The 'unofficial' 58 Club

[nframes4me]

A far as the hard to find ammo issue, ammo IS availble if you know where to look. I've tried this company's ammo and liked it.

The Hunting Shack, Inc. - 41 Magnum

But a basic reloading set-up can pay for itself after you've loaded a couple hundred rounds. The Lee hand press is something I've used for many years and they sell for about 25 bucks the Lee dies are as good as any other I've used and that's another 25 bucks. I also like the Lee hand primer but for scale and powder measure I like RCBS and they can be found on ebay for a third of the original price.

Then if you really want to save money you can even cast your own bullets and all you need is a 1200+ watt hotplate and a used revereware saucepan fom a thrift shop, a ladle and a bullet mold.

 

[SAFireman]

Merriam-Webster's online dictionary defines obsolete as:

a : no longer in use or no longer useful <an obsolete word> b : of a kind or style no longer current : old-fashioned <an obsolete technology>

It is in my educated opinion that while in some areas it is hard to find factory loaded ammo for the .41 Magnum (a lot of gun shows have it available for a price) there is not anything old-fashioned nor unuseful about the .41 Magnum.

Taurus made the Model 415, a 2-1/2" barreled, stainless, 5 shot chambered in .41 Magnum; I wish I had kept it. The only bad thing about it was the recoil - with lead bullet loads the recoil would cause the bullet to move forward, causing a jam...not an issue with jhp ammo.

My Model 58 Nickel serves a greater purpose; it serves double duty - on the nightstand for home defense and when I need to show a pretty gun I'll wear it...

The knives are a Carrol Shoemaker Patch Knife (with the monogram) and a Jerry Hossom Bird and Trout Knife.

Are those the Herret's Trooper grips? They sure have a lot of grain....I like the back strap covered (and the extra distance they add).

Those knives are pretty cool. They are unlike anything that I own....What is a 'patch knife' intended for?

I do love that nickle 58

 

[Big Redhead]

The gun that serves no real purpose. Too big and heavy with excessive recoil for police work. The fixed sights make it less attractive for sporting use than the 57. There is nothing the 41 Magnum can do the 44 can't do better. The 41 is a caliber that demands reloading for economy and to make sure you have some as not every store will have it on hand.

SaxonPig,

Everything you said is true, but I would like add a couple thoughts if I may. The N-frame 41 mags are excellent deer hunters. Compared to my favorite 44 magnum, the slight reduction in bore size and bullet weight means a bit less recoil, and the slight increase in gun weight also helps mitigate recoil a bit. I find it actually quite a bit more comfortable to shoot than the 44 with higher-end loads. I don't have one at the moment, but two of my shooting buds have several and I get to shoot them as often as we shoot together. Our 41 experience started when one bud was looking for a M29 but found a really good 6-inch M57 at a low price and settled for it. The other bud doesn't reload and would rather shoot other peoples' ammo than buy his own so he got his first 41, a 4-5/8" Ruger Blackhawk. He had the BH magnaported which considerably reduced rollup during recoil. Then he got a 4-inch nickle M58.

None of us shoot enough higher-end loads to poke a stick at so recoil is not really an issue, even with my 44 mags and 45 Colt. I occasionally load a few rounds for 1200 fps for deer hunting or metallic silhouette, but 8.5gr Unique under 240-250gr homecast is plenty to roll a beer can around the back yard as far away as we can shoot with my 44s and 45, and the price is right. I'm not sure what charge those guys are loading in their 41s but it ain't a lot. The bud that loads is fond of tinkering and bought swaging tools from Corbon to make lead bullets with a copper base guard. Of course, his stuff is always "the best" and he constantly tries to get me to buy the same gear (Corbon swager and Dillon presses). But I stick to my Lee moulds and press and dies and spend the rest on components.

In case you hadn't noticed, I'm a bit long-winded. I'll just apologize in advance right now. Once started talking guns it's hard for me to stop. Too many stories and opinions with which to burden you, I guess. Just scroll on past my post if it offends.

 

[cwo4uscgret]

Smoke-eater - A patch knife is used by Black Powder Rifle shooters to trim the excess patch material after the bullet is seated and is being started down the barrel.

I believe they are Herret's - I bought them on a different forum - they make shooting .41 and .44 Magnum more comfortable...

