Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 57-1, The .41 Magnum Target

Serial Number: N916440

Year of Manufacture: 1982-1986

Caliber: .41 Remington Magnum

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

Barrel Length: 8 3/8"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade with an orange plastic insert integral to a serrated ramped base on the serrated rib on the barrel. The rear sight is a white-outlined 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 speedloader cut and S&W medallions. The fit of the grips to the frame at the rear indicates that they are not original to the gun. The grips have a few light marks on their bottom face. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9+/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered tiny marks. There is infrequent faint surface oxidation, most covered by the grips when installed. The action shows light operational wear with a thin, incomplete turn-line 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 Fine-plus 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: None.

Our Assessment: This is a S&W Model 57-1 .41 Magnum Target revolver. It has an 8 3/8” barrel, a high luster blued finish, adjustable target sights, target hammer, target trigger and replacement Goncalo Alves 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-plus condition retaining a great bore and strong mechanics. This is a great find for the S&W collector or .41 Magnum fan. Please see our photos and good luck!