Just picked up this 57-1 in 90% condition. Was wondering about a date on it, serial number is N943xx.

I know it was made after 1981-82 as it's a 57-1 gun.

Thanks in advance.

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This ain't no coon hunt

Most likely 1984-85.

Thanks, any idea of current value?

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This ain't no coon hunt

Try looking through gunbroker recent sales.

When looking at prices on Gunjoker, beware that some prices are simply not realistic.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

To expand on this, my recommendation is to go to gunbroker, advanced search for completed auctions, and ignore the "buy now" prices and any that didn't have any bids. Last bid, whether sold or not, should give you a fair idea of current market value.

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Ain't This Fun Though?

Your SN should have N plus 6 digits and 1984 is likely. I have one with the triple alpha SN from 1986. The advice to check GB closed sales is good although I'd throw out the highest and the lowest prices. Local factors can influence prices too. Ninety percent condition suggests quite a bit of blue loss and wear although percent condition estimates are very subjective. That said, I'd think a 90% -1 would be $900/$1000 or below where I shop. One in NIB condition perhaps $1200+. Last one I actually bought was about three years ago; a 6 inch with box/tools which appears unfired for $1050. Nice gun, enjoy it.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Barrel length will affect price as well. 4" and 6" usually will bring more than the 8" guns.

John

Mine is the 6", after I got it cleaned up its actually in really good condition. The bluing is almost perfect. This revolver was so filthy it took me over a hour with Hoppes and my wife's toothbrush to get the layers of gunk off it.




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This ain't no coon hunt

Sounds like a very nice gun. Got any pictures to share of your 57-1?

Whether or not it has original grips can also affect the value.

Came with a set of Houge finger groove wood grips on it. I have a nice set of S&W grips from the mid 80's on the way.

I'll see about putting a few pictures up, all these forums have different image requirements

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This ain't no coon hunt

What did you pay for it? That is what the gun is worth.

Unless you intend to sell it immediately what difference does market value make?

If it's any of your business I'm just curious about the value. I worked a trade for this one, no cash was involved.

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Here we go.

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This ain't no coon hunt

Few more pictures of Model 57-1

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This ain't no coon hunt

That sure looks nice. I love the 57's and 58's.

Thanks. I wasn't too impressed when I took possession of it, but it cleaned up nicely.


I never know how to rate a used gun, if the blueing is almost perfect would it rate a 98%.?

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This ain't no coon hunt

Nice-looking piece. With the correct grips I would say it's likely worth approximately $1000 in today's market.

I agree, think that'd be the value here in my neck of the woods in Western Washington. I came out pretty good on this particular deal. Will take it to the range with me today & do a test run on it.

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This ain't no coon hunt

Picked up a nice set of S&W grips dating to my serial number. Pulled the wood Houges off and installed these.

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This ain't no coon hunt

BTW have a range report, used some NOS Winchester 210 grain soft point ammo and was brave & started right out at 50 yards. Shooting off the bags put 5 rounds into 4" not too terribly shabby.

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This ain't no coon hunt

The whole "original grips" thing is kinda funny. They are a big plus for pre-war grips and post-war "Coke" grips in which cases they were nicely checkered and bordered, and contoured to fit the hand comfortably. They were obviously made by experienced craftsmen.

But, by the 70s and through the 80s, S&W factory grips were just blocks of wood, crudely inlet to roughly fit the frame, with the edges rounded over, then "embellished" with ugly machine checkering.
The wood Hogue aftermarket grips that came with your gun are a vast improvement in function and appearance.
The replacement grip market really took off at this time because the factory grips really are that bad!!
My brother and I first started buying and shooting N-frames at the same time your 57-1 was made. The first thing we did was ditch the factory grips. More than once they went missing, not that we cared to see them gone.

Enjoy your new .41 Maggie! I hope you reload. You'll really come to LOVE it then!!

PS: I gave your post of the gun with the Hogue grips a big like!

Nice gun 41special. I have a home in Port Orchard, but I am currently living in Connecticut. I sold a friend one of my M57's at the WAC gun show in Puyallup last April 2023. It was a 4" no dash in excellent condition with target stocks for $950. The last 6'' model 57 I purchased in WA was in mint condition with an excellent presentation case and tools for $900. In my opinion your gun would bring $800 to $850 unless you found a motivated individual really wanting a 41 magnum.

5 rounds into a 4" group at 50 yards with a new-to-you 41 Magnum? No, not shabby at all. I'd say that is quite impressive.

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I love S&W Model 57 58's. Great caliber I wish the ammo was more affordable.