I am looking to buy a no dash 4 inch model 57. The gun is in excellent (99%+) condition without original box. Has factory Target Grips. Grips are cut for speedloader . I wonder if the grips are correct/original. What grips did 57's normally came with? Seller has it priced at 1200.00 , which sounds fair to me. Just curious about the grips.
No dash model 57 correct grips.
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It would depend on the serial number. The Model 57 with no dash number was made from 1964 until 1982. For the first three years the stocks would be targets with the football cut and the diamond at the screw location and probably (certainly?) made of GA.
In December, 1967, the diamond was ordered removed. So, sometime in 1968, the diamond disappeared, but the stocks would otherwise be the same for most of the rest of the run.
In about 1981, the N frame targets started having the speed loader cut. So it is possible the last year or two could have that configuration. But for most of the Model 57 run, the football relief would be correct.
Model 57 in upper right with original stocks (GA targets with the football extractor relief).
In December, 1967, the diamond was ordered removed. So, sometime in 1968, the diamond disappeared, but the stocks would otherwise be the same for most of the rest of the run.
In about 1981, the N frame targets started having the speed loader cut. So it is possible the last year or two could have that configuration. But for most of the Model 57 run, the football relief would be correct.
Model 57 in upper right with original stocks (GA targets with the football extractor relief).
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In addition to what Jack has provided, the early 57s, 1964 and perhaps a bit beyond, had cokes. Then the diamond targets until the diamond was dropped as Jack notes. Here's mine from 1964, S238292, I'm not sure at what SN the stocks would have changed to diamond targets. You may need a letter in order to confirm which stocks yours had although if yours has an S SN it may well have shipped with cokes. Mine with N SNs have non-diamond targets.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
https://flic.kr/p/2nejxvG https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/
https://flic.kr/p/2neq5Sv https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/
Jeff
SWCA #1457
https://flic.kr/p/2nejxvG https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/
https://flic.kr/p/2neq5Sv https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/
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I was under the impression that the early Model 57s shipped with “ special” target stocks aka “Cokes”.
The posts above are correct, as the correct stocks for your Model 57 depends on when it was shipped by S&W. During the period, 1964-1983, the stocks on the Model 57 underwent several changes that are significant.
Bill
Bill
Hair Trigger
US Veteran
Give us a partial SN and we can get close for you. Personally, as much as I like the M57, I'd buy that one for $1200 as long as the finish was good and it was mechanically sound. I'd like to have a 4" model to go with my "S" 6 incher (which I gave $1300 for without factory stocks, 2-1/2 years ago). You can always look for a set of period-correct stocks, but my guess is, the footballs are what came on yours, they were the prevailing type over the no-dash's run. (If that turns out to be an "S" prefix, you better do that deal quickly, before someone else does.)
just for my edification, I have read descriptions of early 57 stocks described as special oversized targets. I'm guessing that is what is commonly referred to as cokes. ?
Yes, that is correct. S&W never called them "cokes," that is a term we aggregators devised.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
Duckfood
Member
By the time S318806 shipped (1969ish) I'm pretty sure it would have had non-diamond targets as shown below.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
https://flic.kr/p/2nesh8Z https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/Duckfood
Member
Jeff, thank you for your time and the visual aid.
Hair Trigger
US Veteran
I was sort of wondering the same thing as Duckfood The SN of my M57 is S3195xx, just a tad later than his. I had assumed it might have the diamonds (hoped), I have a M58 with SN S2968xx, that was ANIB and has the diamond PC magnas. I'd love to have a set of diamond targets for the M57, but won't spend the money unless they are correct for my gun. I have a nice set of Altamonts on it now. I guess a letter would be the definitive way of knowing, add $100 to the cost of the stocks.
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The one I am looking at is an N PREFIX serial number , P&R later gun. The finish and mechanics are excellent. Finish is 99%+. I am just going to get it I think. I fill figure out the grips later. The target stocks it's wearing now look good anyway.
I was sort of wondering the same thing as The SN of my M57 is S3195xx, just a tad later than his. I had assumed it might have the diamonds (hoped), I have a M58 with SN S2968xx, that was ANIB and has the diamond PC magnas. I'd love to have a set of diamond targets for the M57, but won't spend the money unless they are correct for my gun. I have a nice set of Altamonts on it now. I guess a letter would be the definitive way of knowing, add $100 to the cost of the stocks.
So tell us about the rib on that one please.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
The Model 57s shipped in 1969 would have stocks like those shown in the photo below. The stocks would not have a diamond around the escutcheon and nut, the stock circles on the backside would be finished in black oxide, and note the area where the stocks meet the trigger guard...there is extra wood in this area that was eliminated in 1975 (compare to the stocks shown in post #11).
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Hair Trigger
US Veteran
I wish I knew. I bought the revolver at a local gun show a bit over two years ago.The seller had it and a later model 4" M29-2. I immediately wanted the M57, because it was .41M, and especially because it is an "S" SN. It had a set of Black Altamont stocks and the vented rib, and I didn't care for either one, but the gun was otherwise in very nice condition, no wear of the bluing and just a couple of minor scratches on the left side below the cylinder thumb latch that did not go through the bluing. I figured I might be able to remove the rail at some point.
I put a different set of Altamont stocks on it (shown in the picture); The rib is somehow glued on, no screws or clips holding it to the sight rail and barrel rib. The adhesive layer is extremely thin, and the bond is very strong. I've contacted Lyman, who used to market a couple of types of accessory rails, they could not tell me what the bonding agent is, nor who made the rail, and I sent them detailed pictures.
Over time, I have come to accept it, even like it. I suppose the previous owner wanted the gun to look like a Dan Wesson, and I know Taurus has a modle with a similar rib, and then of course are the Colt revolvers with it. I really want the gun to look original. I shoot it a fair amount, it isn't a safe queen, nor are any but one of my S&W revolvers.
The Model 57s shipped in 1969 would have stocks like those shown in the photo below. The stocks would not have a diamond around the escutcheon and nut, the stock circles on the backside would be finished in black oxide, and note the area where the stocks meet the trigger guard...there is extra wood in this area that was eliminated in 1975 (compare to the stocks shown in post #11).
You wouldn't let me have those for my M57, would you?
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The Model 57s shipped in 1969 would have stocks like those shown in the photo below. The stocks would not have a diamond around the escutcheon and nut, the stock circles on the backside would be finished in black oxide, and note the area where the stocks meet the trigger guard...there is extra wood in this area that was eliminated in 1975 (compare to the stocks shown in post #11).
So much to learn. . . so little time. Thanks Bill, learn something new every time you post.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
