Hello all, I am currently looking at possibly purchasing an engraved limited edition S&W Model 657 "Hunter" with unfluted cylinder put out by the American Historical Foundation.

The gun comes in the wood/glass presentation case and has non-S&W smooth finger-groove combat stocks and has a Leupold scope installed.
The gun is unfired with the exception of the factory test rounds.

I am reluctant to purchase mainly because I won't own a gun I cannot take out and shoot and I would be too tempted to shoot the darn thing!

I suppose if I don't pay too much for it, shooting it would not be an issue if I keep the gun in good condition.

If anyone has experience with guns put out by this company or has other thoughts or advice feel free to jump in.

Attached Images

DSCN0138[9451].jpg (113.8 KB, 99 views)

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Tom Graham SWCA #2303

I think the standard advice with these types of guns is pay no more than you would for an ordinary version of that model and you will be fine. Sure is a beauty.

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Possum—The other white meat!

I think there would be a premium paid for this one even though the engraving is not factory. But I agree that it would not be worth the same as if it were factory engraved. I think if I could get this one for in the $2,000-$2,300 range I would not be into it too deep.

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Tom Graham SWCA #2303

Tom, the mounted scope means nothing on a 41 Magnum. Nice engraving but not something special as I see it.
On a scoped S&W 460 or 500 Magnum like mine, maybe. But who knows.

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Only difference Fool/Mule-ears

I have a RED-DOT mounted on my 8-3/8" 629 Classic DX and love it, also have one mounted on my 8-1/2" Freedom Arms .454 Casull.

I already own one of the un-fluted 657-2 with 6.5" barrel that does NOT have engraving or a scope and I agree, it's perfect the way it is.

That said, the engraving on that one is just sexy! I could easily find and install a factory rear sight on it and ditch the scope.

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Tom Graham SWCA #2303

Paying a large sum of money for a gun that would sit in the safe is subjective. I have purchased at least a half a dozen of the commemorative guns including rifles and pistols. They are beautiful and I do not shoot those guns or a complete take down. I polish them once a year and admire their beauty. But, it is up to the individual if they choose to go that route. In the past, I paid a monthly fee for a year until the gun was paid off with no interest. Yes, they are overpriced but the beauty is in the beholders eyes.

Nick

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NRA Instructor\GCA Gunsmith

My thought is that the guys who purchase these guns for investment purposes are not thinking about the actual person who may eventually purchase the guns. I for one am a shooter and have always steered clear of any "special edition" non-factory engraved or commerative guns for the simple reason that I am not interested in a "Safe-Queen" to gather dust. I am a shooter and if I cannot shoot the gun I don't want to own the gun. That said, if I came across a gun like the one in the photo above I and got into it for the current going rate of a similar model without all the aftermarket fluff I would shoot it without a problem. But I won't pay double the price or more for a dust collector.

So I may just offer the guy what I feel a standard 657 Hunter in new condition might sell for and see what happens.....I know for a fact he is hoping for much more.

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Tom Graham SWCA #2303