Value Model 58

[G-Mac]

I have a really nice S serial that I bought from the original owner's son. I've owned it for years and have never shot it. It came with diamond targets which I'm told were original to the gun. I don't think that I would sell it for $1500 because I'll probably never have another chance at getting one this nice.

 

[GregG]

I'm looking at one of my 58's serial number and it has neither an S or N prefix, just a 5 digit number. 911xx is it. What does that mean? Thanks.

Both of my 57's have a prefix. One is an S, the other an N.

 

[rubiranch]

I acquired this dirty 58 back in either 2019 or 2020 and paid just
under $500 for it and that included the bullets, primers, powder
and 3-piece die set.






Since acquiring it I have cleaned it, shot it (not nearly enough)
and acquired roughly 800 rounds of .41 Magnum ammo.




This is one of my favorite guns.

 

[demkofour]

Well, this morn I was able to have another look. I removed the sideplate and it numbers to the gun, as does the barrel and frame. The inner workings were dry, but clean and all looked in order. The gun is tight and the timing is right on with ever chamber. CobiaS&W came by and also had another look.
I went to the boss and negotiated a very reasonable price for the gun. I'll get it next week after getting a purchase document from the PD...

 

[csurp34]

Well, this morn I was able to have another look. I removed the sideplate and it numbers to the gun, as does the barrel and frame. The inner workings were dry, but clean and all looked in order. The gun is tight and the timing is right on with ever chamber. CobiaS&W came by and also had another look.
I went to the boss and negotiated a very reasonable price for the gun. I'll get it next week after getting a purchase document from the PD...

Congratulations.

 

[kennyb]

Not only targets, but COKES. Probably the best grain I've seen in a set of Coke grips????

Mike, Really nice! Let me know if you run into a M58...I'm looking!

 

[jack the toad]

Congrats on the 58. Post some new pics when you get a chance, if you please.
I swapped the original owner (OHP trooper) out of it along with Don Hume duty rig and couple boxes of ammo. It’s the best shooting fixed sight revolver I have and like most cop guns, shows to be shot a little, carried a lot.
I think I’m into it for around $400 and regardless what it’s worth, I don’t think I’d take $1500 for it.

 

[murphydog]

I'm looking at one of my 58's serial number and it has neither an S or N prefix, just a 5 digit number. 911xx is it. What does that mean? Thanks.

Both of my 57's have a prefix. One is an S, the other an N.

Are you looking at the flat bottom of the grip frame? A five-digit number elsewhere is usually an assembly code, but if it shows up where the SN usually resides someone may have stamped the assembly number after removing the true SN.

 

[CobiaS&W]

Great Buy

The Refinishing that S&W did in 1978 was Outstanding. Time to get this thing lettered to determine if the Target Hammer and trigger were installed at build date.

 

[GregG]

Are you looking at the flat bottom of the grip frame? A five-digit number elsewhere is usually an assembly code, but if it shows up where the SN usually resides someone may have stamped the assembly number after removing the true SN.

Well darn. That's where it is on my two 58's. Both are N series guns.

All my other N frame Smith's have a serial number inside the crane. Learned something new today. Thanks!

 

[murphydog]

Well darn. That's where it is on my two 58's. Both are N series guns.

All my other N frame Smith's have a serial number inside the crane. Learned something new today. Thanks!

Guns with factory Target stocks usually have the SN in the frame yoke cutout so the stocks don't need to be removed to see it. Service stocked guns will have the assembly number and (if made after 1957) a model stamp there.

 

[SuperMan]

Very nice guns everyone...all 58s are great...

As to the blue finish.. "S" prefix 58s made from 64-68 I believe had the same blue as the 57s and 29s...it was a VERY bright blue compared to the 69 and after N frames... The difference is not really apparent until one puts an early and later gun side by side...the 60s vintage guns just have a different blue...

I read here somewhere that the bluing process changed about 1969/70 but don't remember the whole story...

Bob

 

[Doc44]

The process to blue firearms was not changed by S&W until May 1980.

Bill

 

[CobiaS&W]

demkofour and I were speculating that the trigger and hammer may have been changed out when it went back for refinishing. Guess we'll never know for sure.

 

[El_Phantasmo]

Congrats on the 58. Post some new pics when you get a chance, if you please.
I swapped the original owner (OHP trooper) out of it along with Don Hume duty rig and couple boxes of ammo. It’s the best shooting fixed sight revolver I have and like most cop guns, shows to be shot a little, carried a lot.
I think I’m into it for around $400 and regardless what it’s worth, I don’t think I’d take $1500 for it.

I'm with ya. I wouldn't sell mine for $1500 either, regardless of what the "book" value of it is.

The fact that it's sitting in my safe and I'm not searching for one has value in and of itself!

 

[SuperMan]

The process to blue firearms was not changed by S&W until May 1980.

Bill

Thank you as always for your expertise...

Does the blue on the 60s vintage guns just seem more "lusterous" because of the extra time they took to polish them. I have several 60s vintage K and N frame guns and they stand out compared to any other time period...

Bob

 

[demkofour]

Thanks to 22hipower I was able to obtain a set of period correct Diamond PC Magnas for my recently acquired M-58.
But of course, I’ll probably get the gun lettered and Roy or Don will find out that this was one of the “few” shipped with TH, TT and Target Stocks!
But whatever…

Thanks Jeff (22hipower)!!!

 

[CobiaS&W]

Hahahaha- knew I should have bought that gun. Great score.