Smith & Wesson S&W Model 57 — The 41 Magnum Double Action Target Revolver & Case

Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: Model 57, the .41 Magnum Target
Serial Number: N324501
Year of Manufacture: 1975-1976
Caliber: .41 Magnum
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”. The left side of the grip frame is marked “G14 / 7444C G5” with “RE” in a circle. The right side of the grip frame is marked with “W” in a square and “E” in a circle. The yoke cut is marked “N324501 / MOD 57-0” (the model is stamped over “?9-2”.) The first number largely illegible but we believe it to be a “2”. Corrected factory stamping errors such as this are known. The yoke is marked “74440”. The butt is marked “N324501”. The right side of the barrel is marked “41 MAGNUM” and the right side of the frame is marked with the four line Marcas Registradas address. The right sideplate is marked with the S&W logo.
Barrel Length: 8 3/8” Pinned Barrel
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a red insert serrated ramp on an elevated base. The rear sight is an S&W adjustable micrometer click white outline square notch.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are oversized Goncalo Alves Target stocks with brass colored S&W medallions on them. There are two compressions on the front portion of the right grip. The top arch of the right grip has a small spot where the lacquer is missing. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is the lightest dragline on the cylinder. There are a couple of compression marks below the finish on the left side of the frame. These are covered by the grips. The S&W logo on the right sideplate is slightly thinned. . The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a blue felt lined wooden box with a cardboard outer sleeve. The outer sleeve has a matching end label. The felt lined plastic interior is cracked at the backstrap. The original cleaning rod, bore mop, brush, and screwdriver are included. The original owner’s manual and various other pamphlets are included along with the original S&W wrapping paper. The exterior of the wooden box rates in about Excellent Condition.
Our Assessment: While some think of the S&W .41 Remington Magnum as the DIRTY HARRY .44 magnum’s little brother, it was originally designed by Elmer Keith to be the “Ultimate Cop’s gun” more powerful than the .357 magnum and with less kick than the big .44. The Model 41 never took off as a service sidearm, but this Excellent condition specimen would make a fantastic addition to any magnum caliber hand loader’s or Smith & Wesson enthusiast’s collection.