Warning: Compassionate but really good, bad and ugly Model 57 Rescue

[olypenn222]

Boy am I a sucker for Smiths.

Picked up a S&W 57 today at the gunshow truly in need of a good home. A 41 mag is the only Smith N frame I have never owned, have always wanted one. Revolver is a 1965-67 SN# S 252XXX Revolver with a Target hammer (kind of, see below) ,Target Trigger, Target diamond Grips.

Being a glass half full kind of guy:

The good news, revolver has excellent lock up, great single and double action, excellent trigger and a fine mirror bore. (and the price sure seemed right)

The bad news, on a condition scale of 100%- zero% would have to rate it at below zero.

The ugly news, am used to poor condition guns here in the great northwet. People leave guns in leather holsters in the glove box, boat, attic, basement, barn, backyard, lake, ect. and are amazed when they end up looking bad.

They lose them in the woods, find them a year later.
They decide the crawl space or the rain barrel a good place to store guns.

This gun was a wheel chair gun, was stored in a pocket in a wheel chair, when the owner died they pushed the wheel chair out in the back yard, (by the way, the owner was no longer in it) and left it there over the winter, then the 57 was found when they went to take the wheel chair to the dump.

Has mild to heavy pitting on the barrel and frame, about 30% blueing left, worst yet was dropped and the target hammer was busted off, also broke the left grip.

As this is a wholesome family website hesitate to post ugly gun pictures that may upset folk.

but can if it is considered apporiate and is requested.

Proud new owner of the worlds ugliest and least expensive S&W model 57

olypenn222

 

[JB4570]

Well lets see this Beast!!!



Joe

 

[KEN L]

Man, don't EVER post a story without pics!! Especially around here.....................

 

[olypenn222]

Joe,

Thanks for your interest, but Beast as a name for this revolver may be a little harsh, names do have a big impact on the self worth and self esteem of a gun, and this fragile gun has suffered much abuse at the hands of a cold, wet and uncareing world.

Think a kinder, softer, more gentle name would be:

"The butt ugliest 57"

but you decide, pictures below

 

[hsguy]

Heck, that doesn't look as bad as described. SaxonPig would like that one.

 

[Rugskipper]

Ya know, I sent a butt ugly 27-2 3.5" off to Smith and Wesson, and $240 and four months later, it came back tuned, timed, and looking better than new. I haven't taken the after pics yet, but here's a couple of befores. Others will tell you you can't get your investment back, but I say if you buy it cheap enough, why not?

 

[JB4570]

Kind of reminds me of a Dog that got lost and couldn't find its way home and finally did after a year, just give him a warm oil bath and a cozy warm spot in the safe, and he'll treat you real good till his last days.

Welcome Home Smithy

Just a few battle scars from the elements he'll be OK, just needs some TLC.

 

[aphelion]

Joe,

but you decide,

I'd have to do something about the hammer, but otherwise it looks OK to me.

 

[olypenn222]

Well the little dog seems to have taken a shine to this 57, the 57 stopped wimpering several hours ago and seems to be sleeping sound in the dog'
s bed.

Have a N frame target hammer, a buddy who owes me a reblue or have a home park kit I have been itching to try out. Trying to decide the best option, (buff, sandblast, park) or (buff,sandblast, blue)

have a couple N frame target grips.

 

[shoot]

Nice find,
I wonder what it would look like Camo Dipped?
That is a process I've seen done on some shotguns for severe field use.
Oh if that gun could talk!
Please give us a range report if it's deemed shootable.

Chuck H

 

[olypenn222]

Met up with my gunsmith at the gunshow, he looked the 57 over and pronounced it a shooter, but he had his wife with him, so he keep mouthing what looked liked "please sell me the gun" when his wife was not looking, his wife does keep him on a short leash. But that all started when I told him I bought the 57 for $100 bucks.

Sorry, just heard the 57 wimper again, need to go pat it back to sleep.

 

[alaskavett]

Olypenn, what did you say was "wrong" with it? Hells bells friend, go out and shoot it and carry it with pride. It has served its previous owner well and will also do the same for you. Hell of a Dog! Kyle

 

[Iggy]

Cripes, that ain't near as bad as I imagined it would be. Send the grips to DWfan for a rejuvenation. Send it to S&W for a re-finish and you will have a durn good lookin' lifetime friend you can be proud of and you'll still be in it cheap.

 

[SAFireman]

Heck, it looks like a fine shooter to me....if I was into 6" barrels, I would offer to double your money

 

[OFT II]

Every one needs at least one gun like that. You can carry it in the field under the worst of conditions without concern and know that it will work when called on. Just don't take it to a barbeque unless it's at the deer camp.

 

[ljmvaw124]

Even if you were to put another $300 - $400 into it, you'd still be money ahead ! Or you could just clean it up, replace the grips, and shoot it - either way you got an incredible deal ....

 

[Bat Guano]

That's doing Good Work. There's more satisfaction in saving an abused gun than in some NIB safe queen.

 

[ElToro]

i can think of worse guns for personal protection if i was wheelchair bound, but not much better.

first give it a bath in some kroil or similar. most of that funk will come off with some elbow grease. then since your into it for practically nothing, send it to S&W or other top refinish shop ( my vote is S&W) for rehab.

make that old wheelchair bound fella proud of his gun again.

 

[JB4570]

I'll 2nd. that, Send it back to Smith, You'll be surprised on how it come's Back.


Joe

 

[ACP230]

I see a gun like that and think, "Hard Chrome."

Haven't had one done in it yet but have an M15 snub with a hard chromed cylinder. It looks good and powder residue comes off with just a wipe with a cloth.