Smith & Wesson Model 57 No Dash .41 Mag 8 3/8 Inch DA/SA Revolver 1980-1983
SOLD FOR: $1,025.00
LSB#: WY250322JJ003
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 57, The .41 Magnum Target
Serial Number: N884792
Year of Manufacture: 1980-1983
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 crane-cut is marked with the serial and model numbers, the butt of the grip frame is also marked with the serial number. The crane and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks.
Barrel Length: 8 ? Inches, Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade with a red insert and is pinned 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 grips are two-piece checkered Goncalo Alves target stocks with S&W medallions at their tops and a football cut. There are very few marks or imperfections with the finish.The grips are uneven, noticeable along the front. The checkering is sharp. Some of the cellophane from the display box has stuck to the grips. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. This writer would rate it at 8/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The cellophane that the gun has been resting on in the box is disintegrating and has gotten the fine particles all over the gun. There are some spots on the grips and barrel where it has stuck to the firearm. There are minimal imperfections aside from the cellophane on the surface. The cylinder has a light turn line and is a little stiff when opening. There is some very light operational wear. The screw heads are mostly sharp, some are lightly worn. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup shows minimal 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: This revolver comes in a wood S&W presentation case (note that the cellophane is disintigrading).
Our Assessment: This is a S&W Model 57 .41 Magnum Target revolver. It has a 8 3/8” barrel, a high luster blued finish, adjustable target sights, target hammer, target trigger and checkered wood target grips. 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 Good 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! -C.R.
