Smith & Wesson S&W Model 57 The .41 Magnum Target 6” Revolver, 1975-76
SOLD OFR: $1,125.93
LSB#: LSB260621JF047
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 57 .41 Magnum
Serial Number: N346401
Year of Manufacture: 1975-1976 / Modern
Caliber: .41 Magnum
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out, Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the right side is marked “41 MAGNUM”. The side plate has S&W’s monogram logo and the right side of the frame has the four-line Marcas Registradas address. The crane cut is marked with the serial number and “MOD. 57”. The butt and star extractor are marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 6”, Serrated rib
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp blade with a red insert attached to a ramped base integral to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched and white outlined leaf in a base that is micrometer click adjustable for windage and elevation. The topstrap and rib are serrated and have a matte finish for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered Goncalo Alves target grips with S&W medallions at the tops. There is little to no visible handling wear. The checkering remains defined with sharp peaks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case-colored hammer and trigger
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its original finish. There is light handling and storage scratches along the barrel. There is minor finish wear along the top of the front sight. There is a light turn line on the cylinder. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with very light side-to-side play on each chamber when the trigger is depressed. The double-action trigger is smooth and the single action 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: Display box w/cleaning kit.
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 57 was introduced in 1964 as the premium sporting and target revolver for the newly developed .41 Remington Magnum cartridge. The cartridge emerged from the efforts of prominent handgun authorities including Elmer Keith and Bill Jordan, who envisioned a powerful .41-caliber revolver cartridge capable of bridging the gap between the .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum. Smith & Wesson built the Model 57 on its large N-frame and gave it the deluxe appointments associated with the company’s premier magnum revolvers, including adjustable target sights, a high-polish blue or nickel finish, and target stocks, while the fixed-sight Model 58 was intended primarily for police service. Although the .41 Magnum never achieved the commercial popularity of the .44 Magnum, the Model 57 developed a dedicated following among handgun hunters, silhouette shooters, and handloaders for its accuracy, power, and excellent N-frame handling characteristics.
This Model 57 presents exceptionally well, retaining approximately 98% of its original blue finish with only light handling and storage scratches, minor front-sight wear, and a light cylinder turn line. The checkered Goncalo Alves target stocks remain in Excellent condition with sharp checkering and no chips or cracks, while the red-ramp front sight and white-outline micrometer-adjustable rear provide the premium target-sight configuration expected on the Model 57. The bright 9/10 bore has sharp rifling and no erosion, and the action remains mechanically strong with a smooth double-action pull, crisp single-action release, and tight lockup showing only very light side-to-side play. Matching serial numbers on the butt, extractor, and other listed locations further support the revolver’s originality, while the included display box provides an attractive presentation. Overall, this is a particularly clean example of Smith & Wesson’s classic .41 Magnum target revolver from the desirable pinned-and-recessed era. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY