GB
Member
For the last several years,atleast since my hands have been getting stiffer, I have been on the hunt for a model 57. With a preference for a 6" blue,P&R. Pretty danged scarce in these parts. Have had my hands on a new model and while it was OK, it wasn't what I wanted. Have viewed a few at gun shows but they were in the 800+ catagory. More than I was willing to pay (but probably worth that much). Anyway, last week I went into the local pusher to look around. Walked past the revolver shelf twice before I noticed a new N frame in the used gun section. Tag said 41. Because I am a sort of regular, I am allowed to walk behind the counter and did. I picked up the pistol. Noticed it was not pinned. But still it was a 41. Opened it up and it said 57-1 with a N9029XX serial #. Looked at the price tag, gulped, and proceeded to check the unit for bulged barrel, cylinder or other serious defects. Found it to lock up well and passed all the other things I check on used wheel guns. Small spot of wear/damage to the blue on the frame just in front of the Made in rollmark and just a touch of wear on the muzzle. No box, no tools, Hogue grips, but still it is a Smith in 41 Mag. Passed up a Model 25 in 45LC that was in almost as good shape for 725.00( also a non-pinned model) about 2 months ago. After checking the board went back the next day and it was gone! So I decided that it wasn't going to happen again. Took the pistol to the counter and put it on layaway. Picked it up today(I couldn't stand it any longer). $530 out the door. I think I done good! Hope to have some pics. in the next couple of days. Not quite my grail gun but mighty near it. (Just wait, now that I have it there will be 3 or 4 at the next gun show for about the same money. Happened when I bought a real nice 19-3 4", within 4 months I owned 3 of the danged things and a 19-2 shooter grade.
