Smith & Wesson S&W Model 57 No Dash .41 Mag 6″ Nickel Revolver, 1980
SOLD FOR: $1380
LSB#: 220501MW016
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 57, The .41 Magnum Target
Serial Number: N775175
Year of Manufacture: 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 yoke cut is marked with the serial and model numbers. The butt is marked with the serial number. The yoke and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “N”. The grips have numbers in ink and the right grip is marked with the date “OCT 29 1991”.
Barrel Length: 6?, Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade with a red insert integral 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 replacement Smith & Wesson grips are smooth Goncalo Alves target stocks with a speedloader cut and S&W medallions. There are a couple of dings through the finish, most noticeable on the right panel towards the bottom. The fitment is is imprecise along the backstrap and back of the frame. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in about Fine Plus condition.
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 96% of its metal finish. There are some scattered swirl marks and draglines on the nickel. There are a couple cloudy areas but they are mostly under the grips. There are some scattered small spots of finish loss on the cylinder. There is a thin turn line on the cylinder. There are some scattered light handling marks. There is standard operational wear. The screw heads are lightly worn. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has minor 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: Included is a manual.
Our Assessment: This is a S&W Model 57 .41 Magnum Target revolver. It has a 6” barrel, nickel finish, adjustable target sights, target hammer, target trigger and nice Golcalo Alves target stocks. 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 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!