I am eyeing up the model 57 classic series. I am just wondering if they will be as good as the older guns. I haven't seen one in person but have looked on GB and they look nice. I can't tell if the blueing is similar to the older ones. Have any of you shot the classic 41 magnum ?

Instead of buying a wanna-be Classic, why not buy the real deal? They are still available if you look hard and can still be gotten in really good shape. This way you won't have I/L, MIM and cost cutting measure concerns. You will get the REAL CLASSIC and it will always increase in value - not so sure about the new production wanna-bees.

You MIGHT also want to consider a Model 29 .44 Magnum - NOT that there is anything inherently wrong with the .41 Magnum, but since the .44 is so much more popular I'd think that ammo, components, Dies, etc would be easier to get and way less expensive. You could also shoot .44 Specials for punching holes in paper. Just a suggestion you might want to think about.

I have a gorgeous 29-2 with the long 8 3/8 " barrel. I've never owned a 41 mag and really want one. Just wasn't sure about the quality of the new compared to my older Smiths.

There have been several threads recently about current S&W quality. If I knew how to use the search function, I would lead you to them. As I recall, the discussion can get quite heated.

I own a 4" 57 no dash, a 57-1 8 3/8", and a M57 Classic 6". I have fallen in love with the 41 magnum and with these fine revolvers. The classic I have equals or exceeds the accuracy I get from my older revolvers and is the tightest s&w I own. The fit and finish is just as nice as I could ask for. I know that many look down their noses at the new s&w revolvers because they can't stand any change, even if the changes mean a much better firearm. I hope that if you do buy a M57 Classic, you get as much enjoyment from it as I do mine. You won't go wrong with any Smith, old or new!!

Thanks classic bob

I don't have a classic 57, but I do have a 3" M60, a 2.5" 629, and a 625JM.

All are great firearms. Just as good, or better, than the old ones.

I agree with classic bob.