Smith & Wesson S&W Model 57 No Dash .41 Mag 8 3/8″ DA/SA Revolver 1979-1980
SOLD FOR: $1427
LSB#: 210515MW27
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 57, The .41 Magnum Target
Serial Number: N606788
Year of Manufacture: 1979-1980
Caliber: .41 Remington Magnum
Action Type: Single or Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the right is marked “41 MAGNUM”. The sideplate is marked with the S&W monogram logo and the right of the frame is marked with the four-line marcas registradas address. The crane-cut is marked with the serial and model numbers, the butt of the grip frame is also marked with the serial number. The crane and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks.
Barrel Length: 8 3/8?, Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade with a red insert and is pinned to a serrated ramped base on the serrated rib on the barrel. The rear sight is a flat-topped white outlined square notch in a micrometer adjustable base screwed to the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered Goncalo Alves target stocks with S&W medallions at their tops and a football cut. There are a few little marks through the finish with a few more noticeable scratches on the left grip down at the bottom. There are a couple of small dings on the bottom edges. The grips are uneven, noticeable on the bottom faces and along the front. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are a few scuffs and little marks through the finish on the frame and sideplate but they are mostly obscured with the grips installed. There are a few little dings on the trigger guard. There is some thinning on the edges of the muzzle. There are some draglines and a couple little nicks into the finsih on the barrel. The cylinder has some little nicks and hairline scratches. There are a few little spots of light surface oxidation on the cylinder. The cylinder has a light turn line. There is some thinning on the edges, most noticeable on the bottom of the frame and on the cylinder. There is some standard operational wear. The screw heads are mostly sharp, some are lightly worn. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup shows barely perceptible play with the trigger depressed. The double action trigger is smooth and the single action trigger is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a wood S&W presentation case with promotional paperwork (no manual), and a cleaning kit.
Our Assessment: This is a S&W Model 57 .41 Magnum Target revolver. It has a 8 3/8” barrel, a high luster blued finish, adjustable target sights, target hammer, target trigger and checkered wood target grips. The .41 Rem. Mag. was conceived by Elmer Keith and was originally intended for hunting and law enforcement use. He envisioned two different loads: a hot load for hunting and a milder police load. When used with heavy hunting loads, the .41 Magnum offers a flatter trajectory than the .44 Magnum, and can nearly equal its muzzle energy, especially in the new loadings available from Cor-Bon and Buffalo Bore. The .41 Magnum never caught on to the same extent as the smaller .357 or larger .44 Magnum, making these revolvers more scarce than the Models 27 and 29. This particular example is in Fine condition retaining a great bore and strong mechanics. With its hammer-mounted firing pin, pinned barrel and recessed chambers, they quite literally do not make them like this anymore. This is a great find for the S&W collector or .41 Magnum fan. Please see our photos and good luck!