Why the Model 58 instead of the 57?

[Dale53]

For years, I had a shooting buddy who shot pretty nearly as good as I did.
We were both considered "High Experts" - neither of us quite attained "Master Class".

Even tho' we were pretty evenly matched, we shot groups, standing that were FAR apart on a 25 yard target. After seeing that matched by other shooters over the years, I am little interested in fixed sighted guns. I am a shooter and I "HIT WHAT I SHOOT AT" and that requires adjustable sights, typically.

I do admit that I have fixed sighted guns that shoot to the sights but most of them will only do that with ONE load and typically after the sights are "adjusted".

My Ruger Bisley Vaquero shot to the sights at 25 yards right out of the box but that is an unusual case. And-d-d, pretty much only with one load. Fortunately, that load is quite useful for the piece.

FWIW
Dale53

 

[Isis1200L]

The LGS had a strange run of larger caliber wheel guns come in not too long ago.
I say strange because they seemed to come in twos and threes of the same model.
There was a 57. Then a 58. Then another 57. With a smattering of 29's in the mix too.
I was very tempted by the 58 . I love target models. But it just was a bit toooo big for me.

g8rb8, Sir. Your taste in firearms and jewelry are impeccable.
I'll take the 58, and the ammonite, please.

 

[JP@AK]

To each their own.
I've lost sights on duty guns so I don't have much use for them on a fighting handgun. One of my friends demands them on his guns.
It takes all kinds to make the world turn I guess

Sure. I never intended to fault you for preferring the fixed sight revolvers. My only point was that there were plenty of LEO guns in use with target sights.

When I carried a gun on duty, it was a Combat Masterpiece. But now my day-to-day carry gun is a Chiefs Special with, of course, a fixed rear sight!

Also, while working as a Security Officer when I was in college after 'Nam, I carried either a Model 10 or a Colt's 1911A1. Both of those had a fixed rear sight. So there you are.

 

[BikerRN]

Sure. I never intended to fault you for preferring the fixed sight revolvers. My only point was that there were plenty of LEO guns in use with target sights.

When I carried a gun on duty, it was a Combat Masterpiece. But now my day-to-day carry gun is a Chiefs Special with, of course, a fixed rear sight!

Also, while working as a Security Officer when I was in college after 'Nam, I carried either a Model 10 or a Colt's 1911A1. Both of those had a fixed rear sight. So there you are.

I never took it as a faulting. [emoji4]
To each their own. I've used both and, like you, have my preferences.
Hope you have a great holiday season and Merry Christmas!

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

 

[glenncal1]

58's are just cool and have a LE history which may explain some of the interest.

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

All the threads lately about the model 58 has me itching for one. The look of an early 58 with a 4" barrel and diamond magnas really does it for me. (I know, weird) I really like the clean lines without the target sights. But the rear target sights of the 57 seem to make more sense to me so it can be dialed in to hit where you want it to. I know some folks like the 57 due to the target sights but what draws you to a 58 over a 57? Inquiring minds want to know. (Me)!
I recently acquired a pre 29 so I have the 44 mag covered but since I reload I'm thinking a 41 magnum might be nice.

I've always preferred the looks of the fixed sight S&W revolvers, but there are practical reasons for preferring them, too, mainly due to increased ruggedness, i.e., sights will not be knocked off alignment or damaged regardless of rough treatment, so fixed sighted revolvers are the better choice for fighting guns.

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

I was practicing taking photos earlier today and it just so happens that the subject matter was the model 58 you are referring to. Sorry for the not-so-good cell phone photo quality.
John

Sweet! A bull-barrel Model 10 on steroids.

 

[BigBill]

Well I purchased the new m57 6" in nickel. A few days later purchased the m58 5" in nickel. I like them both. The m 58 4" is the perfect ccw revolver. The m58 is sleeker and can be drawn quicker with no hang ups. If your life is on the line and the front site or rear site catches in the holster with the m57 dude we're screwed. I like the split open shoulder holster with the 6" barrels. How often do you practice your draw with any handgun?
And that's all I'm gonna say about that.

My brother carried a colt trooper 6" revolver. He pumped gas on the busy interstate.
A guy comes in to get gas with a mean German Shepard. He asks my brother what would he do if he let the dog out. My brother heard the door latch click and the colt was out for some fresh air. The guy tells my brother your lightening fast.
My brother was a nice guy unless you pushed his button then he was a pit bull.

Another time a guy wanted gas and my brother started the pump. These pumps are very fast. My brother goes to another car. The first guy shuts the pump off and restarts it. Think about this my brother did cement work and could press a 175lb barbell set with one arm. My brother confronted the guy and the guy takes a poke at him. Well out comes the pit bull and my brothers co worker went to get the state cop who was parked nearby. My brother had this guy on the ground and my brother was punching him. Luckily my brothers shift just started and he had the pump reading so the guy paid for all his gas. Boy did he have a bad day.

 

[kaaskop49]

Another .41 thread. I had a 4" 57 and disliked it. That wide target trigger standard on the fancier N-frames back then made DA work nearly impossible. It was MUCH heavier than the 48 ozs listed in the catalog. Traded it in for a 58 which was more to my liking.

Back then, as I stated in the last thread, the talk was that the 58 was less strong than the 57 and should only be used with the 210gr lead SWC service load. The heavier hunting load was to be reserved for the 57. Writer George Nonte put an end to this nonsense in a great 58 article in 73-74 in Guns Magazine, IIRC. There were other 'chestnuts' too; the 58's was one of the best.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103