.41 junkes need help-----dash

[PFNELKAK]

the long week-end. still have .41 fever. Possibly buying
one this week- end but need quick info. on dash # ,
what were changes, did they make the .41 better or
worse, stronger or weaker, such as accuracy, kick,
reliability, locks added, etc. No access to books
this week-end. Just your input, your 1st & 2nd
choices in the mechanics of the .41. Could be an
interesting topic. All viewpoints are welcome for
all viewpoints are equally important to ME.

 

[mkk41]

Well , the serious collectors probably say the 'no-dash' S-guns were the best , with the earlier the better. But my 657-3 Classic Hunter is just as smooth and accurate as my 57 'no-dash'.

 

[Avery11]

If you can find one, the 657 ND in 4" is fantastic. They seem to be pretty scarce as I don't think they were produced for very long, compared to other configurations.

 

[quinn]

You really need to get a 58, a 57 and a 657... throw in a couple of different configurations/barrel lengths and make them compete for your attention. You will answer your own question. There is no such thing as too many S&Ws in 41 mag! I like the 3 and 4" versions.

 

[C Broad Arrow]

I am a recent convert...smooth and powerful...One of my favorite calibres.

 

[scwv67]

Curious about this also. It's my understanding the .41 magnums never had the Endurance package that later model 29's and 629's got. I've also read that due to lesson's learned from those models, that at least the 657's may have been built stouter from the get go.

Can anyone comment on this?

 

[ACP230]

I have 57s and 657s.
They all seem about the same to me.
All have been holding up about as well, too.

 

[charlies]

Mine all hold up well...even the 58

 

[PFNELKAK]

Thanks for your input on your favorites and great
pics mkk41. Lost out on a .41 mountain gun 57-7.
Didn't know what the -7 change was. Books coming.
I have my eye on a couple of nickels.

 

[DR505]

My 657 (no dash) in 3" length is one of my favorite firearms.

I passed up a 57 MG (has IL) because the dealer wanted an arm and a leg for it. No regrets. Instead I grabbed a 657-2 Classic Hunter for $700...great shooter.

 

[perrazi]

only p&r 41 mags for me. have one of each length in blue. all shoot excellent. s-prefixes are the most desirable from a collector standpoint.

 

[USBP SW]

The .41 magnum is hands down my favorite caliber with no real close 2nd. I have most barrel lengths in both stainless and blue, Smith & Wesson and another manufacturer, I shoot all and I have yet to find one that does not shoot better than my expectations (and I have rather lofty expectations). It's an I'll always have at least one firearm. The only drawback for some, not for me, is that it's a pretty much reloader only proposition.

Get one, load for it and enjoy it,
Steve

 

[Malpasowildlifer]

A no dash blued 4'' 57 is about as good as it gets.

At least -2 or lower. Personally, I'm a -2 or lower snob but I do have a 6'' 657-3 and a 6'' 657-3 Hunter with the unfluted cylinder (my first .41 Magnum, the one that started it all for me.)

A blued 58 is a must have as well.

If you like nickle, screaming deals are to be had! I've observed this with nickle 57's. Some LGS's can't give them away. When I was still back home and had just got the 657-3 Hunter, a -2 8 3/8 57 in nickle came in. Had dies, ammo, brass and holsters. It languished for months before the owner took it back.

 

[A10]

A 6" no dash nickel 57 would make quite the bbq gun!