Smith & Wesson S&W Model 57 .41 Magnum 4″ Nickel Double Action Revolver
SOLD FOR: $1,425.00
LSB#: LSB260407AL001
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 57
Serial Number: N633938
Year of Manufacture: 1979-80 / Modern (Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson 5th Edition)
Caliber: .41 Remington Magnum
Action Type: Single or Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the right side is marked “41 MAGNUM”. The right 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 with the serial number “N633938” and model number “MOD 57”, the butt of the grip frame is also marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 4″ Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade with red insert integral to a ramp atop the rib. The rear sight is a flat top rectangular notch sight screwed to the top strap with elevation and windage micro click adjustment and white outline of the notch.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece oversize target Goncalvo alves stocks with the the “football” cutout. There is a 1/2″ chip in the toe of the right stock. There are moderate handling marks in the form of scratches, compression marks, and very small areas of finish loss. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in a Good condition.
Type of Finish: Nickel. Case Colored Hammer and Trigger
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. There is some minor fouling present. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its nickel finish. The balance of the finish loss appears as freckled loss under the stocks — some of which has allowed corrosion to form in its absence. The cylinder has a prominent turn line. There is burn marking on the leading edges of the cylinder. The screw heads are lightly tooled with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup shows very little play with the trigger depressed on all cylinders. There is good timing and no end shake. 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 (The 41 Magnum Target and the Remington .41 Magnum. Shortly thereafter the very similar Model 58 was released as the .41 Magnum Military and Police.
The Model 57 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 construction ensures durability and longevity, making it suitable for heavy use. 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 just what Keith and Jordan intended — 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 57 .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 57 ceased in 2009, it resumed under S&W’s “Classics” banner. The revolver remains highly sought after by collectors and shooters who appreciate its classic design and performance. Please see our photos. -C.B..