Custom Smith & Wesson S&W Model 657 41 Magnum Stainless DA/SA Revolver 1986

More Sold Revolvers

SOLD FOR: $1,725.00

LSB#: LSB260306ML021

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 657

Serial Number: AJR5913

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 “AJR5913 / MOD 657” the crane is marked “A94164”. The butt of the grip frame is marked with the serial number “AJR5913”. There are various proofs throughout.

Barrel Length: 4″ Bull Barrel

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a green fiber optic sight pinned onto a ramp in the barrel rib. The rear sight is an adjustable square notch with a white outline.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The replaced grips are a single piece pebble textured rubber Hogue grips with finger grooves. The texturing is sharp. There are no chips or cracks, though there are scuffs and compression marks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good 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 90% of its metal finish. There are nicks, faint scratches, and some frosted areas throughout — reflecting the honest wear of what many have served as a hunting handgun. There is a sharp turn line. The markings are clear, the screw heads vary from lightly to heavily 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 very minimal 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: None

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.

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..