 

[SAFireman]

Smoke-eater - A patch knife is used by Black Powder Rifle shooters to trim the excess patch material after the bullet is seated and is being started down the barrel.

I haven't shot a lot of black powder, so that did not even occur to me....I learn something new every day around you guys. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Limey46]

Here's mine. Hard chromed SAPD gun, barbecue ready.

 

[SuperMan]

Hard chrome is my favorite finish......nice gun.

Bob

 

[s2harry]

Just sittin here in the morning with cold feet. Trying to find some 625 threads and came accross this. I wish I had one! SaxonPig said he doesnt know any use for the 58. Well it will shoot a 200gr slug better than a 357. It kicks less than a 44. Its a matter of what appeals to you I guess. It appeals to me. I love the model 10 look. The knowledge you have a hard hitting caliber. Penetration isnt a problem if you've got Glasers or PowerBall. Out in the woods who cares? It would be better on Bears than a 357 and easier to control than a 44. Ruger Blackhawks are a little cheaper in 41 and weigh less so there is another choice. Cant find ammo everywhere buy it and store it when you do. Reload for it most of us do any way so its not so big a deal to add the 41. 7-8 grains of Bullseye Red Dot or Unique and 180-200 grain lead is economical. The only factor that causes thought is factory ammo availability and it isn't that big a problem you cant over come it. Hell you can get bulk reloads from Cabela's so why not the 57/58? I'm jealous and I'm going to buy one and paste pics of it all over your foreheads.

 

[raisedin99]

I wish to submit my application for the 'unofficial' 58 Club.
Found this at the OGCA Saturday. NIB 58 along with manual, all papers and unopened toolkit. Serial # N2737XX.

Only problem is that that at some point someone harvested the original grips and these were put on to replace them.

Anyone have any idea if this serial range would be in the neighborhood of the last of the model 58s to be built ?

terry

 

[Doug M.]

I bought mine NIB in 1978 or 1979; s/n is S327XXX.

 

[LOBO]

Congratulations on a great gun!!

 

[TAKJR]

Judging by the number of pages this specific thread grew up to, you all can see the popularity of the M58, for whatever purpose one chooses. It is a no-frills "critter-gitter" and the type of "critters" it can get is up to your imagination. In winter, when wearing a coat, it is with me.

I am sure Larry The Cable Guy's hat which reads "Get-R-Done" had two small numbers next to that phrase which read "58."

To me, the Model 58 is the "St. Bernard dog" of Smith & Wessons. It is big. It is loyal. It isn't fancy. If you ever need her however, that dog will save you and will still be at your side.

Need I say more?

Superman......I love your parkerized gun.

TAKJR

 

[raisedin99]

Those PC magnas woulda been the kind of grips it came with.
58s were made from 1964 until 1978

N Series N Frames:

N1 – N60,000………….......1970-72
N60,001 – N 190,000…...1972-74
N190,001 – N430,000…...1975 – 77
N430.001 – N 550,000…..1978
N550,001 – N580,000….. 1979
N580,001 – N790,000…...1980
N790,001 – N932,999...…1980-83

Thanks Iggy, my book is loaned out so I didn't have access to the serial numbers.
If I am reading this correctly mine would fall in the 1975-77 area.

terry

 

[gwpercle]

AT LAST- I CAN JOIN THE UNOFFICAL MODEL 58 CLUB

I have been having a devil of a time getting half way decent photo's to post. These are my best efforts. Its an S series, purchased a long time ago from a good friend who carried it when our P. D. issued 38 spcl. then 357 S & W revolvers, back then an officer could purchase his own and carry it if he didn't like the dept. issue. When the dept. issued a semi-auto in 40 S&W he retired the 58 and went with the increased mag capacity. After that he no longer had a use for it and I talked him into selling it to me for $200.00. Now this was was early 80's and that was a lot of money to me.
It came with beat up diamond checkered factory grips and an alumn. Tyler grip adapter. The wear you see is from honest police work , carried every day for several years. Those grips on it now are old zebra wood that I shaped and fitted to fit my hand. The factory grips and Tyler adapter didn't give me a proper grip.
The ser. no. is S327,595. I got the N series # - date of mfg. chart that Iggy posted, would someone do the same for the S series? this info would be helpful.
The model 58 is my favorite gun hands down and I don't know why. Many collectors treat 58's like red-headed step children, but hey, even red-headed step children need love.
At last an unoffical 58 member... We really do need membership cards......................... gary

 

[TexasSTEP]

That's a real beauty, and a great story to go with it. Welcome to the "club"!

