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12-07-2010, 03:11 PM
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41 Magnum, December 1964
A late first year Model 57 with a bright blue finish and four-inch barrel. Shipped in early December 1964.
Bill
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12-07-2010, 03:22 PM
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What's the first of the serial on that one? I need to compare it to mine, it's 300,xxx an S- prefix. Thanks.
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12-07-2010, 03:29 PM
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That's a beautiful gun Bill. The stocks are really, really nice. I'm guessing that you have the case and all?
hiram2005-
If you gun has a 300xxx range # it'll be from the '68 time frame.
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12-07-2010, 03:30 PM
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Thanks for sharing.. Beautimus!!
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12-07-2010, 04:17 PM
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The serial number is in the S255000 range. G4F...I have the original case that is lined with dark blue velour.
Bill
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12-07-2010, 06:35 PM
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OOOOOOOOoooooooooooH purdy!
KO
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12-07-2010, 06:55 PM
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As always, wow. Beautiful.
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12-07-2010, 06:57 PM
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that is beautiful!!!
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12-07-2010, 08:08 PM
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What more can I add - gorgous!
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12-07-2010, 10:45 PM
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They don't make 'em like that anymore!!
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12-07-2010, 10:51 PM
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Outstanding!
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12-08-2010, 04:08 AM
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Wow. That revolver and I were born about the same time.
The gun has aged much better.
Thanks for posting this beauty...
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12-08-2010, 04:44 AM
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Wow, incredible looking weapon!
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12-08-2010, 09:42 AM
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Great gun Doc. Didnt you have a 5 inch 57? Could you post that pic again, it was one of my favorites.
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12-08-2010, 09:51 AM
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Mule88...As requested, Model 57 with a very rare 5-inch barrel, shipped in January 1968 (made in S&W's tool room).
Bill
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12-08-2010, 10:06 AM
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Thanx Doc...What an awesome gun!
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12-08-2010, 10:46 AM
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Outstanding Doc, thanks!
CD
(another 41 nut)
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12-08-2010, 12:09 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Doc44
...I have the original case that is lined with dark blue velour.
Bill
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Could you please post a picture of the original case?
Thank you,
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12-08-2010, 10:42 PM
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Those are two of the prettiest model 57's I have ever seen.
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12-08-2010, 10:52 PM
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Very very nice
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12-08-2010, 10:56 PM
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I have a 4in Mod 57, ser# S253817, which I guessed was a second year production gun, but I guess it just might be a first year piece. I know S&W's were not always shipped in numerical order, but were the serial #'s stamped consecutively, or were they also stamped out of order.
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12-09-2010, 09:58 AM
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John...Serial numbers were stamped in numerical order, but as frames were pulled for production of various models (57s, 29s, 25s), the order became randomized and that is why a serial number will only provide an estimate of when a gun was shipped.
Bill
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12-09-2010, 02:54 PM
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I'd love to go shopping with Bill for just one day
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12-10-2010, 11:47 PM
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I lucked out and found this like NIB M57 for $500:
IMO, the .41 mag is the perfect round for the N-frame Smith. This is my favorite handgun.
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12-10-2010, 11:51 PM
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Bill, if I understand correctly, frames were stampd with serial #'s and as various models were produced, the frame was then stamped with the correct model # and assembled. So, even though a frame was produced and serial #'d, it didn't become, say a model 57, until it was assembled and marked as such ?
Last edited by John Wyatt; 12-10-2010 at 11:54 PM.
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12-11-2010, 12:39 AM
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Great gun Bill...too bad about the little bore :-)
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12-11-2010, 12:50 AM
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Very nice 57. By the way I was shipped in November of 1964.
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12-11-2010, 09:24 AM
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John...I believe you are correct. The "stockpiling" of frames and other parts fitted to it (side plate, yoke, etc.) resulted in the mixing of serial numbers between models and randomized to a great degree the serial number sequence. For example, N24999 is a Model 29-2, whereas, N25000 is a Model 25-2.
Bill
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03-09-2011, 09:38 PM
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I am not trying to hijack this thread but I accidentally slipped into the 41Magnum Cult today with the purchase of a M57 number N707XXX and would appreciate it if any of you kind folks could give me any information about it such as date of manufacture. It has a pinned barrel and recessed chambers. The previous owner had rubber Pachmayr grips on it.
I have been shooting S&W revolvers from .22 to .44 Magnum for over 40 years but have never had any contact with a M57 until today.
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03-09-2011, 11:08 PM
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Absent Comrade
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Snap,
The year is 1980. What is the barrel length? Also if you don't mind, what did you give for it? Welcome to the forum!
Dick
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03-09-2011, 11:45 PM
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It is a 4" barrel. The fellow wanted $525 after looking through the Blue Book.
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03-10-2011, 12:43 AM
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Good price, if it's nice! Can you post some pictures for us?
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03-10-2011, 02:04 PM
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41 Magnum
Doc 44, that is superb. As another posted said, the .41 Mag is a natural in the N-frame.
Thanks for sharing that beauty!
Regards,
Dyson
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03-10-2011, 02:45 PM
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Great gun. I'm new to the 57 also and has become one of my favorites. My serial#N211xx. All my other smiths have six numerals.
