Model 57 Advice Needed

[Sportsterguy]

Folks,
Need some advice on my 77 vintage 6" 57. I carried this baby for 6 years in Kodiak and Sitka Alaska for deer and last ditch bear protection when my .338 Win Mag wasn't in my hands. Loaded it with hard cast bullets I bought from JD Jones for the bear and they would take a blacktail down from ANY angle. It has 37 confirmed kills on deer in it's life and haven't lost a one. Kept all my shots under 50 yds. and my eyes were much better then

It is in need of a facelift (please don't cuss me out). I want to add a 3" or 4" barrel to it as I can pack it much easier. Can anyone or does anyone out there have a 3" or 4" barrel they can part with? I dont want to chop the existing barrel if I don't have to. Will a -1, 2,3 ect readily screw on to the existing frame?

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Respectfully,

Roger

 

[Sportsterguy]

Folks,
Need some advice on my 77 vintage 6" 57. I carried this baby for 6 years in Kodiak and Sitka Alaska for deer and last ditch bear protection when my .338 Win Mag wasn't in my hands. Loaded it with hard cast bullets I bought from JD Jones for the bear and they would take a blacktail down from ANY angle. It has 37 confirmed kills on deer in it's life and haven't lost a one. Kept all my shots under 50 yds. and my eyes were much better then

It is in need of a facelift (please don't cuss me out). I want to add a 3" or 4" barrel to it as I can pack it much easier. Can anyone or does anyone out there have a 3" or 4" barrel they can part with? I dont want to chop the existing barrel if I don't have to. Will a -1, 2,3 ect readily screw on to the existing frame?

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Respectfully,

Roger

 

[M29since14]

A newer barrel will work on your gun. When fitting it, a slot can be machined or filed for the pin.

There is nothing wrong with making your gun do what you want it to do. Years ago, everyone I knew did it. We sent guns back to the factory, had them tuned and adjusted, refinished, rebarrelled, you name it. The internet has not changed any of the wisdom of that, IMHO.

 

[n4zov]

Why not just send it to S&W and have them put in a 4" barrel - assuming they have some? At the same time, they can check everything out and take care of any potential problems.

 

[Sportsterguy]

Men, Thank you both. I've already sent an e-mail to S&W asking for a 3 or 4" barrel. Awaiting word back as I just sent it today.
Really want a blued 4" to match my nickel 57.
This was my 50th B-Day present from the wife. She's a Sweetheart!

Roger

No Dash 57

 

[M29since14]

This was my 50th B-Day present from the wife. She's a Sweetheart!

Indeed!

Good luck getting your Model 57 switched around as you want it.

 

[Sportsterguy]

Any other opinions out there? After alot of consideration I'm going to have the barrel (when I find one) cut to 3.5"'s. It'll be my 27/57. I'm going to have it reblued. Who does better work, Ford or S&W? I want the best so opinions will be appreciated.

Thanks gents,

Roger

 

[SuperMan]

I don't think S&W will "cut" a barrel but you may want to ask if they have any 4" Mountain Gun barrels left. The balance of the MG is the best I have ever shot as far as S&Ws go...

Two years ago I found a rusted 1964 6" blue 57...it is at JoJo Gunsmithing in Southington. Ct. He says he can cut the barrel back to 5" and match the looks of the factory crown. The rest of the gun will be bead blasted and matte blued... Because the front sight base on the 64 to I think 67 guns were not machined as part of the barrel it will have the original sight. I believe it is Wieglan makes a S&W front sight base that has interchangeable blades like the S&W PC have...

Bob

 

[sureshotbob]

I live a few mile's from JOJO'S he has done a hand polish reblue on a Bolester Molina for me and did a very nice job for me at a resonable cost $200.00 I'M VERY HAPPY WITH HIS WORK.He also did a bead blast reblue on a buddy's model 28 and it came out very good also. I've seen some of his custom job's on S&W's and Colt 1911's his work is top shelf.

 

[Wyatt Earp]

Originally posted by Sportsterguy:

Man, there is just something COOL about nickel N frames.

 

[BillCa]

Sportster,

I don't know that Fords does custom work like that. You can always ask, but typically you'd see some sort of gunsmithing services also offered. I don't see that.

But if you have someone cut the barrel to 3-1/2 and want a very slick bluing job, Ford's is one of the best out there. Remember, we'd all love to see photos when the project is finished!

 

[SuperMan]

...any word yet Sporster?

Bob

 

[buckeyeshooter]

with the 57's and 58's in production now, my guess is a 4 inch barrel will be available.

 

[Sportsterguy]

Superman,

Thanks to you fine gents and especially Tom Turners advice.
Couldn't find a barrel anywhere including S&W. I'm going to have Accurate Weaponry & Plating do my work which is:

Cut barrel to 3.5 inches
Install Hi Viz front sight
Refinish with brushed hard chrome
Stag grips
Tyler grip adapter

I've used Bob before on a BHP and a model 66 and he's a great guy and gunsmith.

Thanks everyone. Expect pics in 2-3 months.

 

[SuperMan]

Accurate is first rate... Three of my 1911s have had the HC plating done there and it has held up to years of carrying and shooting perfectly..

Bob

 

[Sportsterguy]

SuperMan, I agree AW&P is first rate plus! Bob's a no bull s--- man and will not lead you towards extras you don't need. Looking forward to my 3.5" 27/57. I had a 14" 30-30 Thompson Contender with a 2x Leupold hard chromed when I was in Kodiak, Alaska back in 85 and sold it to a bud (big mistake) and the finish is still fantastic.

 

[fyimo]

Originally posted by Wyatt Earp:

Originally posted by Sportsterguy:

Man, there is just something COOL about nickel N frames.

Sportster, I' glad you got it all worked out and I can't wait to see pictures and I'm sure hard chrome will be way cool.

I never thought I'd like Nickel guns but N frames in Nickel are just bad ass.

Nickel 27-2

Nickel 29-2

Nickel 57

 

[Sportsterguy]

fyimo, I agree 100%. Beautiful revolvers you have there! The older I have become the more I like the nickel Smiths. Have a 36 that was my Dad's that still shoots great, but the nickel had taken a beating. Still a beautiful revolver to these eyes and feel better that my wife has it if needed.

I now carry a H&K P7 thats small enough for year round carry. The Best semi auto I've ever owned. Also just bought an Alessi bodyguard and NEW 19-4 for motorcycle riding. Now I'm rambling but I have to post the photos. Pics aren't mine except for the P7, but are of the actual holster and 19.

Thanks all,

Roger

Beautiful nickels gents!!

Alessi BG

19-4 Unfired! But not for long. No Safe Queens for this guy.

P7 PSP and TT Gunleather IWB Great CC Combo!

 

[Marc1911]

Not the best photo and it had the hard chrome finish when I got it, I am told that the hard chrome job on this model 28 was done by Fords.

Marc

 

[fyimo]

I am just now starting to carry a j frame pre 36 but my old stand bye carry gun is a Sig P6 customized by Customized Creationz in Michigan. Todd does amazing work coating and he does plating.