The Backstory: Thanks to my Dad, I was always a "gun guy" growing up. After graduating from college in 1976, getting my first real job in 1977, and making some decent money, I decided in 1978 that it was time to purchase my first handgun. Although it was the peak of Dirty Harry days (and Model 29s were as scarce as hen's teeth), I really liked the idea of a .41 Magnum so I purchased a brand spankin' new 4" Model 57 from a local gun shop. It was beautiful, and came with the mahogany presentation case. At the same time my roommate purchased a new 6" Colt Python. We put a lot of rounds through those revolvers, and even started handloading with an RCBS loading press kit that I bought. Unfortunately, later that year someone broke into our apartment and stole both revolvers. All I had left was the presentation case. Over the next 20+ years my gun collecting was put on hold for a wife, two sons, a house, work travel, etc. But eventually, I was in a position to begin to acquire some vintage S&W revolvers- primarily .357 and .44 Magnum N-frames. I never replaced my Model 57, but often thought about it. I even had Joe (jcelect) replace the liners and reline my mahogany presentation case a few years ago.

Present Day: I began to search in earnest for a Model 57. I watched GB to get an idea of prices, and was astounded at how high those online prices were getting. I wanted to see what prices were being paid face-to-face, so I began to frequent some gun shows. Yesterday I visited a local show, and was disappointed to see only a few big bore N-frames. There were two 4" Model 29-2s, one in rough shape, selling for $1500 and $1750! As I was getting ready to walk out, I saw a table in the back of the show where a local pawn shop was set up. I spotted a nice 4" nickel Model 57 hidden amongst a dozen other revolvers. They had a price of $1500 + tax on it, which IMHO was too high, so I just walked away. However, I kept thinking about it and decided that it couldn't hurt to go back a dicker a little. I looked it over and it was minty, and ca. 1980 (about the same as the one I had stolen)- they asked me to make an offer and I tossed out $1200 OTD. To my surprise, they accepted. So, after 40+ years, I have my replacement Model 57. Finish is excellent with barely a turn ring on the cylinder, mechanically perfect, and the stocks are very nice. I think I did OK on this one, and I already have its presentation case! Later today I'll get it cleaned and waxed and take a few better pictures. Happy day!

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That's a beauty. You went a lot of years without one but this one sure looks like it will make up for lost time.

I no longer want to carry a N frame Smith but this
one seems to stay close by during deer season.
Normally rides in the mule...(Kawasaki)....

It looks like all the bells and whistles are in place on that one...My newest 57, acquired this weekend, is in queue at Dunkin Gunwash awaiting its turn in the bath...Fortunately the presentation case was still intact with mine...It's also nickel like yours, but with an 8 3/8" barrel...

Congrats on yours!......Ben

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Cogito, ergo BOOM!...

I recall the "Hill Street Blues" episode when the property clerk took a Colt Python, checked in as evidence, and gave it to his brother in law. The Python was then stolen in a burglary, then turned up again at a crime scene. Then numbers were then traced back to the property room. I don't remember what happened to the crooked clerk.

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"Don't Give Up the Ship"

I was working a barricaded, homicidal/suicidal drunk incident in 1996... the guy was wearing a kevlar vest. After we got him sacked up and were checking seized items, we found a city police inventory number. The drunk had a PD buddy who had 'loaned' him his vest months before.

The M-57s and M-58s are for vintage S&W wheelgun connoisseur's. Well done. Yours is a beaut.

The m57/m58 cranks my nodes.

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Plant garlic in the fall

Congratulations on such a beautiful acquisition in that classic M57. The fact that you have "its" case, is frosting on that great find.

May you be able to keep, admire and use it with a wide smile, for many happy years!

You got a great deal, I have been bidding on MOD 57s on various sites for 4 months and $1,500 is going price on almost all of them.

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V/r,
Markham

I saw a 4" blued Mod. 57 at the Hattiesburg, Ms. Gun Show Saturday. It had some light wear on the barrel and no box or docs. Asking price was $1,800.00. You don't see them for sale much anymore. I'm glad I already had one.

absolute beauty in nickel and a very good price for today's market anyway...

Great story and great gun. Also a great price. Thanks for sharing.
By the way, my 4 inch 57 that I bought around 1972 or so is still
in my safe. Never fired it and it has a beautiful set of Cokes.

That is NICE!!

My favorite S&W is the 4" 57/657/58...just has great balance and all the power one will ever need.

Enjoy that one....Bob

Mine, too, my favorites of all my revolvers.

Congratulations. While I'm not usually a fan of nickel guns, that thing is magnificent! SCSW mentions that nickel brings a premium, so you did pretty well at the price you got it for, and its finish looks immaculate. I gave $1500 for a 6" blued one a couple of years ago, no original stocks but it was an "S" prefix gun from 1968. The .41M's are my favorites. Now you need a M58.

I would really like buying a 4" blue 57 or the stainless 657 , 4" . I do have a nickel one I bought long ago for a little over $600 . My first one , that I gave to my sister was just over $500 , again it's nickel . I have a blue 57 6" and my one and only 58 . Both I and my sister are real fans of the 41 magnum . They sure have gotten high priced . I'll keep what I have but keep looking . Sometimes a great deal falls into our hands . Regards Paul

Just 8 years ago I found a mint blue 6" with case for $650, naturally, I jumped on it. Point is, I cannot believe how much they are now getting for the big N frames! They are now outa' my reach.

I cleaned and waxed my new-to-me Model 57, and here it is with my original late 70's mahogany presentation case and tools. Inserts and relining courtesy of jcelect. Haven't had it to the range yet, but as soon as I order some ammo I'll take it out. I can't believe .41 Magnum ammo is so difficult to find and so expensive when I do find some- $1.28 to $1.60 per round! Crazy times!

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Wow, nice!...I recently adopted a Model 57 4" with case, but had to reline the case myself with some stretch velvet material because the plastic insert was absolutely barren...I was at least gratified that the original tools were still sealed in the little plastic wrapper...Yours looks pristine!......Ben

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Cogito, ergo BOOM!...

Contemplating selling my 6" blue Mod. 57. no dash; MagnaPorted; Original wood grips + Pachmyer rubber grips; Original wood case; 2 speed loaders with leather belt holder; & black holster.
Offer?

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Model 39-2 Nickel
Model 57 6" Blue MagnaPorted
Model 15-2 4" Blue