Custom Smith & Wesson S&W Model 657 41 Magnum Stainless DA/SA Revolver 1986
SOLD FOR: $1,453.00
LSB#: LSB260421DD096
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 657
Serial Number: AJR4720
Year of Manufacture: 1986
Caliber: .41 Magnum
Action Type: 6 Shot, Single / Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out fluted Cylinder and Ejector.
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the right is marked “41 MAGNUM”. The side plate 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 “AJR4720 / MOD 657” the crane is marked “B5 / 93729”. The butt of the grip frame is marked with the serial number “AJR4720”. There are various proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: 4″ Bull Barrel
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a 1/8″ serrated black ramp sight pinned on a ramp on the barrel rib. The rear sight is an adjustable square notch.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece Goncalo alves checkered stocks with a speedloader cut. The texturing is sharp. There are no chips or cracks, and just a few tiny scuffs and compression marks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless.
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is mirror bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, though there is a bit of fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are small frosted areas throughout — reflecting what may be holster wear. There are a few scratches. There is a faint turn line. The markings are clear, the screw heads vary from sharp to lightly tooled with serviceable slots. Overall, this handgun rates a Very Good condition. The top strap and top of barrel has a matte finish for glare reduction.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup shows light side to side play in lockup. 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: Original S&W cardboard box with serial number.
Our Assessment: Back in 1964, Elmer Keith and Bill Jordan collaborated on a project to produce something more potent than the .357 and with less recoil than the .44 Magnum. The successful result was the joint-release of the S&W Model 57 and the Remington .41 Magnum. Shortly thereafter the very similar Model 58 was released, as the .41 Magnum Military and Police. This gun is the stainless version of that Model 57.
The Model 657 is built on Smith & Wesson’s large N-frame platform, providing a solid foundation to handle the recoil generated by the .41 Magnum cartridge. Its solid stainless steel construction ensures durability and longevity, making it suitable for heavy use in various shooting environments. The .41 Magnum cartridge offers a potent combination of power, accuracy, and manageable recoil, making it suitable for a variety of shooting applications, including hunting medium-sized game, target shooting, and self-defense. It can be loaded up to nearly .44Mag power and down to .357. Its reputation is that of hitting harder than the .357 without the recoil of the .44. It is thus a very popular cartridge among the handgun-hunting crowd.
This particular Model 657 was made in 1986 — the first year of production. Its box is labeled Product Code 103952, meaning it comes with target sights, a combat trigger, and a .500″ target hammer.
Overall the Smith & Wesson Model 657 .41 Magnum has left a lasting legacy in the firearms community, earning a reputation for its reliability, accuracy, and craftsmanship. While production of the Model 657 ceased in 2005, it remains highly sought after by collectors and shooters who appreciate its classic design and performance. -C.B..