Model 57 Found

[dmar]

LGS has a very nice 6" model 57. It's blue, no box, or docs. For condition, it is in great shape, does not look it has been fired much, at all... The bluing is beautiful, with just a few very faint (really have to look hard to see them) marks on a couple of areas. The target grips look/feel like new. Light turn line, no flame cutting, and the recoil plate has only very minor wear. So, maybe 95%...? I'm not good at the % rating thing...

Price is $750, which seemed high to me, especially without the box. If it was $650, it probably would have went to the car with me... Also, I don't have a .41 mag, and I'm not sure if I want to get into another caliber/reload...

What do you guys think of the price? I know a lot of folks really like their .41 mags, but I'm a little stuck on this one...

 

[Jim Kuykendall]

What series is it? -1, -2? At $650 I'd say that was the upper limit unless there was something unique. What's the SN, is it an S or N? How about a picture?

 

[RdrBill]

Sir.
If you only have 1 other S&W, that is a good gun to get, price is at upper limit.
If you already have a couple dozen S&W's, that is a good gun to get, and the price should be dickered a little. There are others out there.
No matter what you shoot a .41 Mag. at, the results are about the same as any other big bore handgun. It goes thru paper, it makes a steel gong ring, it will bloody up flesh. Like most other handguns, the ability of the shooter determines the maximum capabilities of the gun. If you have a .44 or .45, you are not gaining any capabilities, just inventory.
Bill@Yuma

 

[M29since14]

I agree with you on the price. If an S-numbered gun, I would probably pay the $750 if the gun was a bit better than 95% (like 98%). If an N-numbered gun, then $650 would be about max around here, and probably not that if it is a true 95% gun.

As to the .41, sure, you should have one. All kinds of wild claims have been made about how much better the .41 is than the .44. You can draw your own conclusions there. But the facts are that the combination of the caliber and the N-frame size gun is excellent. Lots of power, a little more manageable than a Model 29, and, in my opinion, just as accurate, if not more so.

You're giving up a small amount in impact area and maybe 10% in bullet weight versus the .44. If those are considered drawbacks, I'd say they don't amount to too much. As to the smaller selection of ammunition, that is certainly a factor, but not a deal-breaker unless you do not handload.

 

[dmar]

Thanks for the feedback, confirms my thoughts about the price... It is an N series gun, so I thought it was a bit high. I may have been too critical on the condition rating, it may be closer to a 98% gun, but still not a great deal...

I really like the comment about the gun just adding to the inventory, if I already have .44 and/or .45 N Frames (which I do...). I've already got too much inventory!

I guess I should just be patient, and wait for the right deal...

 

[kennyb]

see if the dealer will come down on the price...the M57 is a fine weapon!

 

[jonbondave]

I havea 57-1 and i love it. I'll never regret the decision to take it in trade though initially i had my doubts. same doubts as you about .41 as a caliber. It's a joy to shoot, and i can take it in the woods with me, it's not overpowered for 2 legged threats, and not underpowered for most 4 legged threats. the recoil is the nicest out of the magnums IMO. Little more push than .357, not as harsh a snap or as much torque as a .44. I actually like the recoil characteristics more than .357 magnum, seems i'm back on target faster with .41... but that could just be me.

 

[mkk41]

Hope ya reload!

As ya can probably tell from my screen name , I'm nutz for my .41s.

For years , nobody wanted .41s , and they were sold almost at discount prices.

A few old timer told me that a lot of people bought .41 mags when they wanted but couldn't get .44s. Heard it had less recoil. But the problem with .41s was , they could rarely find ammo. Especially cheap. So , most .41 got fired very little.

Still good for us because there's quite a few vintage Mod.57s out there at good prices , though they have been going up in recent years.

S&W might be making a revolver called the Mod.57 Classic , but they just don't make 'em like they used too. Offer $700 if ya can afford it. Find a set of grips ya like and you will absolutely love that wheelgun. And if ya don't reload , start. .41s can be expensive too feed if ya don't. And ammo can still be hard to find locally. Work up a good 215gr cast SWC load the gun likes (they ain't picky) and have a blast!

My 6in 57!