Smith & Wesson Model 57
Smith & Wesson · Revolver · Out Of Production · 1964
Also known as: S&W Model 57, Model 57 Classics
Overview
The Smith & Wesson Model 57 is a large N-frame double-action/single-action revolver introduced in April 1964 alongside the new .41 Remington Magnum cartridge. Built on the same frame as the .357 Model 27 and .44 Magnum Model 29, it features adjustable target sights, a red-ramp front sight, target trigger and hammer, and on early guns a pinned barrel and recessed chambers. Marketed as an ideal police revolver, it never achieved significant law-enforcement adoption and became a prized hunting and target arm. An all-stainless version, the Model 657, followed in 1986.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1363 g (48.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 292 mm (11.50") |
| Barrel Length | 152 mm (5.98") |
| Height | 155 mm (6.10") |
| Action Type | Recoil Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Rotary |
| Muzzle Velocity | 396 m/s (1299 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1069 J (788 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .41 Remington Magnum · primary — also known as .41 Rem Mag, .41 Magnum, 10.4x33mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Swing Out Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Hammer Block, Rebound Slide
- Features: Adjustable Rear Sight, Red Ramp Front Sight, Target Trigger, Target Hammer, Oversized Target Grips, Pinned Barrel, Recessed Chambers, Swing Out Cylinder, N Frame
Variants
- Smith & Wesson Model 657 — Stainless Steel
Service history
Operators
- Civilian hunters and target shooters
Production
Production years: 1964-1991
Original run discontinued 1991; reissued in the S&W Classics line from 2008; no published total
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 1991
Notes
Original production ran 1964-1991; reintroduced as part of the S&W Classics line in 2008 (6" blued). Offered in 4", 6", and 8.375" barrel lengths. The Model 657 is the stainless variant.
Background
The Model 57 was built to answer a campaign by Elmer Keith, Bill Jordan and Skeeter Skelton, who lobbied Smith & Wesson and Remington for an ideal police cartridge between the .357 and .44 Magnums; Keith wanted it named the '.41 Police,' but Remington branded it the .41 Magnum, and despite the pedigree the revolver never caught on with law enforcement.