M657 Holy Grail

[Roadranger]

Yesterday I got the word. A small gunshop some 40 miles away had a 4" SS S&W 41 Magnum.Could it be a 657 4". A quick call comfirmed that it was a Square Butt 657 with red ramp and white outline sights. The serial number was right for 1986/87. Over the hill and through the woods I went. I left the store with the 4" 657 in the presentation box, $575 lighter. A bargain I thought, as I had never seen one in the flesh, so to speak. The presentation case is the usual 8" X 12" hinged wooden box. It has black foam in the top and the bottom is a molded charcoal color plastic with insert for the revolver and a compartment for the tools(none inside). Is this correct for the period? The 657 has had an action job done on it, it is smooooth, particularly for a N-frame. The original grips had been replaced with a set of Hogue walnut smooth finger groove grips. My other 41's have a new friend. BTW, Ruger has released some flat top frame 41 magnum Blackhawks in 6.5". Bob!!

 

[Max-BB]

Congrats but you do realize a family photo is in order!

Merry Christmas!!

 

[Roadranger]

I'll try to do that over the holidays. Bob!

 

[Iggy]

You done good. Enjoy it.

 

[fyimo]

Congratulations on the purchase and and a great price to.

My nickel Model 57 no dash with 4 inch barrel

 

[m657]

welcome from it's country cousin:

 

[Roadranger]

I sort a collect 41 magnums. With the 4" 657, I have a 4" nickel 57 like Frimo's, a blue 4" 57 Mountain Gun, a 4" 657 Mountain Gun, a 6" blue 57, (2) 6" 657's, and an 8 3/8 nickel 57. Not to mention a 4 5/8 BlackHawk, a 7 1/2" Bisley and the new Flat top 6 1/2" Blackhawk. Looking for the elusive first issue Marlin carbine in 41. Bob

 

[RGS]

I sort a collect 41 magnums. With the 4" 657, I have a 4" nickel 57 like Frimo's, a blue 4" 57 Mountain Gun, a 4" 657 Mountain Gun, a 6" blue 57, (2) 6" 657's, and an 8 3/8 nickel 57. Not to mention a 4 5/8 BlackHawk, a 7 1/2" Bisley and the new Flat top 6 1/2" Blackhawk. Looking for the elusive first issue Marlin carbine in 41. Bob

As you save your sheckles for the Marlin carbine, you might consider the Freedom Arms .41 as well. I thought a few of my Smith and Wessons and Rugers were tight until I handled a FA.

 

[kennyb]

the 41 mag marlin was recently on GB...six hundread and something last i looked...i too love the 41 magnums

 

[Sportsterguy]

Congrats on a fine revolver and round. The .41 mag is my all time favorite. The old no dash blued 57 NOW has 38 deer to it's name. Bought it back in 77 as a graduation present to myself. Best revolver I've ever owned and it's seen many a mile and a deer knocker extrodinaire. Carry the 3" 657 for hiking, camping and occasional CC. The nickel 57 is pristine in the box. I still shoot some light LSWC's through it. Can't take em with ya so I shoot em all.

Need to see some pics of yours!

 

[RGS]

Marlin 1894S

GunsAmerica - MOD 1894S 41 MAGNIM - Marlin Rifles > Modern > Lever Action - Guns For Sale & Gun Auctions B"H

I have one of these. It is the most accurate of the .41 carbines I own. The price is inflated, but that's what happens when they quit making them. I like the straight stock better then the one on the FG.

 

[cflier]

Roadranger, apologies to you. You have a real nice collection of 41s there. I just went off on a rant on another thread on this section of the forum, so here goes again. The Holy Grail was one of a kind, single, all alone in the world. When you go looking for the Holy Grail you probably wouldn't expect to find it in the grail shop down the street or ten times a year on Grail Broker. To me a holy grail gun isn't some really cool gun you'd really like to have and probably will within the next year if you just want to pay the price. Somewhat scarce isn't a holy grail qualification. To me a Holy Grail gun is one that you know was made, but only one or a very few, not a run of 1000 over two years. It may be a gun with special provenance, like a dilinger gun or Registered Magnum # 1. Or it could be a gun so rare that no one in this day and age has ever seen one, like a 6 inch 1st Model 38 Safety Hammerless (my personal Holy Grail gun). I know, I'm being really picky with words, but a Holy Grail is something really special to every one with a broad interest in an area, not just myself. There, I've gotten it off my shoulders. The strain was killing me. I see the term Holy Grail gun misused at least 3 times a week, but I think I've taken care of it now. I know you will all see the light.
Merry Christmas everyone,
cflier

 

[Brian41]

Love those .41s but only one 657 in 8 3/8. 57's, Rugers and even a Taurus snub. I'd love to find a 657 like that and congrats.

