Smith & Wesson S&W 657-3 Classic Hunter .41 Mag Mag-Na-Port Revolver
SOLD FOR: $1826
LSB#: 210923SS37
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 657-3, The .41 Magnum Classic Hunter
Serial Number: CAH7736
Year of Manufacture: 1991
Caliber: .41 Magnum
Action Type: 6-Shot, Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Unfluted Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “Smith & Wesson”. The right side of the barrel is marked “41 Magnum Classic Hunter”. The yoke cut is marked with the serial and model numbers. The right side of the frame is marked with the four-line Marcas Registradas address, the sideplate has S&W’s monogram logo. The yoke and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks. The ejector rod recess is marked “S”. The butt of the grip frame is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 6 1/2″ Mag-Na-Ported
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade, it is pinned to a ramped base that is integral to a serrated rib. There is a white outlined square notch S&W micrometer click adjustable rear sight installed on the topstrap, it is adjustable for windage and elevation. The topstrap under the rear sight is drilled and tapped for mounting optics (none included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a black rubber Hogue monogrip with finger grooves, molded S&W monogram logos, and their pebble texture. There are some scattered scuffs and rubs. The texturing is strong. There are no rips or tears. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the Electro Chemically Machined rifling is strong. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. There is a tiny scrape on the front of the trigger guard. There are some scattered draglines from use and storage. There are a few tiny little nicks, most noticeable on the bottom of the underlug at the muzzle. There are some light handling marks and there is standard operational wear including a light turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp to lightly worn with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double-action trigger is smooth and the single action is crisp. The cylinder lockup has very little play on all chambers. 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: Included is a serial matching S&W case and paperwork including the manual.
Our Assessment: This is a S&W Model 657 .41 Magnum Stainless revolver. It has a 6 1/2” barrel, stainless finish, target rear sight, serrated ramp front sight, and a Hogue Monogrip grip. It is just like their earlier Model 57 except in stainless steel. 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 627 and 629. This particular example is in Fine Plus condition retaining a great bore and strong mechanics. This one is the Classic Hunter model that was made in 1991 as a part of a limited 2000 gun run, it has an unfluted cylinder and 6 1/2″ barrel, it has since been sent to Mag-Na-Port for barrel porting and looks phenomenal. This is a rugged revolver just waiting to be shot, this is a great find for the S&W collector or .41 Magnum fan. Please see our photos and good luck!