Smith & Wesson S&W Model 57 No Dash 6″ 41 Magnum DA/SA Revolver 1973 NO CA
Sold For: $1150
LSB#: 201019MW35
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 57, The .41 Magnum Target
Serial Number: N145204
Year of Manufacture: 1973
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 is marked with the serial number, found again on the underside of the ejector star. The crane and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks. The interior of the ejector shroud is matched and marked “145204”.
Barrel Length: 6″, Pinned. 5 ?” Measured
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade with red insert integral to serrated ramped base pinned to the serrated rib on the barrel. The rear of the front sight presents a small gap to the ramped base. 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 smooth Goncalo Alves target stocks with S&W medallions at their tops. The grips show light handling wear. The grips get progressively more shy to the frame the further upwards towards the frame they go. There is a gap at the front strap, wideset at the trigger guard. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips appear in about Excellent condition but rate in about Fine condition due to fitment.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There sides of the frame have some little spots of finish loss and nicks, some are obscured by the grips. The front sight presents a small gap to the base at the rear. The barrel has some scrapes at the muzzle on the left side. The left side of the ejector rod shroud has a few little nicks. The corners at the front of the cylinder formed by the flutes have some wear and there is a small spot of oxidation on the cylinder. The cylinder has a turn line through the finish. The trigger and hammer have some thinning. Some of the edges have some thinning, most noticeable on the trigger guard and front of the frame at the bottom. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup shows barely perceptible 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 with a blue interior and a lidded accessory compartment in the tray portion. The exterior shows some scratches and scrapes, mainly on the top and bottom from storage. The interior has some light compressions on the lid from storage but no stains. The case is in about Fine condition.
Our Assessment: This is a S&W Model 57 .41 Magnum Target revolver. It has a 6” barrel, a high luster blued finish, adjustable target sights, target hammer, target trigger and smooth 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 Fine 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!