Smith & Wesson Model 57 Nickel .41 Magnum 4” Revolver Pinned & Recessed
SOLD FOR: $1,876.00
LSB#: LSB250804MF021
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 57
Serial Number: N808781
Year of Manufacture: 1980–1983 / Modern
Caliber: .41 Magnum
Action Type: Double Action / Single Action Revolver with 6-Shot Fluted Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON.” The right side of the barrel is marked “.41 MAGNUM.” The right side of the frame bears the Marcas Registradas and “MADE IN U.S.A.” rollmark. The right side plate shows the Smith & Wesson monogram logo. The yoke cut is stamped “N808781 / MOD. 57.”
Barrel Length: 4” (Pinned)
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp with an orange insert, forged to a raised boss on the barrel. The rear sight is a square-notch, fully adjustable micro-click sight mounted to the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The revolver is fitted with a black Hogue Monogrip of checkered, cobblestone-textured rubber with finger grooves. There are no losses or damage to the grips, and they remain secure to the frame.
Type of Finish: Factory Nickel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling and light fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains approximately 97% of its original nickel finish. The metal surfaces show some faint surface marks, light scuffs, and burn rings on the cylinder face from use. The edges remain crisp, and there is no evidence of abuse, pitting, or corrosion. The hammer and trigger are wide target-style components, and all markings are clear and legible. The barrel is pinned, and the cylinder is recessed—features highly regarded among collectors as hallmarks of S&W’s golden-era craftsmanship.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly in both double and single action. The lock-up is tight and timing is proper. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment:
The Smith & Wesson Model 57 was introduced in 1964 as the premium N-frame revolver chambered in .41 Magnum—a cartridge conceived by Elmer Keith, Bill Jordan, and Skeeter Skelton to bridge the gap between the .357 and .44 Magnums. Though never achieving the widespread popularity of its siblings, the .41 Magnum developed a loyal following among law enforcement professionals and handgun hunters who appreciated its flatter trajectory and reduced recoil compared to the .44.
This particular revolver, produced between 1980 and 1983, represents the last of the pinned-and-recessed era before S&W’s endurance package updates of the late 1980s. Its mirror-bright nickel finish, wide target hammer and trigger, and four-inch barrel make it one of the most striking configurations of the Model 57. While the model was never a commercial powerhouse, it remains a symbol of precision hand-fitting and the elegance of Smith & Wesson’s late 20th-century craftsmanship—an era when form, function, and finish were at their peak.
KF
