Rare 357 Magnum Transition Model

sw357nm

sw357nm

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I thought that some might be interested in a photo of a 357 Magnum Transition Model, s/n S71642, Blue finish, 6-inch barrel, humpback hammer, magna stocks, 97-98% original finish remaining. Produced on or about November 1946.
This is one of about nine Transition Model 357's known to exist.

SW357Tran072110b.jpg
 
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Only nine? OK, I want one.

I'm curious if this was due to a lack of demand for the .357, or if S&W made them only as special orders in the transition period before the short actions appeared in 1950.
 
I love it!

SW357NM:

I would like to see a photo or two of the other side if you have one/some. All of the transitional 357s that I have seen (one in person and another in photos) are significantly more worn than your beauty.

Thanks for sharing,
 
MSgt G said:
What makes it a "transition" model and why only about nine? Looks great by the way!
Click to expand...

It is essentially a pre-war .357 Magnum with the micrometer rear sight, before the postwar version came out in 1950. Very few were made (reportedly about 140) and fewer are known to still exist.
 
RKmesa said:
SW357NM:

I would like to see a photo or two of the other side if you have one/some. All of the transitional 357s that I have seen (one in person and another in photos) are significantly more worn than your beauty.

Thanks for sharing,
Click to expand...

Yes we NEED more pics! This is the kind of thread that we used to get of members "rare birds".

I always love to see the advanced collectors share knowledge and pictures.

And thank you sw357nm for your post.

GF
 
Here is a photo of the left side. It is in about the same condition as the right; 97 to 98% original finish. Approximately 142 of these Transition Magnums were produced Post War through 1949, but collectors have only been able to account for around ten. I believe that the reason for so few of these magnums is that the factory was trying to catch up with orders for the M&P revolvers to supply police requirements that were not met during the War. The Magnum was more complex and expensive to make, and most police departments wanted a less expensive revolver. Hence most of the S&W factory effort was on the bread-and-butter M&P model.
John

SW357Tran072210a.jpg
 
Is the "humpback" hammer, from an earlier period, what makes this gun "transitional"?

GF
 
GF said:
Is the "humpback" hammer, from an earlier period, what makes this gun "transitional"?

GF
Click to expand...

A few of the Transitional items are:

1. Pre-war "long action" hammer (humpback or standard) with the concentric grooves on the sides of the hammer WITH the cut out in the front for the post war safety.

2. Large ejector rod nob and corresponding cutout in the ejector rod shroud.

3. Pre-war frame (a bit longer in the grip portion of the frame) with exposed pins on the left side - on later models the pins were machined flush with the side of the frame.

4. Usually a one line "Made in USA" on the right side of the frame. Note: One of the transitional 357's that I have seen had the 4-line Marcas Registradas on the right side.

5. Pre-war barrel with the rib cut flush with the end of the barrel (as opposed to the slightly recessed rib on the pre-war mags).

6. Post war micrometer rear sight.

7. Fitted with post-war magna stocks cut for the larger pre-war grip frame.
 
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