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03-31-2020, 01:38 PM
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New to the site but not new to the models
Ive read quite a few posts now trying to sort out where my M58 fits in the production run. Fortunately when i bought my 58 it came with a 2 page S&W Historical letter which starts with a description of the models introduction stating "the factory felt could fill the vacancy in their catalog line by the elimination of the.44 Military Model of 1950(Model 22), introduced in July of 1964 at approximately S255700.,continued in production until 1978 with a total production of 20,287 units.") Signed by Roy O Jinks,, June 12 2007. The serial number of my gun is S2590xx. The letter further states the gun was" shipped from our factory on March 28, 1966 and delivered to Dakin Sporting Goods Co, Bangor, Me. So between 7/64 and 3/66 just 330 ish guns were sold.
Further during my purchase the salesman told me it had been carried by a ""one cop town" and the finish attests to that. It`s a good gun still, shoots point of aim at 10 yds with 170gr jkt and home cast 200 gr Kieth style lyman#2.I bought the gun 2/12/13,
Last edited by Shootzemm58; 03-31-2020 at 01:42 PM.
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03-31-2020, 03:09 PM
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Shootzemm58...Reading posts #21 and 22 above will give you an idea of how serial numbers were randomized by S&W during manufacture. An estimate of how many Model 58s were shipped between July 1964 and March 1966 requires looking at the invoices for this period or determining the number of Model 58s manufactured during that period. Determining the difference between the serial numbers will not produce a reliable result (the difference is approximately 3300).
The first Model 58 was shipped in August 1964 and has serial number S256119. The lowest serial number produced is often not the first one shipped.
Bill
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03-31-2020, 04:21 PM
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Pictured below is N705933, which I acquired from my friend Paul in as new condition (that is light reflecting on the muzzle, not wear) before I moved out here to La Tierra del Encantamento a year ago from Virginia.
Shooting the Federal 210 gr. JHPs at 1230 fps or the Winchester 175 gr. Silvertip JHPs at 1250 fps is quite controllable in my hand. I don't like the Hornady 210 gr. XTP JHPs at 1550 fps. Too much muzzle blast and concussion out of a 4-inch barrel for my taste.
Anyway, here she is: the perfect 4-inch N frame wearing elephant ivories:
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Last edited by Bullseye 2620; 03-31-2020 at 04:23 PM.
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03-31-2020, 06:51 PM
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Mod 57 case
In Post #5 Bill mentioned the case for his model 57! This is the velour case for the first year production guns!
jcelect
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03-31-2020, 07:16 PM
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My M57 is S2531XX. I’ve been told by other more knowledgeable forum members that it’s a first year gun, but without a letter it’s anyone’s guess as to the month. Someday I’ll letter it.
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04-01-2020, 12:09 AM
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Stunning gun Bill, thanks for sharing!!
1964 is my birth year and I am fortunate enough to own a very nice 6" version that shipped April of 1964
Have been searching for the 4" version, nice to see one out there!!
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04-01-2020, 06:51 AM
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Bill, all I can say, I am not your photographer. Beautiful.
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04-01-2020, 04:24 PM
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Seems like a lackadaisical attitude for a major manufacturer to have. There`s a Remington website the is both logical and accurate for rifles, not that it matters here. Yes i had read post`s you mentioned, thats what gave me the idea thinking perhaps the Jinks letter might shed some more light.
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04-01-2020, 04:31 PM
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Is there a consensus estimate of the number of M58, 4 inch S frame revolvers produced ? Seems like a pretty small number are posted by their owners.
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04-01-2020, 04:45 PM
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The Model 58 was made for about five years (August 1964 through most of 1969) before S&W switched to N-prefix serial numbers. I would guess at least 10,000 plus were made during this period, but no one knows for certain.
Bill
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04-01-2020, 04:53 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Shootzemm58
Is there a consensus estimate of the number of M58, 4 inch S frame revolvers produced ? Seems like a pretty small number are posted by their owners.
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SCSW4 shows serial number range of S256500 to S260632 for a total of 4,132. I’m not sure if those s/n’s were exclusive to the M58’s or if other models were mixed in. It does say total production of “S” and “N” M58’s is 20,287. Production ran 1964 to 1977, so 20,287 divided by 14 years is 1,449 average per year. So 4,132 would be plausible if production started ramping up later in the run. Of course, I’m just a neophyte aficionado compared to guys like Doc44, who probably know exact numbers.
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04-01-2020, 04:54 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Doc44
The Model 58 was made for about five years (August 1964 through most of 1969) before S&W switched to N-prefix serial numbers. I would guess at least 10,000 plus were made during this period, but no one knows for certain.
Bill
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Lol...I guess I was still typing while you posted. I always wondered about exact numbers. SCSW4 gives exact numbers on some models and not others. Why is that?
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04-01-2020, 04:58 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ladder13
I'd love to go shopping with Bill for just one day
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I love these old threads coming back around!
I think Bill should start Doc’s Museum of Fine Firearms. I know I would be at the opening!
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04-01-2020, 06:26 PM
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My four inch 2nd month production M57.
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04-01-2020, 06:31 PM
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My estimate of 10,000 was a guess, but it was based on the fact many models are quite popular for several years after they are introduced.
Bill
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04-02-2020, 10:18 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by crsides
My four inch 2nd month production M57.
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Beautiful! Is the serial in the S252xxx range?
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