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Just bought S&W Model 58 41 Mag First Year???

A

AC Man

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I have several model 57 41 mags including a first year 1964 unfired presentation case 4". It is a oddball to some, but something I love to collect.

Just bought a first year 1964 model 58 4" M&P version. I never see these and since it is a first year I bought it to go along with my first year model 57.

Gotta admit I am not that familiar with the model 58 especially the first year serial numbers.

Any input on it's history or value appreciated. FWIW I paid $1400. Looks very nice. No box or papers.
 
The 58 was conceived as a law enforcement gun, giving the LEO an edge over the standard .357 in common use at the time. There were two loadings available, one firing the 210 grain bullet about 1000 fps, the other was a full magnum load. Problem arose when departments were issuing the full magnum load and officers had problems with the recoil. This is why it never really became a mainstream LEO firearm.

The .41 is a fantastic round. I think you have a pretty good collection going! As far as value goes, you probably paid about in the ballpark of what the regular asking price is.

Folks seem to prefer the S serial numbered guns, so that may add value in some areas. Any way you look at it you have a darn nice handgun!

Pictures help btw...
 
Generally S & W does not document or reveal serial number ranges when guns are first made, but in the case of the model 58 the SCSW 4th edition states these started at about S256500.

By report, the .41 Magnum "police load" leaded barrels heavily and was unpopular, and as noted above the "hunting load" was too much power for an average officer to handle. Given the popularity of the .40 S & W in the '90s, one wonders if the model 58 would have been more widely adopted with proper factory ammunition.
 
Congratulations on your purchase of a Model 58. I too, have a first year Model 58 s.n. 2570xx.

leaseonlife58s.jpg

youorhim58s.jpg

SW58b.jpg


KO
 
A10 said:
The 58 was conceived as a law enforcement gun, giving the LEO an edge over the standard .357 in common use at the time. There were two loadings available, one firing the 210 grain bullet about 1000 fps, the other was a full magnum load. Problem arose when departments were issuing the full magnum load and officers had problems with the recoil. This is why it never really became a mainstream LEO firearm.

The .41 is a fantastic round. I think you have a pretty good collection going! As far as value goes, you probably paid about in the ballpark of what the regular asking price is.

Folks seem to prefer the S serial numbered guns, so that may add value in some areas. Any way you look at it you have a darn nice handgun!

Pictures help btw...
Click to expand...

When the .41 was introduced, the standard caliber was the .38 special. Elmer, Skeeter & Bill Jordan were looking for a modern controllable revolver round in the .38-40 power range.
 
What was the "suggested" retail price for a Mod 58 "back in the day?" I seem to remember something on the order of $89.95 or was that the Mod 28?

WYT-P
Skyhunter
 
AC Man said:
I have several model 57 41 mags including a first year 1964 unfired presentation case 4". It is a oddball to some, but something I love to collect.

Just bought a first year 1964 model 58 4" M&P version. I never see these and since it is a first year I bought it to go along with my first year model 57.

Gotta admit I am not that familiar with the model 58 especially the first year serial numbers.

Any input on it's history or value appreciated. FWIW I paid $1400. Looks very nice. No box or papers.
Click to expand...


Was this the one that just sold on GB?
 
Skyhunter said:
What was the "suggested" retail price for a Mod 58 "back in the day?" I seem to remember something on the order of $89.95 or was that the Mod 28?

WYT-P
Skyhunter
Click to expand...

Suggested Retail was $80 blue and $85 nickel. My dad paid $62.16 to Gopher Shooter's Supply on 12-27-64 for the one shown in my post above. Gopher Shooter's Supply gave LEOs dealer price on purchases.

Page from 1964 S&W Catalog.
1964catalog-Nframe.jpg


KO
 
AC Man said:
I have several model 57 41 mags including a first year 1964 unfired presentation case 4". It is a oddball to some, but something I love to collect.

Just bought a first year 1964 model 58 4" M&P version. I never see these and since it is a first year I bought it to go along with my first year model 57.

Gotta admit I am not that familiar with the model 58 especially the first year serial numbers.

Any input on it's history or value appreciated. FWIW I paid $1400. Looks very nice. No box or papers.
Click to expand...
Have you Lettered your M57's and do you plan to Letter the M58? I have one of both and they are my earliest manufactured S&W's. My M57 Letters to mid 1970, although the SN is an "S" prefix in the 1969 range according to SCSW. I didn't get a box or accessories, and not even factory stocks for it, but it was a nice example. My M58 is about 1-1/2 years earlier, also "S", and it was ANIB. It Letters to 1968 and had been a safe queen since new, bought new by a LEO, later inherited by his long-time partner, who I bought it from about 5 years ago. I shoot both of my .41's occasionally, downloading my ammo to about 1100 fps.
 

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For those that asked, yes I just bought it on Gunbroler serial # 259576 so it is a first year model of 1964 which is the only reason I bought it.

Unlike all of my model 57's that are all unfired or in unfired condition in presentation case, this one has slight holster wear on the cylinder but not bad. Advertised with heavy barrel. Wouldn't they all have the same heavy barrel in 1964?

Advertised with "Plain Clothes" same year grips. Does anyone know what that means?

The seller is my favorite on Gunbroker. They cater to old guys and old revolvers.
 
Last edited:
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AC Man said:
For those that asked, yes I just bought it on Gunbroler serial # 259576 so it is a first year model of 1964 which is the only reason I bought it.

Unlike all of my model 57's that are all unfired or in unfired condition in presentation case, this one has slight holster wear on the cylinder but not bad. Advertised with heavy barrel. Wouldn't they all have the same heavy barrel in 1964?

Advertised with "Plain Clothes" same year grips. Does anyone know what that means?

The seller is my favorite on Gunbroker. They cater to old guys and old revolvers.
Click to expand...

Yes, all of the Model 58s came with a heavy barrel. Plainclothes grips aka Modified Magnas have beveled areas at the butt, as opposed to having square butts. See the picture in post #13.
 
Congratulations....getting to find a first year 58 always will make one's day....

I had one till last year that someone had parkerized...of the 10 58s I have owned it was the best shooter... It now resides down South.

The Remington Police load was a 210 LSWC that clocked at 930 fps. The 210 JSP at 1250 from 4" barrels. The next loads to come along were frrom Winchester that ran a 210 LSWC at 960...their 210 jacketed bullet was a soft HP but have never found any to chronograph.

Both lead loads would wipe out the rifling in 2-3 cylinder full...it was not fun to get out of the barrel...a Lewis Lead Remover was the best way...

The PC Magna stocks will be numbered to the gun...

Bob
 
They shoot real good ... Drop a Louisiana hog with 1 shot !
That's mine in my Avatar with Ahrend's Retro Combat Grips ...
Love that model 58 S&W !
Gary
 
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