I found this nice S&W Model 657 3" in .41 Magnum in a local gun shop. Unfortunately it was without box or papers, so I'm not sure, when I was made.
I could only have a look in the Standard Catalog 4th edition and there are 2 possibilities:
a) 1998 for Lew Horton
or
b) product code 103951 3" RB RR/WO 1986

I'm sure, some of the experts here can help.




The gun is fired and needs a good cleaning in front of the cylinder. But otherwise I think there is nothing to complain about it.

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Nice find, I’ve been looking for one locally and never see them.

I'm no expert but I think a. and b. are pretty much the same gun. Call it what you want. I call it pretty cool.

While knowing the serial number would be the most helpful in guesstimating the revolvers Date of Manufacture, your gun is from the production that began in 1986, just like mine

Ours are product code 103951.

The 1998 revolvers have full lug barrels

Mine did not come to me with the original Factory Combats. I eventually put this next generation Factory Combat grip on it when they became available to me. I have since put a more era correct grip on them, but have not shot new photographs.

I love mine. I even carried it in an OWB holster for several years beginning back in 1991 when I bought this one. My carry ammunition was the now discontinued Remington 179 grain SJHP load.

BTW, we have Lew Horton for getting the Factory to go down the path of round butt frames on the N-frame.

He is also responsible for the start of the N-frame snubbies (3"). Prior to his ordering them the N-frames only went down to 3 1/2" barrels with the Model 27 (4" with the others). I know it is just and Inch or 1/2 inch but with that and the round butt frame it makes a big visual difference

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"Acta non verba"

Dang, what a nice find.

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How God has blessed us!

Great, already a lot of information. Thanks.

And yes, I knew I forgot something to mention. The serial number is ANE41XX

I ended up with two 657 3", I purchased both used, about ten years apart, coincidentally at the same price of $250. Both have the ANE prefix (1986). The price for the more recent one was because the store believed the revolver was non-functioning, I felt certain that I knew the problem and brought my little Smith and Wesson sight adjustment screwdriver when I went to pick it up, tightened the strain screw and it worked perfectly.