S&W 58 with Adjustable sights

[Huskydutchman]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and I know that this subject has been discussed before here, but here goes...I just purchased a nickel Model 58 with a target hammer, red insert ramp front sight and adjustable rear sight. It is clearly marked as a 58, and it appears to have come this way from the factory. I know this has been discussed before without any real decisions on the possibility but please see the attached pics and let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

 

[Baxter6551]

I've never seen one in the wild but reading posts on the forum previously apparently it is somewhat common to see mis-stamped or over stamped model numbers. Your photos show an apparent model 57. The 58 had a heavy bull barrel. I owned one many many years ago. Was engraved "SFPD". Kick me now …..

 

[lowriderfxr]

It's a mismarked model 57. Not a common mistake but not exactly a rare occurrence either. Some people would like to think that it increases the value like a double struck coin or something, but really it just makes it a little more interesting but not actually worth more. A 4" nickel 57 is a very cool revolver, no matter what.

 

[DTH]

Seeing the rear sight is nickel and it looks like rear sight blade has been rounded guessing it is a non-factory finish

 

[StrawHat]

As mentioned, mismarked at the factory. Very nice revolver.

The hammer and trigger appear to be casehardened. Is the ejector star nickel or blue?

Kevin

 

[Huskydutchman]

Thanks all. I suspected it was simply mistaken, but wanted some fresh opinions. I have no plans to sell it, just furious about the configuration. Thanks again!

 

[Huskydutchman]

Oops. I meant mismarked. Darn spellcheck

 

[Hair Trigger]

The 58 had a heavy bull barrel.

The barrels on the M57 and M58 are the same diameter. The difference is the front sight, and the extractor shroud on the M57. Another main difference is the M57 has the target trigger and hammer, the M58 is the standard narrower hammer and trigger.

It's a mismarked model 57. Not a common mistake but not exactly a rare occurrence either. Some people would like to think that it increases the value like a double struck coin or something, but really it just makes it a little more interesting but not actually worth more. A 4" nickel 57 is a very cool revolver, no matter what.

I agree, a mismarked frame. One question: is the back strap ribbed or smooth? A M58 has a smooth back strap, the M57 has a ribbed one. As for the nickel finish, it seems to follow factory finish except for the rear sights, which should be black. The other question about the extractor star would also tell whether it is factory or aftermarket finish, maybe the rear sight has been replaced . The cylinder will also have a "N" stamped on the extractor side, at the edge between two charge holes, if it is factory. A M58's factory stocks are PC magnas and not Targets

Additionally, what is the SN? Oddly it is missing inside the yoke cut, it should be there above the model stamp, and on the butt of the gun (you'll have to remove the stocks to see it).

In any event, it's a very nice revolver, looks great in nickel. My two are both blue, both are "S" prefix from 1967 and 1968.

 

[StrawHat]

The barrels on the M57 and M58 are the same diameter. The difference is the front sight, and the extractor shroud on the M57. Another main difference is the M57 has the target trigger and hammer, the M58 is the standard narrower hammer and trigger.

I agree, a mismarked frame. One question: is the back strap ribbed or smooth? A M58 has a smooth back strap, the M57 has a ribbed one. As for the nickel finish, it seems to follow factory finish except for the rear sights, which should be black. The other question about the extractor star would also tell whether it is factory or aftermarket finish, maybe the rear sight has been replaced . The cylinder will also have a "N" stamped on the extractor side, at the edge between two charge holes, if it is factory. A M58's factory stocks are PC magnas and not Targets

Additionally, what is the SN? Oddly it is missing inside the yoke cut, it should be there above the model stamp, and on the butt of the gun (you'll have to remove the stocks to see it).

In any event, it's a very nice revolver, looks great in nickel. My two are both blue, both are "S" prefix from 1967 and 1968.

Good points about the shroud and grooving.

The serial number has not always been stamped in the yoke cut. I don't remember when it was implemented but for a while it was sporadic. This may have been prior to implementation.

Kevin

 

[stansdds]

Mismarked frame or someone went to a lot of trouble to turn a Model 58 into a Model 57.

 

[series guy]

A Model 57 barrel will not match the frame profile on a Model 58 frame. The barrel rib will be slightly higher than the top of the 58 frame.

 

[Jim Watson]

It is, see in third picture.
Also look at the tang of the adjustable sight sticking out over the step in the receiver ring.

 

[Nightowl]

The biggest tell here would be the grooved backstrap, or smooth, I would think. No pictures of that.

 

[Hair Trigger]

Good points about the shroud and grooving.

The serial number has not always been stamped in the yoke cut. I don't remember when it was implemented but for a while it was sporadic. This may have been prior to implementation.

Kevin

The gun looks to be later than about 1973-74 (ampersand type on the left side of the barrel is a telltale), so the SN will be in the yoke cut. The only guns typically that don't have the SN there are round butt models. As for how long they have put them there, my M57 and M58 are both from the mid 1960's and they have the SN in the yoke cut as well as the butt strap.

 

[Model19man]

Looks like a heavily modified M58 to me. Maybe get a letter from S&W?

 

[Model19man]

Also this one:

 

[Huskydutchman]

Sorry just realized had more replies. The backstrap is smooth, the extractor staris blued. Serial No. is N261121. See pics re backstrap and extractor star.

 

[GerSan69]

...And the rear sight blade has ROUNDED CORNERS!!!
I would not be surprised if some ne'er-do-well in this poor firearm's sordid past had a gunsmith (no doubt one of ill repute) put an adjustable sight on this formerly pristine example of American mechanical ingenuity. Oh my. The pain. The humanity.
As a public service, I wish to offer my services as a "disposal" site for such a wretched creature. I'll even waive my normal consulting fee, as a gesture of good will, of course. Please, package it carefully - we wouldn't want anything else to happen to it....


I hope my Saturday Night Boredom spell isn't showing....

 

[series guy]

The tang on the rear sight extends past the step of the frame on most all models. I have a 57/58 hybrid that was done the same way. It shoots so well that I'm very happy with it.

 

[stansdds]

Sorry just realized had more replies. The backstrap is smooth, the extractor staris blued. Serial No. is N261121. See pics re backstrap and extractor star.

Bingo! It is a Model 58 and someone really wanted a Model 57. It has no collector interest whatsoever, but it should make one fine 41 Magnum shooter.