Which 657?

[spdjnky_42]

I have been looking to add to the pile. i am a hunter, collector and shooter if that info helps. I found these two and was wondering which one you would pick and why. Also both are around $1100 price tags The unfluted is a dash 4 (pre lock) with 7.5" barrel

 

[Avery11]

The one on the bottom is an RSR exclusive made in the last half of the 90s. Only about 500 were produced and they command high prices. I have seen them sell for more than $2000.

If it's priced at $1100 you better go get it. It covers all your bases: Good for the range, the hunt, and the collection.

 

[Avery11]

SCAM ALERT

I was just looking at sold auctions and found the photo you put up of the one on Armslist.

Do not buy this gun unless it is face to face.

Here is the closed auction link

SMITH WESSON 657-3 PERFOMANCE .41 RARE 657 : Revolvers at GunBroker.com

 

[ladder13]

Good catch! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

[spdjnky_42]

Thank you for catching that. Not sure what is going on there. The auction ended on the 26th of Dec and then it was listed on Dec 26th on another site.

What is your opinion on the price of the first one. TIA

 

[DR505]

I've got a great condition 657-2 Classic Hunter with a 6½" barrel that I picked up in November of 2012 for $700. I don't know if that helps, but there you have it. BTW - It is a really great hunting revolver using full power loads pushing a 265 grain Cast Performance hard-cast Keith Style gas check.

 

[Cal44]

I picked up my Classic Hunter M657-3 a couple months ago.

I like the -3's because they have endurance improvements, forged parts, and are drilled and tapped for scope rings.

And of course, no lock.

 

[jtcarm]

Thank you for catching that. Not sure what is going on there. The auction ended on the 26th of Dec and then it was listed on Dec 26th on another site.

Maybe the GB buyer backed out. I see neither one left any feedback on the deal. But then it doesn't make any sense that the seller didn't simply re-list on GB instead of putting it on another site for $400 less than his top bid, unless something seriously wrong was discovered with the gun.

I'd contact the seller, but if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

 

[Avery11]

Thank you for catching that. Not sure what is going on there. The auction ended on the 26th of Dec and then it was listed on Dec 26th on another site.

What is your opinion on the price of the first one. TIA

I'm no expert but I'd say $600 to $800. The one you are looking at (long barrel) is not very desirable to collectors. IF you can find one, the 4" no dash is fantastic. Neither of mine are for sale though

 

[colt_saa]

I own both. But if you can only buy one, the Performance Center offering is the way to go. That is an air gauged, match grade barrel and it is very accurate. $1100 is a no brainer on this revolver

The 7 1/2" Classic Hunter is a great shooter as well. I think $1100 is a bit much for this one, but that is my market down here.

 

[colt_saa]

I picked up my Classic Hunter M657-3 a couple months ago.

I like the -3's because they have endurance improvements, forged parts, and are drilled and tapped for scope rings.

Cal44,
The -3 engineering revision of the 657 had nothing to do with endurance. It was the change to the D&T top straps (as you mention) and newer rear sight in addition to a redesigned extractor.

I believe you are confusing engineering revisions of different models. The model 29 had the endurance enhancements come in midstream of it's third engineering revision. That was in 1987 and the new revolvers were marked 3E

657s were first introduced in 1986 and had most of the changes already incorporated in the original 657 release. The -2 engineering change went to the longer stop notches and bolts that were created for the 627-0 in 1989 when the mass of the unfluted cylinders started peening the stop notches

 

[spdjnky_42]

I found a fluted 657 for around $700 with 6" barrel . I can get a s&W unfluted cylinder for $150. Cylinder says it has deeper locks. Will that work in a no dash 657? Will it hurt or raise the value?