Mdl 657 Classic Hunter II

[Top Sergeant]

Source: Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Edition. There are 4 product codes listed with vering degree of information. Product code 170062 is a performance center item. The catalog says 500 were made for RSR and I have seen web sites refer to this as the light magnum. It also indicates a 6 inch barrel that is mag n ported. Product code 103948 shows a weapon made in 1998-1999 and on this site and others I have read that this was the weapon 500 were made. They were shipped with wood finger groved grips and a 6.5 inch comped barrel. The 3rd product number is 103959 and the forth product 103820 which I assume is the uncomped series 1 and 2 iteration of the classic hunter that 2000 were made. So bottom line up front the question is which product had the 500 manufactured the PC 170062 or the 103948. the reason for the inquiry is mine is described as follows on the label and the revolver: 657-4, stainless, .41 magnum, 6.5 power pointed barrel, Product 103948, SN: CDE6XXX, Special Order 9057.

 

[colt_saa]

Gotta Love the 657s

Here is product code 170062. 500 were produced. The barrel is roll marked Magnum Hunter. I have not seen a revolver roll marked Light Magnum, but this same configuration is also known as the Lite Hunter in other calibers. As you have noted this was an RSR Distributor Exclusive offering.

Here is product code 103948. The is the 657 Classic Hunter II. 500 were produced, all on round butt frames. The grips are Altamonte.

Here is product code 103820. This was known as the Classic Hunter. 2000 of this variation were made over several years. These were made on both the square butt frame (1st pic) and the round butt frame (2nd pic). It is unknown where the split occurred both examples bear the same product code.

I do not own an example of 103959. Based on my notes and the SCSW It does appear to be an additional run similar to 103820. Probably for a different distributor.

Your revolver was manufactured on Friday, February 26th 1999.

 

[Top Sergeant]

Thank you Colt SAA for the timely reply and information concerning production date of my revolver.

 

[ko41]

Here are the box labels and the revolvers in their stock configurations.
This is the first edition of the Classic Hunter. It is a 657-2 and has the S.N. prefix HTR

The Product Profile ad slick calls this RSR exclusive the Model 657 .41 Magnum Hunter.
There is no "Light" or "Lite" in the model name.

I would very much like to find a Classic Hunter II product code 103948.

KO

 

[SuperMan]

For those of you who own or have shot the 657-3 Mag-Na-Ported guns, with a scope on the barrel, is there a "blast" problem with the front lens of the scope. I have passed up a few of these because I was not sure if scoping the gun was practical.

Bob

 

[J.Solo]

Thanks for this great information.

I have a 6.5", 657-3, Round Butt, Classic Hunter with Product Code 103820 and a Serial Number beginning with CAH. Gun has Hogue Rubber grips as pictured.

Any idea what this gun is worth at 98-99% with Box & paper work?

Thanks - J.Solo

P.S. I'm still looking for a reasonably priced Right Hand Shoulder Holster for this gun.

 

[625smith]

Classic Hunter II product code 103948

Thanks for the great information I had no idea that there was only 500 of these made.

 

[oldtimer]

657-2 hunter?

Very accurate rev. on my reloads I have some lead on out side on cyl. my loads are 215 hard lead with 6grs. of WN231 or 6grs. of Unique. Lead is very hard to clean off, it also the same results with my 57 4in.rev.. What am I doing wrong? thanks oldtimer

 

[ko41]

Well that didn't take long...I've got a Classic Hunter II, product code 103948, coming my way

KO

 

[gpgofast]

I've also got a "103948". Bought new for myself for a Christmas present 12/24/1999. I paid a high price for it cause I really love .41's. I was in the gun store buying my dad a Benchmade knife for Christmas and saw the .41. I paid $565.00 from one of the worst gun stores in Reno. Goes well with my 57-2 4" Blue and my Marlin 1894S. I didn't have a clue they made so few. I'm glad I got one.