Model 58 questions

[vitaminboy]

Hello all, I am new to the forums and have a question about a Model 58 I am looking to purchase. It is in fair shape and has its original grips. Model 58 on the crane no dash but the serial number falls outside the few threads I have read on them. I have read that the S series goes up to S260623 the switches to the N prefix but this one is S2609xx. Can anyone help me out or am I just reading outdated information? Thanks for any comments.

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

As long as it looks correct, don't worry about the serial number. The SCSW usually reports the numbers that someone has seen. Since S&W won't release exact production numbers, numbers don't always fit into what is "known" at the moment.

 

[Chukar60]

I am not an expert on 58’s, but when it come to Smiths absolutes are few and far between dealing with ship dates and serial numbers. Exceptions are plentiful.
Someone with a lot more knowledge will be along shortly.
BTW, welcome to the forum

 

[ken158]

The S290 range serial number dates 67-68. I do see in the SCSW that the S260632 was noted but they could have had S serial number frames left over before the N started. The 58 was not a popular seller.

 

[Bubba2014]

These guns are fairly rare, and if in good condition bring top dollar prices. If in good condition and you can afford it, I'd buy it.

 

[biku324]

I'm a fan as well. If it's mechanically sound with decent blue you will likely pay $700-$800 in my neck of the woods (New Mexico). I'll never sell mine!

 

[vitaminboy]

That is the price range. Condition is good, bluing is fair, some chips in the grips some light potting above the cylinder but it looks as though most of the wear is from a holster. Very light ring and doesn't seem to have been fired much at all. Not sure if the pics loaded but if not I'll try later from the pc instead of this phone. Thanks for the advice so far.

 

[vitaminboy]

And these pics too.

 

[rubiranch]

Looks great!!

I can't wait to get mine and sling some lead thru it.

 

[SAFireman]

That is the price range. Condition is good, bluing is fair, some chips in the grips some light potting above the cylinder but it looks as though most of the wear is from a holster. Very light ring and doesn't seem to have been fired much at all. Not sure if the pics loaded but if not I'll try later from the pc instead of this phone. Thanks for the advice so far.

It looks good to me. Don't let the serial number be an issue, S&W didn't throw anything away, and the book is often missing info.

Buy it! Shoot it! Join the Unofficial 58 club!

 

[markeb]

You are going to love it. I looked for 2 or more years before I found one that was affordable to my gun fund. If you are looking for ammo, LAX Ammo has great prices on their new manufactured 41 magnum. Also, Target Sports USA has Remington HTP for $28 for a box of 50. If you buy ammo in bulk, it's free shipping and they will let you add single boxes to the order. Good luck and enjoy.

 

[vitaminboy]

Thank you. It is a little more than I would like, but this one did speak to me. The last time a revolver spoke to me through the glass it went home with me. It turned out to be a 686 CS-1 2M. I have nothing in .41 but I'm thinking this will be the one.

 

[gwpercle]

If it's priced right for it's condition....jump on it.
My "S" series model 58 is my favorite.
If you reload , it can be very versatile and with cast bullets even more so .
They seem to be inherently accurate.
They also shoot to the sights . Elmer Keith wrote about how the police loads and magnum loads hit very closely to the same point...which he liked and thought an interesting phenomina .
The model 58 in my avatar is the S series... I Love It !
Gary

 

[charlie sherrill]

I found a set of diamond magna grips that will go with a model 58 I have in a pawn shop yesterday for $20.00 OTD. He had sold the gun they went on because the buyer liked some franzites he had. The shop owner didn't remember what the gun was. I put them on my 58 last night. NFS.

 

[markeb]

Pics please.

 

[murphydog]

Cool gun, appears to have the original rounded bottom (“plainclothes Magna”) stocks.

If you look on the Forum under General Topics, you’ll see a section to suggest edits to the SCSW; feel free to let the authors know about this serial number as the latest S prefix model 58. Enjoy!

 

[Dieseltech56]

My S prefix 58 was a late shipper too. It dated to 1969, well after the N’s came out

 

[SAFireman]

Thank you. It is a little more than I would like, but this one did speak to me. The last time a revolver spoke to me through the glass it went home with me. It turned out to be a 686 CS-1 2M. I have nothing in .41 but I'm thinking this will be the one.

