I have lately developed the desire for a 4" S&W model 57. I have a nice 70's vintage 57 with the mahogany case but it currently wears the 8 7/8" barrel on it. Nice gun, but I just would prefer a shorter barrel. How wrong would it be to find a good smith to rebarrel it with a replacement barrel and leave the original intact?
Am I insane?
- Thread starter 44-henry
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Go for it. I love my 4" Model 57. No mahogany case with mine, not even a box when I bought it used two years ago.
S&W revolvers were made to be shot.
S&W revolvers were made to be shot.
MMCSRET
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I like a 57, 4'. Mine was in serious need of a new barrel, impact damage, there weren't none no where. I spent 5 years looking for a new barrel, called S&W bi-weekly, none, nada, nowhere. I finally sold it as is earlier this year. I will not replace it with a new "classic" 57; lock, mim, cost. Got me a Ruger, shoots just as good, but doesn't have the "cache". Kills just as good!!!!!!!!!
I have a 4" M-57. They are out there, and are great revolvers.
I would keep my eye open for a 4"er, and perhaps sell the 8 3/8 (not 8 7/8, BTW) model.
I would keep my eye open for a 4"er, and perhaps sell the 8 3/8 (not 8 7/8, BTW) model.
Besides finding a new one, There is a recent "stocking dealer special" offering by 4" S&W 57 - I saw one at a strikingly attractive price (new) from Bud's just the other day - I thought they were gone but they show them in stock. It does not appear to have quite the finish level and as nice grips as a vintage one, but it does come with a lifetime warranty and be in your hands next week for the same amount of money or perhaps less...
Life is full of trade-offs. But I think getting and older one or a new one would be a better route than trying to "hack" yours. It's not a simple or usually profitable route to take.
Life is full of trade-offs. But I think getting and older one or a new one would be a better route than trying to "hack" yours. It's not a simple or usually profitable route to take.
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