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


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Old 07-06-2017, 04:53 PM
edward1171 edward1171 is offline
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1975 model 57, to buy or not to buy 1975 model 57, to buy or not to buy 1975 model 57, to buy or not to buy 1975 model 57, to buy or not to buy 1975 model 57, to buy or not to buy  
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Default 1975 model 57, to buy or not to buy

I'm a new member and in need of wisdom from wheelgun enthusiasts. I'm under the impression that mid 70's s&W are the cat's meow and I'm considering one. Please offer input on the details and cautions of buying this particular one.


ARMSLIST - For Sale: 1975 S&W Model 57

It's close enough to me and I've been thinking about getting into 41. I've got a dillon 650 and at least 20k rounds experience with 9, 10, 45 and 40.

Is this gun worth the price?
Are these better than the newer "classic" models?
Would this be a reasonable purchase for me to carry in the woods and shoot regularly or should it just be a safe queen?
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Old 07-07-2017, 11:27 AM
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daddio202 daddio202 is offline
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there is a current post about "uh-oh 27-2 not such a good deal". He found the rectangle with r-b in it under the grip panel. I have been reading the great information on this site for a few monthes. Today I registered to post a reply to warn you on that armslist add I can see the exact same symbol meaning it may have been reblued. $1100 seems like an awful lot if it has been.
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Old 07-07-2017, 12:50 PM
moralem moralem is offline
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Default 1975 model 57, to buy or not to buy

If that gun has been reblued it looks like a heck of a job......$1100 does seem a bit steep for a 57 that could be reblued......simply ask the seller if it has been and also for a better picture of the rectangle....if you are looking for a wood's gun keep on looking even reblued this gun is too nice to carry in in the woods. Look for a model 58 since they tend to be a bit more used and a bit lower in price. Here is my 57 with some wear marks that I was able to pick up for $700-750......cannot quite remember but it was no more than that. They are out there for under a grand but you have to look long and hard.......

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Old 07-07-2017, 12:55 PM
OldChief OldChief is offline
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I'd say 2-300 too much!
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Old 07-07-2017, 01:03 PM
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I bought one here on the forum, 1982 year and unfired, all boxes papers and rods. I negotiated and ended at the similar price. Waiting our ridiculous NJ 30 day waiting period until next week but happy as a clam. I will post pictures soon.

To me a LNIB or unfired is worth a bit north of 1K, prior to 1964 LOTS more obviously, that said: I searched long and hard on arms list and I never had luck with those kind of posts with funny yahoo emails rather. Not saying this is the case here but buyer beware. I also had top notch buys on arms list as well. Get his phone number, talk and list carefully and you will be able to tell: Will I let that person board my dog or better stay away. Some of these seller won't talk by phone and then I run...

Premium is paid in my mind here on the forum. Good people and a WTB add may just do the trick.
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Old 07-07-2017, 01:05 PM
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what I have also noticed, search through all of arms list and look carefully at the images, some phonies recently reuse other people's images. Then you can't tell which one is real and which one is not. Too bad this stuff happening. Another thing, if prices are about 500 too low move on as well.
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Old 07-07-2017, 01:07 PM
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The picture showing the left side of frame with the grips off does show the rectangle with the markings from the factory that it has been refinished. Several hundred to much for a factory refinished gun. You can also see the three numbers on the backside left frame showing the return date to the factory.
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Old 07-07-2017, 02:08 PM
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IMO, about $200-$300 high for a (nicely done) refinished gun. Papers, etc. do make up a bit, but mechanical condition is an open question. A talk with the seller would likely resolve the refinish and condition questions. After that, the refinish will affect possible resale value; but if that's not of interest, then you'll either have a very very nice woods gun, or can get an excellent "shooter"-grade for less ($650-$750).

Personal opinion: the mid'70s guns are about the cusp of the QC issues seen in the Bangor Punta years (1965-1984). Given this is a P&R example, it's probably GTG, and I'd certainly buy this one rather than a "classic" version. However, if you really want a woods gun, I'd look for a 4" or 6.5" Model 657 (stainless steel is better suited to repeated outdoor carry, IMO) or that classic might be a better choice.

Given your reloading experience, the .41 should be easy enough, and give you much better range of options/cost than factory ammo. Good luck with the buy!
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Old 07-07-2017, 03:36 PM
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At least a couple hundred too high... why do you want it - seriously? Why would you make it a queen and lock it in a safe? Don't impulse buy without knowing the purpose for the purchase. In a few or ten years, you may make a few bucks on it but smart money is not invested in guns....
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Old 07-07-2017, 11:10 PM
edward1171 edward1171 is offline
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Default Awesome input, thank you all

I'll check out the WTB section.
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Old 07-09-2017, 12:03 AM
SS57 SS57 is offline
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I read the ad. Many red flags. My advice. Run like the wind Forrest and don't look back.
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Old 07-09-2017, 11:10 AM
Mike C2 Mike C2 is offline
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There was a fairly clean shooter 57 from that vintage on GB this week with a buy it now of $649. That's definitely on the low side, but $1100 for a shooter too much IMO.
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