Well, there you have it - You have great taste in S&W's. A CS-1 and a model 58, what a dandy way to begin an addiction

 

[Joe Kent]

Well said SAFireman, well said!

 

[biku324]

I found a set of diamond magna grips that will go with a model 58 I have in a pawn shop yesterday for $20.00 OTD. He had sold the gun they went on because the buyer liked some franzites he had. The shop owner didn't remember what the gun was. I put them on my 58 last night. NFS.

You stole those grips!

 

[SAFireman]

I found a set of diamond magna grips that will go with a model 58 I have in a pawn shop yesterday for $20.00 OTD. He had sold the gun they went on because the buyer liked some franzites he had. The shop owner didn't remember what the gun was. I put them on my 58 last night. NFS.

You stole those grips!

Yes, he stole them!

The diamond magna PC stocks in good shape have been bringing $150+

But, ole Charlie has had some positive karma waiting to reveal itself for all of his good deeds for the law abiding public

 

[Art Doc]

I found a set of diamond magna grips that will go with a model 58 I have in a pawn shop yesterday for $20.00 OTD. He had sold the gun they went on because the buyer liked some franzites he had. The shop owner didn't remember what the gun was. I put them on my 58 last night. NFS.

Wish I had found them...

 

[Muley Gil]

"the buyer liked some franzites he had."

OMG!!!!!

I think I just threw up a little bit in my mouth!

BTW, in 1976, I bought a used M27-2 to use as a base for a .44 Special conversion. It came with a 3 1/2" barrel and plastic Franzite "Coke" grips. Those promptly came off, replaced with smooth targets.

 

[vitaminboy]

I found a set of diamond magna grips that will go with a model 58 I have in a pawn shop yesterday for $20.00 OTD. He had sold the gun they went on because the buyer liked some franzites he had. The shop owner didn't remember what the gun was. I put them on my 58 last night. NFS.

It sounds like you got a deal. Having just the place to put them is gravy.

 

[charlie sherrill]

This is a long shot because the original gun these grips went to are probably wearing franzites and I'm guessing the owner is not a member here. The grips I found are numbered. The first three are 148. I will have to pull the grips to get the last three because I don't remember what they are. Here's the deal. If your gun begins with serial number 148 and you don't have the original grips on them, I'll pull the grips and see if they match. If they do and you want the originals you can trade me a similar correct pair or a set of stags for them. I remember one of our esteemed members (Many) finding the original box, for a small price, for one of his registered magnums on this forum, so who knows. I'm leaving for a gun show in a few so tonight I will probably put this deal in the classified accessories section with the complete number.

 

[bob42]

I have S29621X shipped in May 1968

 

[M29since14]

...I have read that the S series goes up to S260623 the switches to the N prefix but this one is S2609xx. Can anyone help me out or am I just reading outdated information? Thanks for any comments.

I just happened to see this. My old Model 58 is S3312xx. It’s so far off from the s/n stated above that I got the gun out to check. My notes were correct. Mean old gun. Not much fun to shoot, it is.

That s/n from SCSW is obviously not even remotely close to the end of S-s/n production of 58s. It’s just an observation.

 

[vitaminboy]

I just happened to see this. My old Model 58 is S3312xx. It’s so far off from the s/n stated above that I got the gun out to check. My notes were correct. Mean old gun. Not much fun to shoot, it is.

That s/n from SCSW is obviously not even remotely close to the end of S-s/n production of 58s. It’s just an observation.

I am figuring that out. Thought it was outdated information rather than me finding an anomaly. Thanks for the information.

 

[SuperMan]

Well congratulations on becoming a Cult of the .41 member and a 58 owner at the same time....

The 'unofficial' 58 Club

1964-2014...The .41 Magnum

.41 Magnum / 41 Special Load Data Center


Not sure if you reload or not, but 8.0 grains of Unique under most any lead or jacketed bullet will duplicate the original 210 LSWC POLICE loading at 950 fps...very accurate and easy on the hands...

If you don't reload look for some of the target grade loading. HSM, Reed's Ammo and several others have reasonably priced target ammo... Cabela's often has a wide selection....

Once you shoot a .41 you will wonder why you had waited so long...

Bob

 

[Doug M.]

My M58 was bought new in '79, IIRC, and its S/N is S327XXX. They were not big sellers and I have no idea how long that revolver sat at the factory and then the dealers.