my first S&W Revolver, 657-4

[Lemonade52k]

I just traded for my first S&W revolver, 657-4 with a 6" barrel. forgive me if this thread has already been covered but i was wanting to know just a little about the revolver, specifically what improvements or changes were made for the dash 4 models. also if there are any kind of quirks about the gun to watch out for and maybe prevent from happening, thanks in advance for the all the information

 

[bigggbbruce]

Nice revolver..

Ammo's not cheap..I've got some new Hornady dies for sale..

 

[colt_saa]

Congratultions

The 657 is a fine revolver

The -4 engineering revision is when the new frame design came in. Thanks to modern CNC controlled mills, things like the cylinder stop could be machined right into the frame as opposed to drilling a hole and then pushing in a stud. The shape of the frame window also benefited from the new CNC process, both of these contributing to a stronger frame.

 

[629shooter]

Congratulations!

colt saa pretty much covered the -4s. If you plan on shooting it a lot, you probably have the best there is. If you do plan on doing a lot of shooting with it, hopefully you're a reloader.

 

[Dale53]

I had an old shooting buddy that had a 57 and shot it, with his reloads and cast bullets, EXTREMELY well. Made a few of us .44 Magnum shooters stand up and "take notice"...

Size your cast bullets for the cylinder throats and "load 'em up"!

Dale53

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

The -4 would also be the first variation with a frame mounted firing pin. This was part of the the new frame design already mentioned. Previously the firing pin had been on the hammer itself. You will also find your -4 is drilled and tapped, under the rear sight, for a scope base. I am unsure if this feature was introduced with the -4 or sometime before.

 

[SuperMan]

Congratulations...and welcome to the Cult of the 4T1.....

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/385798-1964-2014-41-magnum.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/173441-unofficial-58-club.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/ammo/404070-41-magnum-defensive-rounds.html

Ammo available (probably more at this point):

Remington
210 JSP

Wincehster
175 Silvertip
240 Platinum Tip

Speer
210 DeepCurl

Federal
250 CastCore
180 Barnes
210 JHP
210 Fusion
210 Swift A-Frame

CorBon
170 JHC
210 JHC
250 WFN Hardcast
180 Barnes DPX

Buffalo Bore
170 JHC
265 Hardcast
180 Barnes
230 Keith

Hornady
210 FlexTip
210 XTP

Georgia Arms
210 XTP
210 LSWC (Target Load)
200 Remington JHP
210 DeepCurl HP

DoubleTap
210 JHP
180 Barnes
250 Hardcast WFN

HSM
210 SWC
230 Keith GC
210XTP

Barnes
180 HP

Grizzly
250 Hardcast WFN
210 JSP

Bitterroot Valley
210 JHP
210 Cast

C.O.P. (Copper Only Projectiles
180 grain all copper HP


You did well...now enjoy....Bob

 

[Lemonade52k]

thanks to all of you for all the help, tons of information! its great to know that i can shoot this revolver with out fear of over use or strain. as far as bullets, i use to have a Taurus raging bull in 454 casull. awesome caliber but a real pain in the wallet to buy ammo. i just couldnt get over that Taurus word on the side of the barrel. glad to finally have my smith at my side now.