Tell me about "Mountain Guns"

scorvers · #1 08-15-2010, 01:13 AM

My apologies if this topic has been discussed before. I am in search of a Mdl 57. I want one to shoot, not collect. It will go to the range frequently and be carried for 3 months out of the year during hunting season, so I have decided to give the Mountain Gun a looking at.
What are the pros and cons? Is there anyway to remove the stupid lock? Is the action as slick as my S prefix 29? Can it be improved with simple 'smith work? WTH is a MIM trigger and does the MG have it?

Please, oh Lords of the pistol, help a disciple out.

BUFF · #2 08-15-2010, 01:52 AM

The main advantage of the Mountain Gun is that it is lighter than the standard barrel profile gun.

The main disadvantage of the Mountain Gun is that it is lighter than the standard barrel profile gun.

Not to be a smart aleck here, but the lighter guns kick harder, using the same ammo. This may or may not be a detriment to you; recoil tolerance varies from shooter to shooter. For daily carry in a belt holster, I can't think of a better way to make a 4 inch N frame more user friendly.

There are stainless steel M-657 Mountain Guns out there, but they are scarce. Made in 1997/1998. So are the blue Model 57's, made in 2005 as the Model 57-5. There may be newer batches made, but I am unaware.

MIM means metal injection molding. Nowhere as pretty as the old forged and color case hardened parts but they seem to work as well. Like any new production S&W handgun, there is less handwork put into one than in guns made 30-40 years ago, so a new action is rarely as slick and smooth, but there is no reason the new guns can't be worked over to be as smooth and crisp as the old guns.

The M-657 got MIM in 1997 (Model 657-4) and the internal lock in 2001 (Model 657-5), so the blue .41 Mountain Gun will have both. Yes, it can be removed and there is an aftermarket metal plug available to fill the hole.

I have Mountain Guns in .44 Mag, .45 ACP, .45 Colt and .357 Mag. I really like the concept.

scorvers · #3 08-15-2010, 01:57 AM

Thanx for the responce, Buff. I found the thread about the MIM parts and that doesn't bother me.
Going to S&W's website, it seems the MG isn't offered anymore. Am I correct?
They would be so pretty if they hadn't put that laser engraving on the barrel, but oh, well. I'm gonna try one out and let you know.

BUFF · #4 08-15-2010, 02:29 AM

I don't think that any of the Mountain Guns were ever regular production, standard catalog offerings. They were usually made in limited batches, either for stocking dealer specials or as special order guns from a distributor like Davidson's or RSR.

You find them on the used gun market, but the good ones sell fast.

scooter123 · #5 08-15-2010, 11:11 AM

IMO the Mountain Guns feature the balance and look of the original S&W. This means that they are Fighting Guns, not range toys.

Personally, I find it difficult to shoot well in rapid fire with the muzzle heavy guns that are so predominate today. For me the extra mass in the barrel slows down returning to the target and also creates an issue with overshooting past the target due to the extra mass. For rapid fire drills, the gun I shoot best with is my old tapered barrel model 67. It's light and feels a lot more "nimble" when I have to move quickly.

As for the downside, I don't see it. The are easier to carry and get into action for defense. The only problem is that they are darned hard to find.

Dale53 · #6 08-15-2010, 11:27 AM

I have always enjoyed the concept of the "Mountain Gun". I do believe this to be a very practical revolver.

I have a four inch Model 624 (as well as the 6½"). The 624 qualifies as a "Mountain Gun" in all but the name. It has an excellent cartridge (.44 Special) and the same barrel profile as the Mountain Guns. I have been more than happy with it.

FWIW
Dale53