Smith & Wesson S&W Model 57 The .41 Magnum Target 8 3/8” Revolver, 1979-80
SOLD FOR: $1,226.99
LSB#: LSB260621JF050
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 57 .41 Magnum
Serial Number: N605635
Year of Manufacture: 1979-1980 / Modern
Caliber: .41 Magnum
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out, Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the right side is marked “41 MAGNUM”. The side plate has S&W’s monogram logo and the right side of the frame has the four-line Marcas Registradas address. The crane cut is marked with the serial number and “MOD. 57”.
Barrel Length: 8 3/8”, Serrated rib
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp blade with a red insert attached to a ramped base integral to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched and white outlined leaf in a base that is micrometer click adjustable for windage and elevation. The topstrap and rib are serrated and have a matte finish for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The refinished stocks are two-piece checkered Goncalo Alves target grips with S&W medallions at the tops. There is little to no visible handling wear. There is minor clouding on the front of the grips. There are runs in the finish, primarily on the right stock panel. The checkering remains defined with sharp peaks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case-colored hammer and trigger
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is very minor fouling in the grooves. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its original finish. There is light handling and storage scratches throughout. There are some oxidation freckles at the muzzle and the right rear of the barrel, as well as on the cylinder. There is a light turn line on the cylinder. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with very light side-to-side play on each chamber when the trigger is depressed. The double-action trigger is smooth and the single action 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: Display box w/cleaning kit.
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 57 was introduced in 1964 as the premium sporting and target revolver for the newly developed .41 Remington Magnum cartridge. Conceived through the efforts of influential handgunners including Elmer Keith and Bill Jordan, the .41 Magnum was intended to occupy the performance gap between the .357 and .44 Magnums, although the production cartridge ultimately emerged as a true magnum rather than the moderate police round originally envisioned. Smith & Wesson chambered the cartridge in its large N-frame, offering the deluxe Model 57 with adjustable target sights and premium appointments while the fixed-sight Model 58 addressed the law-enforcement market. The Model 57 developed a particularly loyal following among handgun hunters, handloaders, and long-range shooters, with the 8 3/8″ version earning a strong reputation for accuracy and silhouette shooting. This N605635 example dates to the 1979-1980 period and represents the classic pinned-barrel, recessed-cylinder era of Model 57 production.
This Model 57 remains a handsome, high-condition example, retaining approximately 97% of its original blue finish with only light handling and storage scratches, scattered oxidation freckling, and a light cylinder turn line. The refinished Goncalo Alves target stocks remain in Fine condition with sharp checkering and no structural damage, though clouding and visible runs disclose their later finish work. The red-ramp front sight and white-outline micrometer-adjustable rear sight are characteristic premium Model 57 appointments, while the bright 9/10 bore with sharp rifling and no erosion is another strong feature. Mechanically, the revolver remains excellent, with smooth double-action operation, a crisp single-action release, and tight cylinder lockup showing only very light side-to-side play. The included display box and cleaning kit further enhance the presentation. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY