Firearm selection for Real Guns pages is predicated on what gets or holds my personal attention; firearm, cartridge, handloading, shop projects, etc. Why not? I have no idea what you folks like and after 20 some odd years of writing, if there is nothing to pique my curiosity or contribute to having fun, it just ain’t happening. Fortunately, my interest and your interest appear to occasionally cross paths. Take for example, this big S&W N frame, chambered for the 41 Remington Magnum.
The S&W Model 57 Magnum Target was the first revolver to be chambered for the 41 Magnum. Its introduction on February of 1964 came six months ahead of the fixed sight S&W Model 58 41 Magnum Military and Police model. Interesting sequencing as the 41 Magnum was conceived as an optimal police round.
The modern classic interpretation…
Over the years, the Model 57 had been available in numerous configurations and it received numerous design revisions until its discontinuation in 1993. The Model 57 was brought back in 2005 as a limited production 4″ barrel Mountain Gun with an internal lock and round butt N frame, then placed back into regular production with a 6″ barrel and square butt N frame as part of S&W Classic series in 2014. Some things stayed the same as the original, some things changed.
The current cylinder is 1.67″ long, as revised on the 1982 Model 57-2. Consistent with the same period revisions, the chambers are not counter bored, and the barrel is not pinned. Consistent with pre 1955 N frames, the current Model 57-6 has 4 screw side plate with the current yoke retention system and no trigger guard screw. Like the original Model 57s, current production has a 0.500″ wide target hammer and a 0.400″ wide trigger with a grooved face. The back strap is striated vertically.
The current S&W Target grips are hand filling and comfortable; nicely grained, checkered walnut. They are thinner at the top than the early style target grips and they are cut low from the frame for reduced bulk and speed loader clearance
The Model 57 has a well proven and appropriate sight set. The rear is windage and elevation adjustable. The front is raised and ramped with a blade that is pinned to permit change to different heights and types.
Both the top portion of the rear sight body and the barrel rib from the revolver’s frame to front sight are serrated to reduce glare. Adjustment is mechanically precise and adjustment stay put even during heavy live fire.
Overall
|
S&W Model 57 Classic |
|
| Company |
Smith & Wesson |
| Point of Manufacturer |
Springfield, MA |
| SKU # |
150481 |
| Type of Action |
DA/SA |
| Caliber |
41 Remington Magnum |
| Capacity |
6 |
| Barrel Length |
6″ |
| Barrel Material |
Carbon Steel |
| Rifling Twist Rate |
1:18.75″ |
| Frame Material |
Carbon Steel |
| Hardware Finish |
Blued |
| Grips |
Checkered Walnut |
| Front Sight |
Ramped – Orange Insert |
| Rear Sight |
Notched W/E Adjustable |
| Scope Accommodation |
Drilled & Tapped |
| Weight of Firearm |
48 Oz. |
| Overall Length |
11 1/2″ |
| Overall Height |
6 1/4″ |
| Width |
1.715″ |
| Manual Safety |
No |
| Frame Lock |
Yes |
| CA Certified |
Yes |
| MA Certified |
Yes |
| MD Certified |
Yes |
| MSRP |
$1009 |
Overall, the Model 57 has the look and feel of S&W revolvers of the 60’s and 70’s. The deep black finish, the clean fit of parts and the heat treated hammer and trigger. The feel is good; hand filling, balanced, proper heft. Pulling up or drawing down on a target is quick and steady and the sight picture is excellent.
For me, the Model 57 is too large for concealed carry, but light enough for field carry on a belt or shoulder or cross chest. Good for a primary or secondary firearm while out hunting or for self defense.
Why was the original discontinued? My guess, considering other N frames have persisted in one form or another is the cyclical popularity of the 41 Magnum. I’ve shot the cartridge a good deal, handload and factory ammunition, and it is an excellent round. Plenty of power, a little lighter than the 44 Magnum, and flexible handloading in bullet weight, type and power levels.
At this time, the 41 Magnum is enjoying a revival, so firearms chambered for the 41 Magnum are showing up again and maybe some expansion of factory ammunition will happen this time around. At the moment, eight manufacturers account for 27 factory loads, ranging from 170 to 300 grains. Ammo price ranges from 97 cents per round to $2.24 for the more exotic specialty loads. Typical is $1.50. Ammo is sold in boxes of twenty or 50 rounds depending on manufacturer. Usually, the higher the per round price, the smaller the box.
For handloaders, brass is readily available but limited in source. At the moment, bare brass is produced by Starline where factory empties are not available. Eight manufacturers produce 20 bullet types, a cast and jacked mix, 170 to 265 grains. It would be nice if firearm, ammunition and component manufacturers would coordinate better on supply and demand.
We’ll take a break here, get our ammo selections rounded up, and be back with live fire results and shooting impressions left by the S&W Model 57.
S&W’s Model 57 Classic 41 Magnum Part 1
S&W’s Model 57 Classic 41 Magnum Part II
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