- TS

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[Iggy]

I got the N series # - date of mfg. chart that Iggy posted, would someone do the same for the S series? this info would be helpful.

Check post number 313. I added in the S#'s.

 

[LOBO]

Great looking 58! Welcome to the non-club

 

[YogiBear]

Aloha,

I have no idea this thread existed.

Happy to learn that there are a lot of guys(and maybe some gals) who are fans of the 41 mag and M-57/58s.

There are advantages to living in a 3rd world(so to spaek).

Very few know of the 41. Much less what it can do.

I was looking for a "magnum" handgun and was doing my homework.

Finally decided on the 41 and started looking. Got one that came with

550 rounds/cases. I HAD to reload for cost reasons.

I shot IPSC with my 58 and later a 57.

The rest is history. Word got out that I liked the 41 and was buying

them as fast as they were offered to me.

A LGS had a close out on 41 mag bullets Loaded and unloaded.

Told them to make me an offer I can't refuse because I was willing to

buy ALL of it. Ended up hand trucking out several 1,000s of rounds

of heads and a few boxes of factory ammo.

At this point, I really don't know how many 57s and 58s I own.

I know 2 ex-PD guns in sorry shape will be sent out (one of these days)

to be totally redone into CCW guns for me and the Wife.

Wife has a good story. Took her to several IPSC matches which she shot

and did OK with her Beretta 92. She bugged me to shoot with her.

Sooo, I dug out my 4" 57 and shot a match or two with her. Yes, I was

one of the few people using a Revolver and a Magnum one at that.

Beat the Wife(not a good idea). What impressed her and a few of the

younger shooters was how WELL target loads from a 41 did in falling

plates. Now, the Wife says IF/When Hawaii gets CCW, the redone 58

just may be her carry gun.

BTW, I have at least 8 different molds for the casting 41 cal boolits.

Most of my molds are by NEI just after they started out.

This is my favorite photo of me and my M-57 at a Pin Shoot, Wife took

the photo, just about perfectly

 

[SAFireman]

I'm glad to see that we have some new members here....and some of the founding members are still hanging around

Welcome new guys and gals.

...and Yogi has planted the seed for a new activity for me...I guess that I need to work up a wadcutter load to match the poi/poa for my blued 58....what do you think the locals will say when that shows up on the line? Does anyone else shoot competitively with their 58?

Anyone have any LE stories to share about their 58? I know that we have heard about Iggy's experience with the raging bronco....so who else has carried/used a Model 58?

Everyone - A big thanks for sharing

 

[gwpercle]

I got the N series # - date of mfg. chart that Iggy posted, would someone do the same for the S series? this info would be helpful.

Check post number 313. I added in the S#'s.

Thanks Iggy , really appreciate the chart. Got it downloaded for future reference

gary

 

[YogiBear]

Aloha,

Did I mention that at least 3 of the 57/58s are wearing Pachmayr

"plastic" Bill Jordan grips. Got them a long time ago and they Work.

I have a young Marine friend who is interested in shooting among other

things and just may introduce him to the wonders of 57/58s And reloading.

BTW, the 41 mag case will last almost forever when using 900 fps

"target" loads. Since I started, I have kept records of how many reloads I

have gotten out of the original 550 cases. I have stopped counting

once I reached over 50 reloads on the batch of cases I use Only for target loads

I have other cases just for 1200 fps jacketed magnum loads. The Most I

have gotten so far is about 12 reloads.

BTW, if anyone asks, Old discontinued Hornady Silhoutte FMJ 41 bullets

WILL go thru a 1968 Oldsmobile side to side, including one of the

metal side impact door plate.

Will also penetrate closed trunk and stop in the front dashboard.

 

[RABULL]

Several years ago, I walked into my local gun shop and he told me that he just had two (2) nice S & W handguns come in that he thought I would be interested in.

Both handguns had been owned by a SFPD Police Officer that retired in the 1970's and he was now having to move to a nursing home which would not allow firearms. His kids didn't want them and so they ended up at the gun shop.

Both kids did not want them and so they wanted to sell them. The prices were reasonable and the handguns were in great shape plus they were including all of his duty leather goods.
I bought both of them and they will be among the last handguns that I will let lose.

