Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 57, .41 Magnum Target

Serial Number: N787018

Year of Manufacture: 1980

Caliber: .41 Magnum, Recessed Chambers

Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Hand Ejector Revolver

Barrel Length: 8 3/8”, Pinned

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp blade with a red insert, it is set on a ramped base integral to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched and white outlined leaf in a base that is micrometer click adjustable for windage and elevation.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth Goncalo Alves Target stocks with an extractor "football" cut and S&W medallions. The grips have some nicks, scuffs and scratches, most on or around the bottom. There is a more notable ding on the bottom edge of the right panel at the rear. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original, exposed markings have been gold paint-filled.

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

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. There is minor finish wear on the face of the muzzle. There are scattered tiny nicks and scratches. The action shows minor operational wear with a faint turn-line on the cylinder, not through the finish. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in 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: None.

Our Assessment: This is a S&W Model 57 .41 Magnum Target revolver. It has a 8 3/8” barrel, blued finish, adjustable target sights, target hammer, target trigger and nice Golcalo Alves target stocks. 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, recessed chambers, and pinned barrel, 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!