I apologize if I have missed a prior post on this. I'm looking for a breakdown on Model 57's and 58's as to barrel length,finish and production. How many of each in blue and nickel? I see from the "bible the total for Model 58's, all 4", is some 20,287. Is there a known total for the Model 57's and how is it broken down? Anyone? Thanks, Kyle

I am new to collecting Smith and Wesson's but I've found a lot of valuable information on Wikipedia. You may not be able to answer all of your questions but in most of my searches I have found when the -# changed and what the differences were and years of manufacture.....stuff like that so you might have some luck starting there.

Rick T.

I doubt anyone knows; a detailed search of factory records could find the answer, but unless the information has been archived into a computer it would be very tedious to sort through. Much easier for a gun that is no longer produced - but since the model 58 is back in production now no one knows the production total .

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Nobody including S&W knows the answers you seek. I have always heard about 10% of S&W revolvers were in nickel but that could be a wild guess or speculation based on expert observation. Of course the number likely varies greatly depending on model.

The information you referred to has not been researched for the Model 57. Total production of "modern" S&W firearms (introduced in 1950 and later) is only known for a very few models and most of these were discontinued in the 1960s (i.e. Model 24 and Model 26). SP is correct that nickel usually made up around 10 percent of production of a model that was offered in blue and nickel finishes.

Bill

That number is not total production of model 58s.

That is total prior to 1977.

The model 58 went back into production a few years ago.

I suspect the newer 41 Magnum is not a Model 58 but a 58-1 or something.

Thanks for the replies. I was told the "new" Model 58's have the IL, so I have no interest in them. I ask as I have recently "stumbled" into a large and diverse group of some nice original 57's and 58's and as luck has it I can't buy them all! Go figure. I'm honestly trying to "Chery pick" my way through them. Thanks again. This is one of the reasons I like this site, as one can always learn all kinds of cool stuff! Kyle

Let some of us know where your "rejects" are after you sort through them, alaskavett. Sounds like the makins' of a new Alaska gold rush to me...

I'm sittin' here remembering the perceptions of numbers during the "hay day" of early Mod. 57 manufacture.

Doc 44s 10% estimate of nickle production has long been a widely held, educated and accepted assumption...

Collectors, while these models were being produced, at least had the opportunity to observe "traffic flow" of various models in their particular regions at the time. However, due to even goofier methods of S&W allocation, that was the only means we had of an acutely unscientific measurement ...

If we should estimate (guess) Mod. 57 production to have been about 10 to 15% of Mod.29 production -- and that's strictly my own speculative number -- we can imagine what a "rare bird" the Mod 57 8 3/8" in nickle is, comparatively speaking, to the 29s and 27s in either finish...

One man, Roy Jinks, is a key person I would love to spend one hour (or more) with. Have him answer questions simply based on his recollections -- no specifics or actual numbers necessary or probably possible -- but as accurately and closely as he can recollect, answer similar questions like these mysteries addressed on this thread..

Rather than spend time speculating, I think we should be plotting the kidnap of Mr. Jinks-- and try to find someone with an abundance of "truth serum..."

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Terry

I have no intent or ability to have it all and will be sharing what I have found with the group. Some of these original wood cased gems have not been touched in 35 years or more. When I have access and the ability with a camera I will post photos of the nickel 57 S2492XX with the sweetest Cokes I have seen in some time. just picked up a beautiful nickel 29-2 6.5",yes in the wood box.. Not as sought as as the 57, but sweet! More to come all in nickel for now....Kyle