New S&W M57, questions

[Nightcrawler]

As I said in another thread, I recently acquired a 6" Smith & Wesson model 57 in .41 Magnum. The revolver is in almost pristine condition, and it was a great buy for $350 (though I apparently missed the 4" model I would've preferred by about three days). The factory wood grips are nice, but uncomfortable for me, so I've got a set of Pachmayr Presentation grips on the way (to be replaced with Hogue Pao Ferro grips when funds allow).

So who else has these revolvers (Model 57s)? How do they shoot? Can anybody recommend ammo brands for them? Plinking, hunting, self defense, etc.

Thanks!

PS: Let's see some pictures of your .41 Magnums! I'll get pictures of my new acquisition up as soon as possible.

 

[ACP230]

I have a Smith M57 that I bought from the great revolver shooter Jerry Mickulek. Despite that it doesn't shoot as well for me as his M27 does for Jerry. Why is that, I wonder?

It is a nice revolver and my favorite .41, although my four-inch nickel M58 is giving it a run for its money.

I have fired the Winchester Silvertip 175 grain loads and Federal Cast Core heavy bullet loads in my M57. The Cast Core hunting rounds were a bit brutal for it in my opinion. The Silvertips shot larger groups than my reloads, but would probably work for defense or short range deer hunting.

In the M58 I've shot a couple boxes of Remingtons 210 grain LSWC "Police Load." They run about 900 fps and are controllable and quite accurate. My reloads use similar bullets and are about 100 fps faster from the M57.

The .41 Magnum may make you a reloader. The are few factory loads available for it in this area. The round can be quite versatile but you almost have to reload to take advantage of it.

 

[Jeff OTMG]

I have a modified mod 57 and it shoots great, of course it has a Douglas Premium air gauge match heavy barrel and a Bomar rib. I will take a picture when I get home and post it.

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's Nightcrawler-

I started out my "magnum relationship's" with a NIB
4" barrel Smith & Wesson model 57; complete with
the factory presentation case; back in 1970. Also,
it was the very first caliber I handloaded custom
ammunition for. My favorite bullet was the 170 grain
Sierra JHC; pushed along at an advertised 1300 fps
with Winchester-Western 630-P. Sorry, but I don't
remember the exact powder charge; but this proved
to be a very accurate load.

As a side note, our local dealer has a 6" model 57
right now that he wants $325.00 for; but with my
5" Smith & Wesson 629-5 .44 magnum "Classic",
I don't see any need for it! The gun is in
great shape; but it comes with the factory narrow
trigger, instead of the target type. Could be that
this firearm has been "tampered" with; or a special
order item? For now, I'm sticking to my .44 maggie!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[41mag M&P]

I remember Georgia Arms having a couple of loads for the .41 mag including a 210gr HP. I believe their other load is the old police load.

I haven't bought factory ammo for the .41 in a LONG time. The .41 is what started me reloading.

 

[JOE MACK]

For deer-sized game, the Federal Premium ammo (210grJHP) works well as does the PMC. For the larger, tougher stuff, you can't go wrong with Federal Cast Core, Buffalo Bore, or Corbon. Since it's an early gun, I wouldn't make a habit of shooting too much hot stuff through it. Welcome to the ranks! RKBA!

 

[caz223]

Thus begins your foray into reloading.

 

[JDSlack]

Ala Dan, can you give me contact info on the dealer with the mod.57?

 

[oscar]

I have 2 57's and they are among my favorite revolvers. I really recommend reloading unless you are very wealthy. Silvertips are fine for defense.

 

[M58]

M57...what it is..?
Enjoy.

 

[Mike Irwin]

I have a 4" Model 58.

Wonderful gun. Lots of fun.

Remington 210-gr. JSP is WICKED. Whenever I'm shooting it it never fails to draw a couple of people over to see what I'm annoying everyone else with.

Unfortunately, it's also wicked price wise -- $24.95 for a box of 50.

A .41 Mag. is really a cartridge you want to reload if you want to do much more than an occasional plinking trip with.

 

[CMcDermott]

I reload for my 41 Mag's, for my Cowboy Shooting with a pair of Ruger Bisleys and Marlin CCL I use 5.0 gr of Titegroup, WLP primers and generic 210-215 SWC bullets. I also use this as a plinking load in my S&W's.
My full power load is 20.0 gr of Lil' Gun, WLP primer and 220 grain Keith's SWC. This is a safe, but full power load that should be worked up to from about 17 grains. This load works fine in my scoped 7.5" Redhawk, but is rather painful in my 657 Mountain Gun. Amazing what an extra couple of pounds does to reduce recoil.