Smith & Wesson S&W Model 57 No Dash .41 Mag 8 3/8″ Nickel Revolver
SOLD FOR: $1630.25
LSB#: 210923JZ06
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 57, The .41 Magnum Target
Serial Number: N431621
Year of Manufacture: 1977-1978
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. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “N”. The interior of the right grip panel is dated “NOV 30 1983”.
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 faint marks and a tiny hairline scratch on the bottom faces. There is a soft bruise on the left grip down at the bottom. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are slightly shy to the backstrap and slightly proud to the rear of the frame at the very top. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition as not original to the revolver.
Type of Finish: Nickel
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 97% of its metal finish. The finish under the grips is slightly cloudy. There are some swirls from use and storage. There are some spots of dark discoloration on the muzzle itself from previous oxidation. The barrel has some freckled spots of cloudy finish and faint discoloration, most noticeable on the left side at the muzzle, there are also a few spots on the back of the frame. There is a light turn line 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 Plus 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 a cleaning kit, screwdriver, and paperwork including the manual.
Our Assessment: This is a S&W Model 57 .41 Magnum Target revolver. It has a 8 3/8” barrel, a nickel 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 of the Model 57 is in Fine Plus 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!