I did 35 years in California law enforcement before retirement. My daughter is a San Diego PD Police Officer so when my time comes, I will pass them on to her to keep them in a LEO family.

,,,,,,,,,,and yes I really like the Model 58 and the Model 39-2 handguns!!!!

 

[Doug M.]

Customized M58.

This was my first duty sidearm. It was bought new in '78 or '79, has a early 60s "S" serial number, though. It has had the rear sight trough opened a bit, and the fiber optic rod front sight added as compensation for my aging eyes. I am not sure I would go with fiber optic again, although some swear by them; I would have considered one of the XS tritium dots if I had been familiar with them at the time. It is easy to see and really draws the eyes. The refinish is electroless nickel. I can't find the original grip (or I would sell them). If I could find a grip like that on the 500 but for a square butt frame, I would swap.

It has always been a good shooter and I qualified well with it. I even made lots of "friends" qualifying with it under a covered firing point using the hunting load.

 

[mkk41]

I bought mine NIB in 1978 or 1979; s/n is S327XXX.

Must have been sitting in a dealers safe for a loooong time. But that is quite believable. The 58 was not very popular with civilians in it's heyday.

I knew an old dealer with a large shelf of new/old S&Ws in red , gold and blue boxes in his safe. There were several Colt boxes too. I was actually one of the few people who ever saw the inside of his walk-in vault. He once asked me to help him carry some guns in , and when I pointed to the 'blue wall' and asked what he had good , he gently guided me out saying "that's my retirement fund!"

 

[Iggy]

Anyone have any LE stories to share about their 58? I know that we have heard about Iggy's experience with the raging bronco....so who else has carried/used a Model 58?

Well there was the time I was going through and empty sorority house on a prowler call and and somebody bumped a door with an ironing board behind it. The door started swinging open and there was guy behind it.
He had a flashlight and was drawing a gun. I drew too.
Damn, he was fast!!!
We fired at the same time. He shattered and I didn't.

 

[SAFireman]

Anyone have any LE stories to share about their 58? I know that we have heard about Iggy's experience with the raging bronco....so who else has carried/used a Model 58?

Well there was the time I was going through and empty sorority house on a prowler call and and somebody bumped a door with an ironing board behind it. The door started swinging open and there was guy behind it.
He had a flashlight and was drawing a gun. I drew too.
Damn, he was fast!!!
We fired at the same time. He shattered and I didn't.

First an innocent little Bronco, now a handsome trooper in the mirror...what's next?

 

[Iggy]

How about gittn' knocked over a guard rail by a car while investigating an accident in a blizzard, and huntin' in the ditch for that 58 for 2 hours on a my hands and knees in a foot of snow?
LE ain't all as glorious as it seems.

 

[SuperMan]

Great stories Iggy...I keep saying you should write the history of you and that 58....

When I started with Dallas PD in 1977 there was a officer who had the locker next to me that carried a 58 and handloaded ammo with I believe a 210 grain Hornady HP...pre-XTP type. He loaded them to about a 1000 fps because the 210 Lead factory was not accurate and leaded the barrels too badly and the 1250 fps JSP/JHP rounds just too much for city work.

One night not long after I started he shot an armed robber just across the lake from the Northwest Substation. It was in an alley between two brick buildings. He told me the round flattened the guy on impact, went all the way through and took a chunk out of the brick wall behind the guy.... The officer later left and went to US Secret Service.

I shot nothing but revolver through 1980 in IPSC...all of it with a 4" 57. Took high revolver in the 1980 North Texas Sectionals/7th overall, with that gun. Did a 9.3 second El Presidente with all A-zone hits from full cover. Should have stayed with revolvers instead of going to .38 Super/1911s as I never placed that high again....

Yogi...how about some pics of the 58s????

Bob

 

[Iggy]

SuperMan,
I too used reloads. 210 JHPs loaded down when I worked for the City PD and loaded hot when I went on the Patrol.

They will let the air out of a BG or anything else real quick. It's a very effective round.

 

[NFrameFred]

Well there was the time I was going through and empty sorority house on a prowler call and and somebody bumped a door with an ironing board behind it. The door started swinging open and there was guy behind it.
He had a flashlight and was drawing a gun. I drew too.
Damn, he was fast!!!
We fired at the same time. He shattered and I didn't.

Chip - that's a real "Audie Murphy" moment !