New Model 57
- Thread starter Bootmanx2
- Start date
Hair Trigger
US Veteran
Look for an older one instead, anything pre 1982, which would be a no-dash. You might pay a bit more for it, but you'll have something that will appreciate in value more than a new production gun.
For a shooters and not a safe queen, the current production is more durable. It has all the endurance package upgrades started in the late 1980s. My new model 57 classic is excellent. (Also have an old one as well preendurance package)
I don't know that the endurance package is of much, if any, benefit to the Model 57/657. The Model 29/629 (44 Magnum) seemed to have issues with the cylinder stop unlocking and allowing the cylinder to rotate under heavy recoil. The 41 Magnum produces significantly less energy than the 44 Magnum and not likely to have the same issues as the 44 Magnum. With that said, fit and finish is likely to be better with a pinned and recessed Model 57, but will cost more due to higher desirability. If you just want a shooter, then a non-P&R that is well fitted should satisfy your itch.
gnappi
Member
I'm not sure about the usefulness about endurance package on .41's but I'll say this, the earlier 57's in nickle are pretty nice.
Endurance package was more than just preventing the cylinder unlocking. It also involved heat treating the yoke and radiusing the internal studs as well as some other changes. This slows things such endshake formation and makes broken studs less likely. The 41 is still an intense cartridge even if less so than 44 mag. All is moot if you don’t shoot it a good bit with full charge ammo but again for a shooter I like that extra beef. I shoot my newer one more than my old preendurance gun.
BigMuddy
Member
I currently own 4 S&W 41 mags, and have owned more in the past. Never owned one of the newer Classic guns but have fired them. One thing in common with them all…. All were/are great guns! You’re already familiar with the cartridge. Never saw a 41 Mag that didn’t shoot well. The Smith will of course be lighter and handier than your DW. My only complaint about the new M57 is the grips are too narrow for me. That’s an easy fix.
Dan
Dan
Just depends what you want to do with a 57/657. If finding a collector item that will likely increase in value then I'd hold out for an early one like the first year S sn below.
If you want one to shoot at the range or perhaps hunt with and don't really care about the collector factor, one of the new ones should be just fine. I really like the older ones for the reasons folks stated above but for hunting, this later 657 from the Performance Center is my choice. Not that I do much handgun hunting. . . . .
Jeff
SWCA #1457
https://flic.kr/p/2n2CG74 https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/
https://flic.kr/p/2odZncN https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/
If you want one to shoot at the range or perhaps hunt with and don't really care about the collector factor, one of the new ones should be just fine. I really like the older ones for the reasons folks stated above but for hunting, this later 657 from the Performance Center is my choice. Not that I do much handgun hunting. . . . .
Jeff
SWCA #1457
https://flic.kr/p/2n2CG74 https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/ https://flic.kr/p/2odZncN https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/BLACKHAWKNJ
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Had my 4" no dash since 1980, wears Herrett's grips. Great shooter. I such a dedicated reloader back then it was 10 years before I fired factory ammo.
Wish I had a DW, mulling getting a Henry in 41 Magnum.
Wish I had a DW, mulling getting a Henry in 41 Magnum.
I have the 4" Classic (with 4 screw sideplate) I bought new in 2010 (introduced in 2009). Looks like the current model is only available in 6".
Good revolver, shoots great.
The blueing isn't as pretty as was found on the old models but that's no surprise or secret. Still plenty respectable.
I promptly removed the nice wooden grips & put some Hogue #29000 grips on 'cause it's a shooter.
And Yes it has the Endurance package, key of which is the bolt block.
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