Should I buy this M57?

[SandSpider]

I'm basically a .44mag guy, never actually owned or shot a .41 mag, but...

I found this nice 57 no-dash at a pawn shop. 4" barrel, original grips, presentation box (interior deteriorated), original paperwork. Not mint, but well taken care of and mechanically sound. Some finish wear like cylinder ring and a bit of holster wear, but no rust/pitting.

I'm fighting a serious case of "want" with this. Anybody care to talk me out of it?

I could get it around $900, how does that sound?

Serial number is N614xxx if memory serves, any idea what year this gun was made?

Thanks for any advice,

SandSpider

 

[gkitch]

Sounds like a fair deal for a great revolver.

If you want somebody to talk you out of buying it (for a fair price, at least) you are on the wrong forum.

 

[smokey]

Yes, i would offer less and see what kind of response i get,but i wouldn't walk away from it at that price

 

[22hipower]

As described, seems a little high to me. However, most S&W prices these days seem "too high." A high condition 1980 4 inch 57 with presentation box and accessories is worth $900. Your description sounds more like a 90% gun and if that is the case $750 is probably more reasonable. If it isn't quite a $900 gun. . . .it likely will be soon. If I had a serious case of "want it," I'd likely go ahead. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[JP@AK]

SandSpider
The 4" barrel is the deal-maker for me. In the condition described and with that barrel length, I don't think $900 is out of line at all. I recently purchased one with a 6" barrel in 98% condition for $750 and figured I got a good deal (came with some ammo and dies, too). I would certainly give a few more bucks for the shorter barrel.

 

[JP@AK]

Hey! So, when you bring it home, please post some pictures!

I don't have a stand-along photo of my recently acquired Model 57, but it is in the upper right corner of this photo:

 

[Richard Simmons]

I'd offer $700 and walk away at $800 and I'd be willing to bet the pawnshop would be making a pretty decent profit at either price, then again, you can never really pay too much, just too soon.

Even at $900 the only downside really is you'll probably catch the 41 bug and who knows how many and at what price you'll end up with.

 

[SandSpider]

I cannot understand why somebody would rely upon the opinions of strangers on the internet for help in making a financial decision.

Display cases sell for $350 to $400 on ebay. Most display cases have damage to the insert. Unopened, common S&W tool sets go for $50 to $100.

Have you checked the price and availability of .41 mag. ammo (or components, if you reload)? That is part of the financial equation of owning revolvers.

Because those strangers collectively know more about this niche market than I do.



I reload, that's why I consolidated everything to .357mag and .44mag some time ago. Makes stocking up on components easier.

On the other hand, the .41mag seems to have somewhat of a cult following. The gun I'm looking at has been fired, so I could take it out to the range and find out why for myself without devaluing it in the process. If I find out it's not worth the hassle of dealing with another caliber (to me), I can resell it. That is, if there is enough interest and I don't overpay. Which is what I'm trying to find out here.


Thanks for all the input, it is appreciated.

SandSpider

 

[Retired W4]

SandPiper, I would surely try to get it for less, as $900 does sound a little high to me. Display cases really don't do much for me and they don't add much value unless perfect IMHO. Having said that, I love my .41 mag Smiths.

 

[kraynky]

Sorry I can't help you much about the value of it, but I do know I love the .41 mag. I have a .41 Blackhawk which is a hoot to shoot. I'm waiting for a decent 57 or 58 to come along at a decent price myself. Looking forward to the pictures.

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

Sounds to me like the pawn shop has done a little homework on this piece and is looking to squeeze as much out of it as they can.. And I should add that's OK, that's what they are in business to do..

Pics would be super helpful in this case. If the presentation cases really can potentially bring what other posters have cited then it sounds like a really good deal to me. IDK about presentation cases as I do not have any, nor have I sought any out.

Presentation case aside for a moment, I would only pay $900 for that piece if it were in like new condition. Sounds like closer to a $700 piece for my taste.

But again, the box seems to be the clincher......

 

[silentflyer]

If you don't hand load ammo cost, is the only real drawback to a .41, selection limited and higher cost.

 

[BigBill]

Right now any N Frame that's under $1,000 is a buy to me. If I were you I'd have it home already. I been a 44 mag guy since the early 70's. I always wanted a revolver in 41 Magnum. A few years ago I picked up a new S&W m57 6" 41 mag in nickel. Within a few days I had the m58 in nickel. The m58 shoots and handles awesome. The 41 Magnum they say has more penetration over the 44 mag to a certain extent I suppose. Coming from the guys who hunt with both there's no difference in killing power between the 41mag and the 44mag dead Is dead.
I think every guy who is into the n frame s&w revolvers should own a 41 Magnum.

I believe if we had the internet and this forum when the 41 Magnum n frame was first introduced it would of be more popular today. If you like the s&w m27 (357) and the m29 (44) you will like the magnums offering of its middle child. Once you own and shoot one you will become part of the 41 Magnum cult following too. Don't let this awesome caliber get away.

Offer him $750, show him a fan of $100 bills plus one $50 bill as you say the $750 offering. Show him the money, cash talks.

Adding another caliber was a no Brainer when it came to the 41 Magnum. I wanted a 41 mag revolver for over 40 years.

 

[Tom_R]

4" 57s are tricky to find.

I have never seen one in the flesh.

If you can get it for $900, and you like it, it's not a BAD price. Not great, not Bad.

See if you can knock $100.00 off.

Good Luck

 

[rettxpo]

I just picked up one yesterday for $615 without box, papers, or tools. It's a 4" in very very good condition with only the slightest turn mark on the cylinder. I was happy to get it for the price.

With the presentation case needing to be restored and the gun in fair condition you should try to get it for around $750. I think that would be a fair price for you. Then you could send it forum member Joe Cebull to have the presentation case restored with the money you saved.

 

[Richard Simmons]

If you don't hand load ammo cost, is the only real drawback to a .41, selection limited and higher cost.

FWIW I was just checking the Sportsmans Warehouse website. They have 14 loadings of .41mag listed with 9 available. Prices are from $1-$3 per round.

They have 20 loadings for .44mag of which 7 are available. Prices are from $1-$1.85 per rd.

Nothing is cheap any more but .41mag seems to be more on par with other ammo than it used to be.

 

[SandSpider]

Bunch of enablers, is what you guys are.

Better pics tomorrow.

SandSpider

 

[t4halo]

Congrats... like you really thought some one would tell you not to buy an N frame..

T4

 

[ladder13]

Nice gun SandSpider, congrats.

3-4 years ago I bought a absolutely NIB 4 inch 57, blue box, presentation box, unopened tools , papers and even the brown shipping box, total package, yada yada. Factory fired only, to this day.
I have other 41's to shoot.

I "overpaid" at the time, $695 shipped. Probably worth 2x that right now.

Btw, I bought it from Cherrys Fine Guns, the same guys who have that boatload of Colts referenced in another thread. They're pricey, but they have the goods, and are a pleasure to deal with.

 

[JohnAC]

Welcome to the 57 club!