Has my model 57 barrel been cut?

[Breadman1]

Was getting to go shooting with my son today and we pulled out a model 57 dated to 1979-1980, a model 57 from 1965 and my 657 no dash, all with 4” barrels. My son said that the S serial 57 looked fatter than the N which got me to measure the barrels, the N serial number measured 4.25” and the 657 measured 4.25”, but the S serial number measured a whisper under 4”. All three barrels and forcing cone area look identical, roll marks are lines up in the same places in relation to the front sight, really can’t see any evidence of work done. Is this possible to come like this from the factory or has it been worked on?

Thanks

 

[gmborkovic]

Breadman, post some pics of muzzle. Is it a pinned barrel?

 

[dave1918a2]

You are absolutely right. That barrel is messed up and You should send it to Me for proper disposal. Actually the S&W specs are +/- 1/8 inch. Some longer, some shorter. Beautiful trio You have.

 

[Breadman1]

More pics

L to R , 57N, 657, 57S, yes pinned barrel

 

[fishwishin]

They all look factory to me. From what I recall there are very slight differences in OAL length due to the particular threading of each individual revolver.

 

[gmborkovic]

Breadman, your 57 barrel appears, from the pic, to be unaltered. It falls within factory tolerances. Now this observation is grounded on just pics and not a physical examination. Hey, put the ruler away and go shoot the gun.
You are going to get an ulcer. Forget about it!

 

[Doc44]

S&W issued Engineering Directive #1525 on May 18, 1975 to increase the length of barrels from 4 inches to 4 1/4 inches. This was done because of a concern at the time handguns with a barrel length of less than 4 inches would become illegal. The barrel lengths I have observed after this change vary, but are always at least 4 1/8 inches.

Bill

 

[GBertolet]

The question was asked on why the new Colt Pythons had a 4 1/4" barrel instead of just 4 inches. The answer was Canada. All handgun barrels had to be over 4 inches to be legal for sale there. I guess they were thinking of selling a lot of these in Canada.

 

[Hair Trigger]

Those barrels all look normal to me, the roll stampings are centered between frame and muzzle like they should be on a barrel that hasn't been cut. I knew there was some slight variations like Doc44 mentioned, but never knew why until now. I learn something new from every post he makes.

 

[SS57]

My 629ND is 4 1/8th"
My M57, 67/68, is 3 15/16"
Quite noticeable when side by side.
Nice trio you have there.