Smith & Wesson S&W Model 57 .41 Magnum Target, Nickel 5 7/8” Double Action Revolver & Presentation Case, 1979
SOLD FOR: $1,352
LSB#: 151008JM11
Make: Smith and Wesson
Model: 57 Magnum Target
Serial Number: N690131
Year of Manufacture: 1979-1980 (“Standard Catalog of S&W, 3rd Edition”)
Caliber: .41 Remington Magnum
Action Type: Single and Double Action with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “Smith & Wesson”. The right side plate has an “S&W” logo. The right side of the frame is marked with the 4 line “Marcus Registradas” address and the right side of the barrel is marked “41MAGNUM”. The yoke flat is marked “N690131 / MOD 57”. The yoke is marked “64954” and “F5”. The bottom of the grip frame is marked “N690131” and the left side is marked “64954”, “F5”, “N”, “F11” and “F18”. The right side of the grip frame is marked with “G” in a circle, “M” in a triangle and “4168”.
Barrel Length: The pinned barrel is 5 7/8” in length and has a full length serrated rib.
Sights / Optics: The rear sight is a flat topped white outline square notched target sight screwed to the top strap and adjustable for windage and elevation. The front sight is a serrated blade fixed to the barrel with a bright orange insert at the top of the ramp. The barrel rib and the rear sight base are serrated and have a matte finish to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are oversized checkered Goncalo Alves target stocks with nickel plated S&W medallions on each side. There are a few light marks in the left grip above the top front corner of the checkering. The checkering is sharp with a swath of light wear up the middle of the checkering in the left grip. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: The finish is a highly polished nickel plated finish. The top of the barrel and the top strap are a satin nickel finish, the rear sight is matte black blue, and the target hammer and target trigger are case colored.
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are several very light marks in the finish, and the cylinder has a light partial drag line. The sideplate shows minor signs of having been removed and replaced. The hammer checkering, cylinder latch and ejector rod knurling, and the trigger serrations are sharp. The screw heads are sharp but the grip screw shows marks from a screwdriver. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The double action trigger pull is very smooth, and the single action break is light and crisp. The cylinder lockup is SOLID on all 6 chambers. The target hammer and trigger are both about 0.5” wide. The action functions correctly. We did not fire this revolver.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a walnut colored hardwood presentation case and a blue factory cardboard box. The lid of the case is secured with two brass hinges on the rear and a non-lockable brass latch at the front. The corners of the case are joined with finger joints. The bottom of the case is fitted for this revolver and accessories. The lid is lined with gray foam and the bottom of the case has a molded blue plastic insert that once had a blue velveteen covering. The accessory compartment has a removable lid. The outside of the case shows a few tiny marks in the lid and several light scratches on the bottom surface. The case is in about Fine overall condition. The box has steel supports at the corners and both halves of the box have a blue finish without markings. The inside of the box has brown protectant paper with S&W logos, the original end label from the box and a small sack of accessories. There are a few light marks in the top of the box and some light scuff marks on the bottom surface of the bottom half of the box. The bottom of the box shows minor fraying around its inner top edges. The box is in Fine to Excellent condition. The end label shows the make, model, barrel length, finish, sight and stock information, along with the serial number of this revolver. It is faded slightly yellow from age, but otherwise unflawed. The accessories Include an aluminum cleaning rod with a threaded tip, a bronze brush, a bore mop and a small blued screwdriver with an aluminum handle. The accessories are in Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: This is an S&W Model 57 Target Magnum in .41 Rem. Mag. built on S&W’s large N frame. It has oversized target grips, target sights, target hammer and a wide target trigger. It comes in a factory wooden display case complete with cleaning equipment and the original factory blue cardboard box. The revolver is in about Excellent condition with 98% of its original finish remaining. It shows only a light drag line in the cylinder and a few light marks in the finish. The grips also show only a few light marks with sharp checkering that has a swath of light wear up the center on the left grip. The bore is bright with sharp rifling. This revolver is great for home protection and hunting, and can be used with the hottest .41 Rem. Mag. cartridges. If you load your own, you can lighten the power charge quite a bit to get a very comfortable target load, and with the target sights on this revolver, solid cylinder lockup and excellent bore, it should be a tack driver. But, the nickel finish on this revolver is so pretty, the collectors will be interested just so they can bring it out of the safe every once in a while to admire.
