I don't know why, but this 657 came home with me.

[Scooter1942]

Was at the gun show today trying to peddle some guns that just weren't doing it for me. Sadly things were quiet...I guess inflation is hurting folks and so I headed over to a dealer who has had a pre-lock S&W 657-4 7.5" full underlug barrel with unfitted cylinder for sale for at least six months. Now, I'm a big fan of .41 mag, but not crazy about guns with super long tubes and sadly, this one had the 7.5" barrel instead of the 6" that I thought it had.

Nonetheless, I start visiting with the guy and it turns out he was somewhat interested in what I was selling and so we worked a trade that was a fair compromise for both and I walked away with something unique that was apparently only made for one year (2001) in this configuration. I'd be curious to know if anyone has an idea of how many of these were made with the 7.5" barrel, pre-lock. Now I gotta order some iron sights and ditch the ultra dot...I think.

 

[colt_saa]

Congratulations on a nice addition to the family

These were made for much more than one year. Mine, which is pictured above, was manufactured in 2004

I have found mine to be astonishingly accurate as well as very reasonable on recoil even with the heaviest of loading. The longer barrel with the full underlug really helps soak up all of that energy and keep it from translating into your palm

I think you will enjoy it

 

[22hipower]

Nice, I like it. Can't help you with the number produced though although if you find the product code the Standard Catalog may have some information. Apparently S&W made some limited, and not so limited, runs of unusual 657s. This 8 inch -5 was one of supposedly only 250 from the Performance Center in 2008. Enjoy yours.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2oDpxA6 https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

 

[Scooter1942]

I've read that the 7.5" model was made for several years, but the pre-lock 7.5" was made in 2001 only.

 

[series guy]

I had the same 2001 manufactured 657 and it was just amazingly accurate. For sure one that I should have never sold. Try that red dot sight before you remove it. It will surely put a smile on your face.

 

[The Norseman]

An Elite Club

Congratulations on your purchase of a S&W
657.

In May I was fortunate to get a circa 1997s
S&W 657-4, 41Rem Mag. By its appearance
it inspected as maybe factory fired only. No
box/papers unfortunately. I’ve been wanting
a 657 for quite awhile.

I put some reloads together. I really enjoyed
plinking the 6 rounds. All worked as it should
like my other Smiths do. I have since then
restocked my reloads. Trying it out next week
again.

On yours I would definitely be trying out
that Ultra Dot.

The Best to you and your Endeavors.

 

[Scooter1942]

I can see how the Ultra Dot might be handy, but it seems like modern RDS type sights would provide a wider/less obstructed view. Its a well made sight, but seems to be way past its prime. Admittedly, its the first I've ever owned, but am I missing something?

 

[Chubbs103]

Ultradots handle heavy recoil well and are reasonably priced. They still cost considerably less than high-end rds.

 

[renroh]

I had the same gun prelock, and mine came with a pistol scope. It was accurate, but ultra heavy with the 7.5" barrel and full underlug. I traded it for a nice Dan Wesson 38 Super 1911. Just did not like how heavy it was

 

[wcat94]

Everything about that 657 looks like the perfect set up to me. The 1 inch ultradots are getting hard to find and as mentioned hold up to recoil. Great find, it's nice to see they have fallen out of favor and are becoming available.

 

[41mag657ss]

I have the same gun with a 2x Leupold EER. I can hit golf balls at 50 yds with ease. I have an aimpoint on my 480 Ruger. The dot is easier to acquire than the crosshairs on the scope. Try it before you remove it.

 

[dsf]

I've had this 657-4 for quite a few years. Frame mounted firing pin and MIM but no lock. Came with the "kidney" thumb latch, never cared for them. The gun is a round butt however I use the '70's target stocks and backfill the gap with stainless toned epoxy.



I recently went from a scoped to sighted revolver. FWIW, trying to find a "deal" on line is a challenge. Bought a $28.00 supposedly complete refinished from Numrich, a waste. Wasn't refinished and the windage adjustment screw head was gone as was the detent and spring. Replacement kit didn't include those parts either and they're very hard to find separately. Ended up spending about $45.00 for a complete unit which included the elevation stud.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

Was at the gun show today trying to peddle some guns that just weren't doing it for me. Sadly things were quiet ...

I pass on revolvers with scopes on, especially S&W. Usually because if it was for Handgun Hunting did the previous owner load extra hot rounds for it?

When I was Handgun Hunting I got a T/C Contender rig setup with a scope.

 

[series guy]

I have 5 N frames with scopes and around 12 K and N frames with red dots. None have ever seen anything other than light paper punching handloads you may be missing out.