Model 657 6" inbound......

[doubletapp357]

I am finally healthy enough to go shooting again....... And with that being said I am picking up a Model 657 6 inch no box in very good shape for a decent price.....
I believe it has the Pachmayer Grips which I am not a fan of but we will see......

How is the Model 657 Compared to a Model 57?
I am looking forward to shoot her ALOT!
I am looking for a "watered down load"

pictures to follow!

 

[stansdds]

I would say that other than being stainless steel, a Model 657 would be exactly the same as a Model 57. The nice thing about the N-frame 41 Magnums is that the 41 Magnum produces about 15% less energy than the 44 Magnum, so long term durability was much better with the 41 Magnums. The bad thing about the 41 Magnum is that it is an underrated, underappreciated cartridge. That makes ammo selection limited, often hard to find, and expensive. For the reloader, those are non-issues, but if you don't reload, well, it can be a problem.

 

[Roofuss]

Congrats on the 657 purchase. I reload for my S/W 57 { 8 3/8 bbl.} 41 mag and love the caliber.
The 657 is somewhat of a hard to find model and can be a bit pricey. I have been looking for one myself, but in no hurry for the right gun.
Pictures ????

 

[Bald1]

Cabelas near me always has 41 mag ammo in stock.. including HSM Cowboy loads. Which I believe are pretty light.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Glad to hear that you're feeling better and that you're back in action! Congratulations on acquiring your Model 657. You didn't mention the s/n or dash no. in your Post, so we we don't know its date of manufacture. The 657 was introduced in 1986 with GA target stocks, but Hogue grips kind of became the norm in 1994 with the 657-3. My only 41 Magnum revolvers have been vintage 4" bbl. Model 57s, but I imagine that the SS revolvers are every bit as smooth and that the 6" bbl. is even more accurate. The Cowboy Action loads (210 gr) are definitely a little softer shooting than standard .41 Magnum rounds, but expect to pay $1+ per round for whatever you shoot. Just FYI, the first handgun I ever purchased (I was about 21) was a brand spankin' new blued 4" S&W Model 57 back in 1978. This minty 4" nickel is ca. 1981. Enjoy!

 

[doubletapp357]

 

[doubletapp357]

sorry for the crummy pictures but this is all that I have for now

 

[doubletapp357]

its a 657 ND with a AJZ279x serial number so I dont know exactly what that dates the pistol too

 

[minconrevo]

Does it have "Mod 657" on the frame inside the crane?

After a couple decade hiatus, I have access to a S&W .41 Mag to enjoy again. I am reminded that working up the correct, accurate load can be tedious but rewarding. Shooting today's .41 hard cast polymer coated bullets is inexpensive, as well as making cleaning a breeze. The caliber can be loaded up with some serious jacketed bullets and a fair amount of powder, if something suitable for big critters is needed.

 

[doubletapp357]

Yes

 

[Hawg Rider]

Although the SCSW 5th Ed. doesn't specifically mention your "AJZ" triple-alpha prefix s/n, it looks like your revolver would fall into the first year release of the Model 657...1986. The Product Code is 103953, and it would have shipped wearing Goncalo Alves checkered target stocks with S&W medallions. If you like, you can probably find a nice set of original stocks either here on the Forum or on eBay for a reasonable price. Your Model 657 should be a fun and dependable shooter. Enjoy!

 

[.455_Hunter]

I had one for awhile, but it seems to be on the loose end of the tolerance stack-up for cylinder and crane play. I sold it downriver to pay for a perfect Model 58, which I am very happy with.

 

[doubletapp357]

Although the SCSW 5th Ed. doesn't specifically mention your "AJZ" triple-alpha prefix s/n, it looks like your revolver would fall into the first year release of the Model 657...1986. The Product Code is 103953, and it would have shipped wearing Goncalo Alves checkered target stocks with S&W medallions. If you like, you can probably find a nice set of original stocks either here on the Forum or on eBay for a reasonable price. Your Model 657 should be a fun and dependable shooter. Enjoy!

So if the Smith and Wesson Edition doesn’t show this Serial Number does that mean this revolver is not a legitimate 657

 

[glenwolde]

I dearly love mine. Load development was easy. This is the first reduced load I tried.

 

[Roofuss]

Not bad shooting !!