Found a 3" M657 no dash 41 Magnum

[Oregon45]

Found this neat "little" (that being a relative term in the world of N-frames!) yesterday. 657 no-dash 3" 41 Magnum. Serial number is ANN11** so it's a 1986 production gun from the limited run S&W made in that year.

I'm not the world's biggest 41 Magnum fan, but I'm looking forward to shooting this snubby. I've owned several sub-4" magnum N-frames over the years but have always traded them away on longer-barreled guns. We'll see if that happens with this .41 Mag as well. In the meantime, I've got Speer 210's, Starline brass, and Unique calling to me from the loading bench. Time to get shooting!

Anybody else have a 3" 657? If so, how do you like it?

The original combat stocks have been tastefully altered:

Although it looks a bit odd, the alteration makes the grips quite comfortable for a right-handed shooter. The refinishing is well done too.

 

[greenmachine]

Yes, I have this one. Serial number ANK11xx, also from 1986. A handful to shoot but I load mine down just a little.

 

[SAFireman]

I looked around for YEARS before I found mine. It always garners a lot of attention at the range.

They are a handful, but worth every minute of it

 

[robdijohn]

Beautiful

 

[03clyde]

Two handed delight!

 

[19leben]

I have one as well, haven't shot it yet although I'm looking forward to it. Also have a Lew Horton 29 with the 3" bbl. It's definitely a handful with full tilt magnum loads. Kicks, jumps and twists when fired. Lots of fun!

 

[b_san]

I shed a few tears over those butchered factory combats.

 

[whitecoyote]

Not a 3", but a 2.5" I had made up by Mag-Na-Port.

 

[gutterman]

If you decide to get rid of it ( I'm sorry I meant part with it). I'm interested!

 

[DR505]

I like mine...just can't decide on stocks. The Milt Sparks PMK is great though.

I shoot a 250 grain LSWC at ~850-900 fps.

 

[Big Cholla]

I had to 'make' mine. I took a M 629 that needed some TLC and swapped the cylinder and barrel out for .41 mag. Worked well for me because while I like the looks of the OEM Combat Stocks, they don't feel right for me. And of course I didn't have to pay for them on the M 629. I like the common Hogue magnum black grip that is make for the round butts.

As you know, that is a very 'collectable' handgun. ..........

 

[P33v3]

I have it's Darker Souled little brother. I've been CCW'ing it since I got it a few weeks ago. I haven't even looked at my Semi-Auto's.

 

[Doubless]

I shed a few tears over those butchered factory combats.

What he said... with me being a southpaw, naturally it made no sense to me to alter them. I am certain they are comfortable, but even so...

 

[1911-10MM]

Hello,
I had one back in 86 when they came out and sold it a few years later, always wanted another and was fortunate enough to find one a few years back.

 

[Stirling]

That's a real nice find. You gotta love 3" N-frames and these really are neat.

 

[Oregon45]

Thanks for all the feedback guys, we'll see if this 3" N-frame can convince me of the merits of sub-4" N-frames. So far the only one I've had that I've kept has been my 3.5" M27.

 

[justintyme]

I foolishly sold my 3 inch a while ago, now I have to find another!

 

[629shooter]

Congratulations!

I have kicked myself many times, for passing on one that was for sale a couple of years ago. I haven't seen one for sale(at that price) since. But, you can't get them all....

 

[SuperMan]

The Combat grips don't fit my hand either. The new style Combats do however. Right now my 3" 657 wears a set of grips from the Philippines that look like Aherd grips.




Bob

 

[at_liberty]

I expect you will ultimately tone down the loads for that 3" barrel length. I have the 4" 657 and believe that is the best for a wilderness carry. Your usual sense that a longer barrel is needed will probably prevail. You could be a real 41 magnum fan with the right gun. These are mine:

S&W 657 4"
Ruger NMBH Flat Top 6"
S&W 657 8 3/8" w/scope
Ruger NMBH 4 5/8" (on the "sell" shelf)