model 58 or 57?

[Iggy]

You might be surprised in what you find in your Dad's reloading stuff. Like a manual and notes on the loads he made.

It should be fun, going back through his stuff and making the connection again.

You can also get a bunch information by Googling up Reloading Data .41 magnum

 

[Sportsterguy]

The rod in the center of the cylinder is the ejector. With the cylinder open, push it in and it will eject all of the cases at once.

I have a 58 that I carried for years as a LEO. It shows a lot of holster wear and ain't purty no more, but I wouldn't change a thing.

I wouldn't have it refinished as the gun and I earned our dents and scars and wear them proudly.

Clean the gun well and see how it cleans up. You may be surprised at the results. If they don't satisfy you, then you could have it re-blued by S&W and cause the least decrease in value.

.41 mag is a pleasant and versatile gun if you reload.

You can load it down to a pleasant plinking level or take it up to barn burning capabilities. It sounds like you have all equipment and supplies needed to do so.

I suspect by learning to reload, you would be exploring a path that your Dad enjoyed in keeping that old Smith running.

Give it a try.

I was in a couple of gun squabbles inside a building and outside. I didn't hear the guns at the time, but now I listen to the cicada's singing 24 hours a day.

Do not shoot any gun without hearing protection if you can prevent it.

Iggy,

Thanks for your service. Glad you made it out in one piece. See you let your hair down after your LEO career. Did the same and grew a pony tail after 24 years in the Coast Guard.

That battle scarred 58 looks great to these eyes! Love the grips also. You were very fortunate your dept. let you carry or issued you a .41 mag.
I HAD a 58 that I sold for 225.00 (DUMB MOVE) and still have my first S&W a 6" 57 no dash bought in 76 and a 3" 657.

If I was given any caliber revolver for a gunfight it would be my 6" 57 loaded with Speer Gold Dot 210 gr. HP's. It shoots great for it's age and I've personally taken 37 deer with it over the years. Know from the results a .41 mag will do on a 265 lb. deer that it will do it's job on a human if I had to use it. Carry the 657 on a regular basis in the winter and feel very well armed. Next S&W will be a shooter 58.

SG

 

[SuperMan]

Chris,

Nice gun for one of your first S&Ws...especially since it was from your dad.

As to loads...try Georgia Arms. They have a 210 grain hard cast load going 950 fps that you find very pleasant to shoot in the M58. You can duplicate it with 7.0 grains of Winchester 231 or 8.0 grains of Unique. The big problem at the moment being finding powder or primers.

Another good loading book is the Lyman. Takes you through reloading step by step.

If you decide to put a T-grip on your gun send me a PM. I have a few N-frames left in Matte..it will take you a long long time if you order from Tylers...

Bob

 

[orionengnr]

The .41 is a great round, and the M-57/58 is a great revolver.
I only have two M-57s at the moment, but look forward to rectifying that soon...there is a 657 for sale locally that I want to go look at tomorrow.

The .41 may be the ultimate reloader's cartridge. Since you already have reloading gear, you are in luck.

A 210 gr projectile wih 7 gr of 231 is a pleasure to shoot.
The same projectile with 18 gr of 296 is enjoyable too, in an entirely different way...if you know what I mean.

Enjoy that 58, and know that your dad is watching and smiling every time you press that trigger....so do it often.