPER!

Frank V · #**336** 08-19-2016, 01:32 PM

crsides, those are great thanks for sharing with us.

Chubbo · #**337** 08-25-2016, 01:11 PM

http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachm...1&d=1472143338
It has occurred to me that we have all forgot to mention one of the many significant players in the .41 Mag. game, The T.C. Contender barrels. I'v probably shot my Contender .41 Mag. bbl. equipped pistol, as much as the .41 Mag. S&W revolvers that I own. I am showing a few T.C. bbls. with one frame. The the .41 Mag. "Super 14" bbl. is the bottom bbl. shown, with a .41 Mag. cartridge. This is a pretty nice set up, to be used in the field, and to be used in developing reloads with. All my bbls. have sling swivels, and scopes.
Thanks for letting me share.
Chubbo

Frank V · #**338** 08-26-2016, 01:49 PM

The .41 Mag is a really nice cartridge & recoil isn't all that bad.
Thanks for sharing everyone.

SuperMan · #**339** 08-27-2016, 09:20 PM

Nice Chubbo... I have a 10" that I shoot on a G2 frame...

Also have a Super 14 that was rechambered by Bellm to .41/.445 SuperMag...it is the same as a Gary Reeder .41 GNR #2 and was actually cut with one of Reeder's reamers...but that is another story... Will run 255 grain bullets at 2K fps...

Also forgot I bought one of the last TC Association yearly barrels...a 16.5" .41. Had the choice of .41 or .414 SuperMag but since I already had the .41/.445 the standard would do. That one is attached to a Contender frame and B&C thumbhone stock...

Great guns...Bob

ps...hope you try and post the pics of the 57s again...that one pic looks great

phenson · #**340** 08-27-2016, 10:30 PM

I have this and a 5 1/2" Ruger Redhawk. Believe it or not, I paid more for the Redhawk.

RKmesa · #**341** 08-28-2016, 12:07 AM

My one and only 41 Mag... Engraved by John Adams:

... and the wood grain contact paper presentation case that some of the early ones shipped in:

I've never shot a 41 Mag, but I do have a box of shells... just in case I need something more than a 357 and less than a 44 Mag.

SuperMan · #**342** 08-28-2016, 08:58 PM

.....well I guess if you are only going to own one .41 that may as well be it....

Just stunning...

Bob

Frank V · #**343** 08-29-2016, 10:09 AM

RKmesa, that is beautiful, thanks for sharing with us.

Frank V · #**344** 11-14-2016, 11:00 PM

Wow I come back & there is almost always some nice guns shown.
RKmesa that is a beautiful S&W if I only could have one that'd be a fantastic one. Thanks for sharing with us.

cowboy4evr · #**345** 11-14-2016, 11:40 PM

My Ruger NM Blackhawk in 41 magnum was a gun that someone had spent a lot of $$ . They changed out the aluminum grip frame for a steel grip frame , bomar rear sight , red ramp front sight , action job . I picked it up for $460 , used but in great shape . The bluing looked almost new , had not seen a lot of holster time . It has a 4 5/8" barrel , easy to pack .

SuperMan · #**346** 11-15-2016, 12:44 AM

...41 Magnum Advertisement from 1964...

41 Magnum, December 1964

SuperMan · #**347** 12-27-2016, 09:07 PM

Anyone been casting bullets for they .41...? I only cast during the winter and just had my first session... Made for MeHic 265 grain TruShot clone and 220 Keith in solids and HPs...

Bob

S.B. · #**348** 12-27-2016, 10:09 PM

Yes, I cast a 215, 220, 250 and new 265 grainer for my 57 and OMR.
Steve

Frank V · #**349** 12-28-2016, 12:37 PM

Anyone get a 57, 657, 58, or Ruger .41 for Christmas? I didn't but am kind of getting the itch for a 4" 57, of course we've got to have the money to scratch that itch.

SuperMan · #**350** 01-02-2017, 12:04 PM

The TruShot clone in solid, 265 grains, and pentapoint, 256 grains. Both loaded with 21.0 grains of H110. Should be in the 1350 fps from a 5.5".