Help with a model 57

[41magshooter]

Hi, New member on here. I'm hoping that you can help me with a model 57 that I just aquired.
It has an 8-3/8 barrel, wide target hammer and trigger, adjustable white outline rear sight, red ramp front, and polished blue finish.
The serial # is S323xxx. Which by my understanding is a early model.
I believe the grips were replaced with later factory grips as they have a
Feb. 12, 1986.
Also the frame is marked 58 under the crane. Any information would help.

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

What exactly is your question?

 

[dotdsd334]

Well I can say the grips are not original. S323xxx should be late 1969 IIRC. What style grips are on it now?


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[jubela#4]

What exactly is your question?

What he said.

You will find a lot of knowledgable people here so ask away.

 

[41magshooter]

thanks for being patient

My first question is why does it say model 58 on the frame when it is a model 57?
The grips that are on it are what I would call standard Square butt n frame grips.
The pistol is in unfired condition with just a faint turn line on the cylinder.
My biggest concern is that this pistol is legit and not something just cobbled together.
What would the value be on this pistol. It has the presentation box and all the tools with it but no paperwork.
Thanks again!

 

[colt_saa]

My first question is why does it say model 58 on the frame when it is a model 57?
The grips that are on it are what I would call standard Square butt n frame grips.
The pistol is in unfired condition with just a faint turn line on the cylinder.
My biggest concern is that this pistol is legit and not something just cobbled together.
What would the value be on this pistol. It has the presentation box and all the tools with it but no paperwork.
Thanks again!

First,
Welcome to the Forum.

A mis-stamped frame is a fairly common occurrence with S&Ws.

Value depends on the area of the country. If it is in California where importation of this fine used revolver is against the law, it would be very valuable. If it were in South Florida where everyone wants plastic guns it would be less valuable.

Last summer I bought an early 8 3/8" 57 (though not as early as yours) from my local gun shop. He had it in his used case at a price much more than I was willing to spend (I already own a 57 and 657 in 8 3/8"). However it was super clean with the faintest of turn lines. No box or papers so I offered $475 out the door. I figured I might turn it into a snubby. They declined my offer.

This shop deals mostly in plastic guns and black rifles but they take trades so I visit often to see the used stuff. I made this same offer every time I was in the shop over the next several months. The revolver is now in my safe next to these other two 8 3/8" 41 Magnums.

Getting a good deal is also about being willing to walk away from the bargaining table. If it is something that you "just gotta have", odds are you will pay more than you needed to.

But then my stable of 41 Magnums is already somewhat robust

 

[kennyb]

if it has adj.sights its a 57....otherwise its a 58,,,unless the barrel has been swapped

 

[41magshooter]

First,
Welcome to the Forum.

A mis-stamped frame is a fairly common occurrence with S&Ws.

Value depends on the area of the country. If it is in California where importation of this fine used revolver is against the law, it would be very valuable. If it were in South Florida where everyone wants plastic guns it would be less valuable.

Last summer I bought an early 8 3/8" 57 (though not as early as yours) from my local gun shop. He had it in his used case at a price much more than I was willing to spend (I already own a 57 and 657 in 8 3/8"). However it was super clean with the faintest of turn lines. No box or papers so I offered $475 out the door. I figured I might turn it into a snubby. They declined my offer.

This shop deals mostly in plastic guns and black rifles but they take trades so I visit often to see the used stuff. I made this same offer every time I was in the shop over the next several months. The revolver is now in my safe next to these other two 8 3/8" 41 Magnums.

Getting a good deal is also about being willing to walk away from the bargaining table. If it is something that you "just gotta have", odds are you will pay more than you needed to.

But then my stable of 41 Magnums is already somewhat robust

Wow! That is some collection. What is the pistol in the bottom of the picture? It appears to be a Colt. Did Colt make a 41mag?

 

[41magshooter]

Model 57

Thanks everyone for being so helpful. I think I will just leave this one alone and let her appreciate in the safe.
I traded a Del-ton AR plus 300 cash for her, and the guy threw in 7- 20 round boxes of premium ammo including 4 boxes of the new hornady leverloution 190 gr. So I think it was a good deal.

 

[colt_saa]

Wow! That is some collection. What is the pistol in the bottom of the picture? It appears to be a Colt. Did Colt make a 41mag?

Yes, 41 Magnum is one of the 5 calibers that the Colt Python was advertised in and prototyped.

That picture is a decade old. There are twice that many 41 Magnums now. However I leave some at the vacation house so there is no need to travel with them. That means no true family photo.