Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 57, The .41 Magnum Target

Serial Number: N649415

Year of Manufacture: 1979-1980

Caliber: .41 Remington Magnum

Action Type: Single or Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder

Barrel Length: 4", Pinned

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade with a red insert and is pinned to a ramped base on the serrated rib on the barrel. The rear sight is a flat-topped square notch in a micrometer adjustable base screwed to the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered Goncalo Alves target stocks with S&W medallions at their tops and a football cut. The grips have minor handling wear with a few scattered small marks. There is a tiny crack on the right panel at the corner where the top of the backstrap meets the frame. The checkering is well defined. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. There are some scattered minor scuffs and swirling. There are a few tiny nicks. The action shows light operational wear including light turn-wear on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: Included is a wood presentation case with red fabric interior, screwdriver, cleaning rod, mop, brush and manual.

Our Assessment: This is a S&W Model 57 .41 Magnum Target revolver. It has a 4” barrel, nickel finish, adjustable target sights, target hammer, target trigger and checkered 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!