Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 657, The .41 Magnum Stainless

Serial Number: AUT0650

Year of Manufacture: ca. 1986-1987

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 pinned to a serrated ramped base on the serrated rib on the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch in a micrometer adjustable base screwed to the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece Rogers checkered faux-wood synthetic panels with finger grooves. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Stainless Steel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn copper 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. The action shows light operational wear with a thin turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Fine-Ecellent 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 657 .41 Magnum Stainless revolver. It has an 8 3/8” barrel, adjustable target sights, target hammer, and replacement Rogers 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 686 or 629. This particular example is in Fine-Excellent 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!