A couple of years ago I traded a Colt 100th year anniversary 1911 (1918) for this Model 57 (N 617246). I’ll let you all tell me if it was a good trade or not. Here’s why I traded: I have an original 1911 (1918 Black Army) and it’s 100% original down to the code on the magazine. And it has 100 years worth of patina. The more I looked at the 100th year anniversary model, the more convinced I became that it was not a particularly good reproduction. So, one day in my LGS, I saw this Model 57 and it had a near flawless finish. I’ve shot it one time, and I’m not sure if this gun had trigger work done to it, or all Model 57’s function this smoothly, but it’s one of the most classic firearms I’ve ever seen. So, I’ve always been very satisfied with the trade. So, was it a good trade?

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If you're happy with what you got to take home (and it sounds like you are), then it was a good trade...If you're worried about dollar value against dollar value, then you'll never be happy because values change with public demand...Just let that 57 continue to put a smile on your face and enjoy it......Ben

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Cogito, ergo BOOM!...

Any time you trade a bottom feeder for an N frame revolver, it's a great trade!
jcelect

Good trade I’d do it too.

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Plant garlic in the fall

That’s pretty funny right there...

Only you can determine if it was a good trade for you. However I would make that trade. My model 57 has a fantastic trigger also.

A LGS near me has a Mod. 57, 6 inch in a presentation case on consignment. The price is $2,500.00.

I personally think that you made a great trade, a reproduction for an original with all of the bells and whistles!!

My Mod. 57 also has a great trigger and it is one of the most accurate revolvers that I own!!

I'd say you got the better end of that deal. Beautiful revolver, the SN# puts it 1979-1980, it's not too far from my M29-2 in SN.
I have a M57 no dash, S prefix, it's action is the smoothest of all my S&W's, and is my favorite handgun. Not sure what ammo you're shooting, but if you can find some 210 grain loads around 1200-1250 fps, they are easy on the hand compared to the full power loads.

In your case, a good trade.

In general, I'd pass on a M-57, due to ammo variety and availability and get a M-629 in .44 Magnum. You'd also have a stainless gun.

Funny that you say that. Was over at my brother’s range today in rural north Florida, primarily shooting 38’s. He had his .44, fired 6 and said thank-you very much. The difference in recoil between his 44 and the 41 is significant.

Last I shot was VOR-TX 180 GR. and recoil was fine.

I'd have done the trade also.I've been looking for a 57 for years now;up here in Canada they are very few and far between!

Great deal! You got a blue steel beauty for an auto. I would do that trade all day long!!!

While I want a series 70 M1911, you would not get one of these NIB 57.s for one

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

Yes, great trade, no question. My pair of 57's look just like Narragansett's. I purchased the 6 incher new 40 yrs ago and the 4 incher used 10 yrs ago.

1911s are a dime a dozen; model 57s....not so common.

6 rounds of magnum fun, or 7-8 rounds of low pressure ammo developed over 100 years ago....yawn. Comparing apples and giraffes.

A very good trade. You gave up a collector's item that you'd probably just look at and never shoot, for a beautiful S&W revolver that looks as good as any 1911 (my opinion) and is way more enjoyable to shoot.
The smooth action seems to be inherent with S&W N frame revolvers, as is the case with my model 57. I believe that the mass of the cylinder and the wide width of the target trigger contribute to the feeling of smoothness.

George