Should I trade Model 57's?

[E Z MUNNY]

I currently own a 4" model 57 dash nothing that is a 'little' on the rough side but not bad. A friend has a 57 with 8-3/8" barrel that is at least 95-98% which he wants to swap 'even up' for mine. Is this a trade you would go for? All I do with handguns is target shooting so carrying is not an issue.

 

[greenmachine]

Personally I would jump all over that deal, but then I'm especially fond of long barrels for target shooting. I'm even starting to look for an 8 3/8 model 57 so you might want to listen to some other opinions.

 

[fyimo]

A 4 inch barrel 57 is a much more sought after gun then the 8 3/8 barrel. The no dash is also more valuable then later versions. However, If his in that much better shape then I think I would consider the trade if I were you. The 8 3/8 would make a great target gun for the range. Depending how rough your gun is it won't have any collector value anyway.

 

[SuperMan]

If you are not going to ever carry the gun then the swap maybe worth it. Have you shot the two guns side by side with the loads you usually use?

I have both the 4" and 8 3/8" guns and both are great shooters. For "just" target shooting at a range I would go for the longer tube as it is more fun to shoot.

Oh..one last thing...what year was your gun made? 57s started in 1964 with a "S" prefix on the serial number. If you have an early gun they are worth more than later guns...

Bob

 

[RUT]

A 4 inch barrel 57 is a much more sought after gun then the 8 3/8 barrel.

Amen to that!

 

[n4zov]

If you don't particular care about which 57 is potentially worth more, it is a matter of which you like and shoot best. I like longer barrels, but for many people the 8 3/8" is too heavy and hard to handle. Shoot the longer barrel and then decide which you like better.

 

[E Z MUNNY]

Superman - the serial# begins as N7871**.

I can see that a trip to the range with both of them might be a necessity.

 

[mtgrs737]

I bought a 8 3/8" model 57 in excellent condition from a member here about a month ago and I like it a lot! I do tend to like the longer barrels having a 6" and a 6 1/2" model 29's also. I would shoot both if possible before I made up my mind on the one I wanted to live with. The model 57 is a great gun!

 

[Sportsterguy]

I prefer the shorter barrels myself. Much easier to pack and my 6" no dash is accurate enough for me. My 3" 657 and 4" 57 are no slackers in the accuracy department either. Gotta love a .41 mag. My favorite caliber and my 57's are my favorite S&W's.

 

[SuperMan]

Originally posted by E Z MUNNY:
Superman - the serial# begins as N7871**.

I can see that a trip to the range with both of them might be a necessity.

1980...a big production year for .41s it seems. I've seen more .41s made in 1980 than any other year... S&W must have made a BIG run. My blue 57, two Class As, a nickel 4" I had were/are all 1980 vintage guns.

Do you know what vintage his gun is?

Bob

 

[armybass]

I just put a deposit on a 6" M57 and it is also a 1980. Crazy that they were making so many .41's that year.

 

[AlPackin]

I would only trade a 57 for a superior grade 57 or for a quality 58 ...

 

[AlPackin]

I'm a new guy here and I'm sorry in advance but ... is there some reason why you guys don't post pictures more often in your threads? ...

 

[RUT]

In many cases, they just don't know how.

 

[E Z MUNNY]

Don't know who you might be referring to here but if it is me I don't have any pictures of the 'potential' 57 because I haven't even seen it yet.

We only talked about it and I haven't heard back him him yet so he may have changed his mind.

 

[AlPackin]

oh no EZ, not referring to you, just a general observation ... I was just wondering if it was some bandwidth limitation, forum rule or something, no offense intended, sorry

 

[SuperMan]

Ok...you want some 57 pictures...just don't OD..

Consecutive 6" nickels...unfired in PCs..

8 3/8" nickel...

Class A 4" 1980s vintage guns..

1964 first year of production 6" with a 657...

..the 4" collection...

Bob

 

[AlPackin]

Wow Super Man thats mighty impressive, all I have is one

 

[SuperMan]

Thanks... I have sold off 5 of the 4" guns like the two 58s but they were replaced with two other shooters.. The nickel 57-1 was sold and replaced by a 57 nickel but that was also sold. The 57 Mountain Gun at the top went to a friends son-in-lay and one of the blue 57s now resides with a long time friend.

..all you have is one...that is all I started with...

I was going to email you to see where you live in Ct. I am from Berlin and still belong to Mattabassett R&P Club..
Bob

 

[AlPackin]

I'm down in the South West, Shelton, Fairfield County. I shoot at the High Rock Range in Naugatuck when I get a chance.