I have a model 57 that I think my father bought new in 1969. The specs are-6" barrel,red ramp front sight,micrometer click rear sight,wide target trigger,wide target hammer,oversized target goncalo alves grips,bright blue finish. The gun is in the orginal wooden case with manual and tools. The blue fabric in the case is almost completely disintegrated. I do not think the pistol has ever been fired as it looks perfect. I would like to sell this gun but do not know the value of it. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
Johnathan

In my part of the country, you could expect an asking price of $750 to $850. The interior of the case can be repaired. They do fall apart regularly after 40 or so years.

If you post the first four digits of the serial number (including the letter prefix), the date of manufacture can be determined. I'm certainly interested in it !

The # is N 22320 Let me know if you need more info.
Thanks
Johnathan

That serial number would make it a 1974 revolver - nice ! With the kind of condition you stated, $750 - $850 would be a fair price .
If you post it on this site, I'm sure it will get attention ....

Yet another example of why preserving guns for your heirs doesn't make sense. Just leave them some cash.

__________________
No life story has happy end.

Right on, Saxon. I have 2 sons and always thought I would leave them my guns. But, although they both like to shoot, they don't have the passion. Besides one lives/works in Chicago and thinks it's a wonderful place.

Sell or gift them to those who appreciate the craftsmanship and history.

Times have changed.

Actually I think "the best" is life insurance, tax free payout...

Dont go by me I am not a financial adviser

Johnathon,
Your Father left you a wonderful gift in that Model 57. If you let go of it, it will be near impossible or prohibitavely expensive to replace. If the gun is in decent condition, and I would think it is in excellent condition, you will probably find it to be one of the most exceptionally accurate handguns you will ever own. I would search for your Dads reloading data specific to that gun, if he reloaded. It should work extremely well with reduced power loadings or "police loads", which are basically starting loads in most handbooks as well as full power magnm loads. Some describe the 41 Magnum as "a better 44 Magnum than the 44 Magnum", while others describe it as "a refinement on the 44 Magnum". Either way, your Father passed something special to you. If you dont appreciate it, there are plenty of us here on the S&W Forum who would gladly give it a special place in a "foster home".

last three are 320?

__________________
SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

The box looks like it is made for a 6 1/2" gun?

Johnathan...the serial number of your Model 57 dates it to around 1972. The condition of the case it was shipped with is typical of cases used from 1969 to 1975 as the liner deteriorated rapidly and these cases almost always need to be recovered.

Assuming the Model 57 is 99 percent, I would value it at $850.

Bill

johnathan...as per our conversation...i'll take the M57...thanks so much

__________________
SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

Not ripping on Jonathan...to each his own. That being said I still must agree with the other guys, my father left me his 41 mag also. It was his "go to" for as long as I can remember. The most beautiful pistol I have and literally wouldn't sell it for a million bucks.

I'd keep it, if for no reason other than sentimental value... but then, I like M57s.

Off topic, but Forum member jcelect can redo the presentation case for you and give your inherited revolver the home it deserves.

__________________
50 Years of DSOTM

uh, guys, this thread was posted 6 yrs ago.

Charlie

the above M57 was as advertised and found a nice new home...It's a beaut!

__________________
SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

Agree! If I could time it right, I'd spend my last dollar the day I croak

__________________
John