 

[ISOM]

Older 657 found

Congratulations on finding the late 80's 657.
I have two of it's mates:
A 3 inch, that came back from Smith & Wesson a Square Butt.
A 4 inch Square Butt.
I shoot both guns every chance I get.
Remember, the .41 Magnum is a reloaders gun. Who can afford $60 a box for of 50?

 

[Three44s]

Nice catch on the 657!!!!!!!

******************

+1 on reloading the .41!

But it's really incumbent on any handgunner to reload!

(Just even more so with the .41)

Three 44s

 

[jcelect]

Case? ? ?

No one else has tackled your question about the case, so here goes! The case liners you described for a Mahogany Presentation case was used from 1979-1983. After that time period S&W sold presentation cases as an aftermarket item.

This is the type case, the one pictured is for a longer gun, that would be period correct for your gun. The liner is a piece of light blue foam rubber in the top and bottom.

This is what your liners should look like. The original liner covering deteriorates! This type of liners I recover with cloth.
jcelect

 

[fyimo]

Roadranger, apologies to you. You have a real nice collection of 41s there. I just went off on a rant on another thread on this section of the forum, so here goes again. The Holy Grail was one of a kind, single, all alone in the world. When you go looking for the Holy Grail you probably wouldn't expect to find it in the grail shop down the street or ten times a year on Grail Broker. To me a holy grail gun isn't some really cool gun you'd really like to have and probably will within the next year if you just want to pay the price. Somewhat scarce isn't a holy grail qualification. To me a Holy Grail gun is one that you know was made, but only one or a very few, not a run of 1000 over two years. It may be a gun with special provenance, like a dilinger gun or Registered Magnum # 1. Or it could be a gun so rare that no one in this day and age has ever seen one, like a 6 inch 1st Model 38 Safety Hammerless (my personal Holy Grail gun). I know, I'm being really picky with words, but a Holy Grail is something really special to every one with a broad interest in an area, not just myself. There, I've gotten it off my shoulders. The strain was killing me. I see the term Holy Grail gun misused at least 3 times a week, but I think I've taken care of it now. I know you will all see the light.
Merry Christmas everyone,
cflier

I belong to many gun forums and people talk all the time about holy grail guns with the meaning that it's the one they want and have been looking to find for a very long time. To them it is there holy grail when it comes to guns and I think it's fine if they use that term. Everyone is entitled to an opinion and that's mine.

"I know you will all see the light. " NOT

 

[Nygma]

Congrats on a tough one to find!

 

[Sportsterguy]

Roadranger, apologies to you. You have a real nice collection of 41s there. I just went off on a rant on another thread on this section of the forum, so here goes again. The Holy Grail was one of a kind, single, all alone in the world. When you go looking for the Holy Grail you probably wouldn't expect to find it in the grail shop down the street or ten times a year on Grail Broker. To me a holy grail gun isn't some really cool gun you'd really like to have and probably will within the next year if you just want to pay the price. Somewhat scarce isn't a holy grail qualification. To me a Holy Grail gun is one that you know was made, but only one or a very few, not a run of 1000 over two years. It may be a gun with special provenance, like a dilinger gun or Registered Magnum # 1. Or it could be a gun so rare that no one in this day and age has ever seen one, like a 6 inch 1st Model 38 Safety Hammerless (my personal Holy Grail gun). I know, I'm being really picky with words, but a Holy Grail is something really special to every one with a broad interest in an area, not just myself. There, I've gotten it off my shoulders. The strain was killing me. I see the term Holy Grail gun misused at least 3 times a week, but I think I've taken care of it now. I know you will all see the light.
Merry Christmas everyone,
cflier

Why post crap and rain on his day about a S&W that HE sought after as HIS Grail Gun?

Not everyone has the same tastes as your 6 inch 1st Model 38 Safety Hammerless is not on my Holy Grail list, but I would not slam you in public over it. Let the gentleman express his happiness.

If his post strains you that badly take a nice long walk to relax and keep the peace. This is a gun forum, not a religious one if seeing the light is what you are alluding to.

 

[Evil One]

I thought a grail gun was the one gun that Jesus taught the apostles to shoot with...
More than likely a M60LS with light .38 specials.

Congrats on the .41, I think you will be very pleased for a long time.


Jim