Model 57 Configuration Issue

[41 Roadmaster]

My wife bought me a Model 57 close to 40 years ago for Christmas. I have been cleaning and polishing the guns lately and have just now noticed that the 57 is a no dash gun with a recessed cylinder. However it does not have a pinned barrel. It was bought new so it's been with me it's entire life.

Does anyone know what would have happened. It doesn't matter I am just wondering what might have happened for this configuration to leave the factory.
Thanks

 

[SuperMan]

Transition model probably made around 1982...apparently S&W ran out of pinned frames before they ran out of recessed cylinders... Have seen quite a few of them over the years...

It was about this time the serial numbering changed from "N" to a three letter prefix...

Bob

 

[Ruger 13]

Leftover recessed cylinder.

 

[SuperMan]

Thinking about it I had a 4" nickel that was the same way...

Not sure but I believe once the serial number prefix was changed to the three letter is when the guns were then stamped -1.

 

[Doc44]

During the transition to the 57-1 configuration, you will find some Model 57s with a pinned barrel and a non-recessed cylinder or a recessed cylinder and non-pinned barrel. S&W was simply using up old parts at random. These configurations are also seen on Model 29s and 629s.

Your serial number could be in the N900000 range (a guess on my part).

Bill

 

[BigBill]

What’s more accurate pinned barrels or threaded barrels? Are the pinned barrels threaded too?

I know years ago with the sks rifles the pinned barrels were more accurate. I figure it’s the barrel flange not being squared completely with the bore and threads

 

[rubiranch]

I had a transitional 8 3/8" nickel 27-2 from 1982 that has a recessed cylinder and no pinned barrel.

 

[k22fan]

It is my understanding that in 57s dash 1 alerts the service department to the need for a different, shorter, cylinder. If I'm correct a 57 with a recessed cylinder but no barrel pin is a no-dash and a 57 with a barrel pin but non-recessed cylinder is a dash 1.

What’s more accurate pinned barrels or threaded barrels? Are the pinned barrels threaded too?

I know years ago with the sks rifles the pinned barrels were more accurate. I figure it’s the barrel flange not being squared completely with the bore and threads

S&W pinned revolver barrels were threaded and torqued in exactly the same as later one piece barrels that are not pinned. The groove cut across the barrel threads for the pins to pass through was cut generously enough for random barrels to be indexed to random frames and still have the pins pass freely through. In many revolvers the pin did not touch the barrel. In all of them the pin could only stop gross rotation of a loose barrel. The barrel pin was a non-functional sales gimmick.

The bargains in S&W Magnums usually fall into the production period between discontinuing recessing cylinders and pinning barrels and the time when improvements like the N frame endurance package were introduced. Back in normal political times good deals could be found on revolvers like the 19-5, 19-6, 29-3 and 629-1. There was never any reason to expect a 29-3 to not shoot just as well as Elmer Keith's 29s.

 

[ellison7m]

My wife bought me a Model 57 close to 40 years ago for Christmas. I have been cleaning and polishing the guns lately and have just now noticed that the 57 is a no dash gun with a recessed cylinder. However it does not have a pinned barrel. It was bought new so it's been with me it's entire life.

Does anyone know what would have happened. It doesn't matter I am just wondering what might have happened for this configuration to leave the factory.
Thanks

i have a model 57 no dash that has pinned barrel and non recessed cylinder, just the opposite of yours.

 

[Hawg Rider]

My Model 57 (ca. 1980) is a P&R, so early 80s seems about right to see the transitional models with some unusual configurations.