Early Model 57 with letter

[Gun Relics]

I picked this up at my usual local gun shop earlier this year. I liked the grips, the case, the price, and almost unfired condition. Once I looked up the serial number, i realized it was an early one and was pretty sure it was a first year gun.

The letter came in yesterday and the gun was shipped May 1964, just a month after the Model 57 was introduced. I couldn't be happier. The only mystery to me is the letter says "smooth target grips", but it has cokes. I'm pretty sure this gun is exactly as shipped, but who knows.

 

[BigMuddy]

Fantastic purchase!! If you want smooth targets I’ll trade you a set.

Have you shot it yet?

Dan

 

[Gun Relics]

Fantastic purchase!! If you want smooth targets I’ll trade you a set.

Have you shot it yet?

Dan

Dan, thank you, this one is a safe queen! I'm not sure if it has been fired, but I do plan on picking up another one to shoot.

 

[sceva]

Beautiful. I always liked the Model 57, better than a 29 even.

 

[colt_saa]

Congratulations on a great find. It is always wonderful when you stumble on to something and then find out it's even better than you thought

I accidentally bought my first 41 Magnum Model 57 back in 1980.

I found out that I adore the cartridge and they have been multiplying in my safe ever since

 

[Claymore33]

You lucky devil ! When you get ready sell your Safe Queen call me!

 

[Gun Relics]

One of our generous members here is going to try to dig up the original invoice for me to check the grips - thanks guys!

 

[Hair Trigger]

Beautiful. I always liked the Model 57, better than a 29 even.

If you hold one of each up and ask someone to point out the M57, they'd have to get close enough to read the barrel stamp. The only difference between them is the size of the hole. I take your point though, I like my M57 the best of all my big bore revolvers, including my M29-2. I think it's because of its "orphan" status as much as its beauty.

 

[Hair Trigger]

At Gunrelics: It's great you got a gun that Letters to a date very close to its actual manufacture. My M57's SN puts it in late 1968-early 69 production, but my Letter say it shipped in mid-June of 1970. SCSW says the S prefix changed to N in 1969 at S333454 on the M57. I guess mine sat in a pigeonhole on Roosevelt Avenue for a while before someone wanted it.

 

[SuperMan]

...and in a velvet case....could not get any better if one tried.

4" 57/657 is my favorite of all S&W revolvers. Just the perfect balance of power and packability...

Bob

 

[Gun Relics]

Shout Out to Doc 44, Thank You!!

A shout out "Thank You" to Doc 44. He took an interest in my grip discrepancy. The S& W letter states "smooth target" grips but my 57 has cokes, which I believe are original to the gun.

Doc 44 messaged me for the serial number. He reached into his magic bag and found the original invoice! The invoice did not specify a particular type of grip. So Doc is mailing me the invoice at his own expense and trouble, and I'm going to contact Don and Mike at the S&WHF to see if I can get another letter.

My belief that the cokes came with this pistol is not necessarily wishful thinking. For the record, the few other early model 57's I've seen have checkered target stocks as well. The ones on my 57 fit "lego perfect" - they snap right into place.

I may have gotten lucky here, but karma owes me a couple more for some of the bonehead purchases I've made in the past LOL!

 

[BKLooney]

Very nice!

 

[JRB416]

Great looking model 57. Four inch barrel, correct tools, and a nice case, there is nothing not to like.

I have an April 1964 model 57, but it is a six inch gun. Someday I would like to add a four inch to keep it company.

 

[SS57]

Awesome early 57 4 inch. My 57 4 inch, S298*** has checkered target grips. Check the barrel length. My barrel is a 16th of an inch short of four inches. It is quite noticeable when it is held up next to my 629ND which is a 16th over four. We all wish for a find like that for sure. Good job.

 

[Hair Trigger]

You can tell true S&W collectors; my barrel is 1/16 inch over....his is 1/16 inch under....

Reminds me of the old Benson & Hedges 101 cigarette commercials

"It's a silly millimeter longer".

 

[AC Man]

The hang tag and one year only velour interior tells you it is a first year. I'm sure you knew that when you bought it, I have a couple myself. Have never seen smooth stocks on this model. Congrats!

 

[Gun Relics]

The hang tag and one year only velour interior tells you it is a first year. I'm sure you knew that when you bought it, I have a couple myself. Have never seen smooth stocks on this model. Congrats!

I am a newer collector and this was an early purchase. Like a dumb new collector, I had no clue what year the model was introduced until months after I bought this. By the way, the hang tag is mine. I have an couple of FFL's and I color code them to differentiate between personal collection and commercial guns for potential ATF inspections.

 

[LittleAugieMo]

Pull the grips off....should be numbered/partialy numbered to pistol IIRC. Nice shooter!

 

[Doc44]

Target stocks are not numbered to the revolver (a few exceptions are known, but not in 1964). Magna stocks are numbered.

Bill

 

[Rusty parrot]

Congratulations on acquiring a wonderful example of the Model 57.
The fact that it is housed in the velour lined case only elevates its collectibility as an early first year example. The condition is wonderful and should provide you much enjoyment. Well done.