S&W model 57 strength

[Slogg76]

I recently picked up a NIB model 57 41 magnum made in 1972 (I believe). Some of my friends were quick to point out the older S&W N frames would shoot "loose" pretty quickly and required frequent trips back to S&W for timing repairs. I figured that most of those N frames being sent back were 44 mags and thus I figured with more steel around the chambers a 41 magnum chambered N frame should hold up far better. This model 57 I picked up is the absolute smoothest and one of the most accurate revolvers I have ever owned. Really puts my Rugers to shame, but do I need to worry about it wearing out quickly? I plan to shoot alot, but stick with factory (standard) pressure rounds. Can any experienced model 57 shooters give me some info?

[Wally]

Bought mine 25 years ago and shot over 20,000 rounds through it---mostly using 220 grain CB's and 8~9 grains of W-231..just as tight as ever. I do have an 8" tube on mine. I feel one does not need to use full power loads for most of one's shooting---my loads offer 80~90% of a full power load. It is also easier on the brass.

[GLynn41]

at the time they were made they were the strongest on the market --27 being number one --57, then the 29-- normal usage they will last very well

[Slogg76]

Thanks. Those are some encouraging words. I think I'll shoot mine and not worry about it.

[Dale53]

I have several .44 magnums. My S&W 29-2 is an 8 3/8" with a scope. I have shot over 10,000 .44 magnums through this revolver and it is still as tight as when new. Most .44 Magnums shot loose were "overloaded". Elmer Keith mentioned that the Winchester factory .44 magnums pressure seemed too much for general use, and that was in 1955 or '56.

I have long shot a 240-250 gr Keith bullet ahead of 23.0 grs of H110 for practice and 24.0 grs for hunting (25.0 grs is maximum) and I believe it is a good prescription for long life with these revolvers. There is little practical difference in the field between 1300 fps and 1400fps but a great deal of difference when it comes to longevity with these VERY nice platforms. As a matter of fact, I have shot a 250 Keith cast bullet lengthwise through a large white tail deer that was only going 1200 fps. The deer didn't know the difference between 1200 fps or 1400 fps.

Just my opinion, of course...

Dale53

[mtgrs737]

I have both 41 and 44's and I would guess that there are few people who would shoot enough full power loads through either to loosen one up. Most reloaders will choose to shoot reduced loads through their 41 and 44 S&W's, They are a fine piece of work.

[9.3X62AL]

Elmer Keith, re the 44 Magnum--"1200 FPS is all you need." I agree, and that goes for the 41 Magnum as well. I get the impression from Mr. Keith's writings that he considered the 1400-1450 FPS loads in his 44 Magnum with 240 grain bullets to be a bit too much of a good thing. They might be a little much in an older S&W N-frame for sustained long-term usage, but it would be fun (and expensive) to try wearing one out. Ya load the 41 or the 44 to 1200 FPS with 210 or 240 grain boolits respectively, and your grandkids will pass on that Model 57 or a M-29 to their grandkids.

[bisleyfan41]

Agreed on all of the above.
Keith was asking for a 250 at 1250 when he was lobbying for the "44 Special Magnum". Many have felt the need to make that a starting point.
Using factory equivalent or even slightly warmer loads will not hurt your gun. Enjoy your new find and congratulations on finding a 37 year old NIB example. You don't run into those everyday. Awesome gun!!

[TDC]

Ah! You found a NIB '57, most likely having a recessed cylinder, pinned barrel, and "football" target stocks.... Hope you got the presentation case too. You have a collector '57 as well as a very fine caliber and shooter.

I've owned my '57's (a 6" and an 8 3/8) and '29's (a 6 1/2" and an 8 3/8) since the late '60's. I've shot many thousands of rounds through them . As others have mentioned, they are as tight as the day they were new. I had the triggers smoothed and the cylinders slightly chamfered to aid speed loader use.

Have fun with it .... it was a great find!!

[Slogg76]

Thanks for all the replies. I have came across a few Model 57's of various dates, but they all looked well worn out. This was the first one I ever seen NIB with the original box, paperwork, etc. and I paid down a pretty good hunk of coin for it, but it was worth it.