S&W model 58 .41

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OLDTRUCKER

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Am looking at a model 58 S&W .41 cal 4 in barrel stock grips. Very slight wear on barrel and side of cylinder. appears to be in great condition. Don't know anything about .41cals. Would it be a dependable gun. And about what is it worth. Made in early 70's.
 
These are something of a sleeper as they are the only N frame magnum in the fixed sight M&P configuration. And the .41 Magnum cartridge is a sleeper as well; a group of enthusiasts keeps this round alive. Performance is less than the .44 Magnum and more than the .357. Lots of people LOVE this cartridge.

They don't usually last long on the auction sites.

Dependable? Yes. In good repair a modern Smith revolver is a joy.

Value? Based on your description I would say around $500-600.

If the fixed sights are cool with you then you'll likely fall in love with that revolver.
 
Stu, the S&W 520 in 357 and some 629s have been made with fixed sights but they have shrouded barrels. The 58 is the only one with an unshrouded ejector rod if that is what you are saying M&P configuration.
 
The 58 proved a commercial flop. In recent years it has attained near cult status and prices are ridiculous for what the gun is, which is a heavy revolver with fixed sights. Original stocks are slightly rounded at the bottom (called Modified Magnas by S&W) and the only other N frame to come with them was the short production run M520 in 1980.

I bought one in the 1980s as a curiosity. Paid $189 for it from a dealer selling police returns. Should have bought them all and cleaned up a few years later when prices went through the roof. I don't find it to be a particularly useful handgun. Sure, it's fun to shoot but all guns are fun to shoot.

The 41 Magnum ammo is costly and can be hard to find in small shops or out of the way places. Reloading is easy (and needed) but bullet selection is far more limited than for the 44 caliber.

If you see a 58 and want it then buy it. But the 57 with the target sights is a more useful gun and really, if I could only have one, the 27 in 357 Magnum is the best choice.

Here's mine (with correct stocks).


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I personally would look at one very seriously if it was priced in the $650 area especially if it was still with factory grips.

The 41 Mag is a great caliber. At 21 I would not have been interested in a fixed sight revolver, but 20 years later I tend to prefer them as I seldom adjust the sights anyway.
 
"By the way, it is the only N frame I desire. "

What? You mean to tell me you wouldn't like to have this one?


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Or this one?


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Not even this one?


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Or either of these?


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Of all the beautiful N frames that have been made the only one you desire is the 58?

Peasant...
 
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From what I have read the model 58 was supposed to be a sidearm for police officers while the 57 was a sporting revolver. I sure do wish my department would let me work with a model 58 instead of a Glock 22.
 
Oh I want an old 3.5" Model 27 SaxonPig ! I got a killer old NYSP 520 allready. But I wouldn't kick a nice 58 out of bed if it was less than $500. And I don't do .41 !
 
Mdl58.jpg

This one isn't pretty anymore, but it has earned a place of honor in my gun safe.

I took it out and put some rounds through it last summer. It had been nearly 30 years, but we are still a good team.

It's still just like an extension of my arm. This one won't ever be for sale.
 
SP, your .44 specials make my heart skip.

i had a 57 and a 58. sold them both in a fit of stupidity. the 58 was recessed but not pinned. .41 ammo is not cheap and i think only Win silvertip is pretty much the only factory quality hollowpoint being sold. good pig and deer gun with heavy cast solids.

downloaded, some people swear by the .41 special or a 210 grain at about 950-1000 fps.
 
ElToro- Production of the 58 stopped in 1978. Unpinned barrels do not appear (sporadically) until 1980 or 81 and become standard in 1982 so I don't think any unpinned 58s were made. Sometimes the pins are polished down and hard to see but I am pretty sure it was there.
 
Well thanks to all of you i have made up my mind to get a 58 - .41. It will be a great addition to the small collection i have started.
 
I paid $329 for a nice Model 58, in 1984. I sold it 2 years later. I understand they make them with the Hillary hole now. At the time, ammo choices were a mild 210 grain lead SWC for police and 210 grain JSP for hunting. (Remington) We used to enjoy firing the JSP ammo with the stock service grips. We would hold with one hand and let the muzzle climb. I have seen these go for as much as $1200 in dead mint condition with box, papers,etc. Nickel finish seems hard to find for some reason.
 
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My first cartridge* handgun was a M58, back in 1968. Cost me (are you ready for this?) $92. It had been stolen from a local dealer and after getting it back, he sold it at a discount. A couple of small scratches from its time in the crook's car trunk were ignored by yours truly. I sold it in 1973 for (sit down) $92. I missed the darn thing so much, I located another in 1975 for $164. I still have the second one and carry it when the weather dictates at least a medium-weight jacket. Won't sell it, either.
I agree with about everything posted regarding the S&W and the .41 Mag. caliber, but it's a true love situation. It suits me.


* My very first handgun was a Replica Arms 1860 Colt. Sold it. Now have four 1860 repros. Do you think I might be fond of them, too?
 
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