Model 57 / 657 oppinions

[petemacmahon]

I'm looking to fill a gap in my hunting lineup and so I'm looking for a 6 or 5 inch S&W .41 magnum. I would really love to find a 5 inch, but did they ever make any 57s in that length? This will be a hunting / field gun first so that takes 3 inch and shorter out of the picture. Also, I just don't care for S&W's with anything longer than 6 inch barrels so that takes the 8 inchers out too.

I'm looking for .41 mag and/or model 57 looneys (hey, I'm a looney too!) to respond. Folks you have owned and shot them for years. Which is the best model or sub-model of 57 or 657 to own? Is it worth paying a premium for the older ones with the rim recess in the chamber?

Experienced 57 shooters and collectors please reply.

Thanks.

 

[JCS&W]

petemachmahon, according to the SCofS&W, the M57s only came with the 4", 6", and 8 3/8" barrels. Personally, I like the 4" M57. I find the .41 to be very similar in recoil to the .44 but that is just me. I have never owned a M657. In my opinion, I would try and find a M57 that is pinned and recessed, but I like the older models and I would pay more for one of the older models. The M57-1 is the first model not pinned and recessed and they may be a better buy. Recently, I have noticed that M57s, with the 4" barrel have become rather scarce, not rare, but scarce, especially in nickel. Just my opinion based on what I see. I am sure others will respond.

 

[WickedSharp]

I recently got ahold of a pretty nice blue 6" model 57. I understand it was built in 1980 or so but still has the pinned barrel and the recessed cylinders. I've only shot about 30 handloads through it but it was just plain awesome. "Wicked Pissah", as we say up here. I don't see how you could go wrong if you can find an older one in nice mechanical condition. They make a 4" 57 too....

 

[DR505]

I recently acquired a 6½" barreled 657-2 Classic Hunter (top revolver). It is a good hunting length for me. I prefer a chest rig when out in the field hunting, and the 6½ barrel fits well. This specimen shoots really well, and I'm working up both 210 and 250 grain hunting loads for it. Good luck in your quest.

 

[jubela#4]

Here are a couple of 4 inch model 57's. They are great shooting guns and are accurate to any range I would be willing to shoot at a game animal.
I handload my own ammo and use a 220 grain SWC and 7.5 grains of Unique. One word of advice I would give is to think about ammo availability and cost if you don't load your own. Outside of that the .41 is a great round and one I thoroughly enjoy shooting.

 

[petemacmahon]

jubela#4,

I shoot and hunt with 44 specials so I am no stranger to hand loading for performance. I would suspect the 41 is much the same proposition if you want to find the best load for the application.

 

[kennyb]

i too am a huge fan of the 41 mag.i have both 57 and 657 in barrel lengths to include 3",4",6",and 7.5"they all shoot very well with about 20% less recoil than 44mag.i would also advise to reload....you get what u want,when u want it...and at a tremendous savings

 

[colt_saa]

I'm looking for .41 mag and/or model 57 looneys (hey, I'm a looney too!)

Thanks.

We are 41 Magnum Enthusiasts

I have been shooting 41 Magnums since the early eighties. I have been hand loading the cartridge for the same time frame. I do enjoy the cartridge and own several examples of the 57/357/657 family of Smith and Wesson revolvers. I also own a few non Smith and Wesson 41 Magnums.

There were only a couple of 5" Smith and Wessons produced. These were all tool room, hand made revolvers, not production or prototype firearm. If you were to find one, the price would be exorbitant.

Your choices for factory standard 41 Magnums would be the 4" or 6" variations. However, if you REALLY want a 5" you could go out and buy one of the 8 3/8" revolvers. They do not sell well where I live. I just picked up a super clean example with almost no turn line for $475. It was sitting in my LGS used case with a asking price of $700. I already had a 8 3/8" so I was not too interested, but it was just so clean. I offered them the $475 every time I walked into the shop (about weekly). After close to 3 months they took it.

I plan on make a 2 3/8" round butt out of it to match my model 25 Belhert snubby. You could have a 5" made out of one of the 8 3/8"s for yourself.

I personally would never pay a premium for a revolver just because it was recessed. Others are willing to spend more for the nostalgia.

I have some of my 41 Magnums photographed so I will toss a few pictures in here for you.

Good luck on your quest and welcome to the club.

 

[silentflyer]

A couple of weeks ago a LGS in Veronia Va. had a 6" nickle, PM me if you are interested, I have a phone# for them

 

[jaymoore]

I usually hunt with a 657 Classic Hunter, but as for what's the "best" .41 Mag? Can't say I've had a bad one yet, with the exception of the timing in the "pretty" Model 58. It is much worse than the nasty looking 58. So one stays at home and the other has fun...

 

[skipper49]

Only had the 6", 57. Must handload, and the recoil difference between it and the 29 is very noticeable to me. You're not giving up much, if anything either, .410 vs .429. I love 'um.

Skip

 

[nipster]

I have owned 57's and 657's. Both 8 3/8" barrels. I liked shooting it a lot. Much more shootable than a 44 magnum.

But...

Unless you reload, forget about it. $40-$60 for a box of ammo isnt my thing. So I have sold both my 41 magnums

 

[M29since14]

...Is it worth paying a premium for the older ones with the rim recess in the chamber?

That's the $64-question. For a hunting gun, I think not. I don't have one but Drew claims his 29-3 is a good solid gun. I see no reason why a 57-1 wouldn't be the same. Not "glamorous," like the earlier guns, but for a gun that actually gets used, so what? "Does it shoot?" is what matters in field shooting.

As to barrel length, I am a firm believer that it is worth the very slight inconvenience to carry a 6-inch gun in the field, mainly because I have always shot my best with 6-inch barrels in the S&W magnums. You seem to rule out the 8-inch, which really makes the most sense in the magnums, for hunting, so I would say go with a 6-inch and suit yourself as to whether you buy older or newer, but I would stay with the standard pattern gun rather than the newer, trendy designs. You cannot go wrong with a plain-Jane 6-inch Model 57 - maybe the best magnum S&W ever made. JMHO.