S&W M657 Performance Center opinions

[osteodoc08]

Looking at picking up a S&W M657 performance center 41mag with 2.5" barrel as a fun gun/back packing gun/just because gun. Anyone with real world experience with it? Thought? Opinions?

Please do not say to buy this or that caliber or other. I'm strictly asking about this particular gun. Thanks guys.

 

[rikman]

If you want it just because, get it. My 2 cents....I have a Model 57, which is big AND I reload....I've never shot your snubbie, but would think the recoil might be a bit harsh, with factory ammo. I load a mild target load for my M57 which is accurate,fun and cheap compared to factory ammo. 41mag around here is $69 plus :-(

Cheers
Rikman

 

[osteodoc08]

My father does all the reloading for us and even casts his own boolits. We can go from mild to wild. We really like to send heavy 45LC out of our Rugers for some hand punishment. Not so much worried about the recoil. Just really curious about the gun itself. For reference, between the two of us we have Rugers Blackhawks in every barrel length, SS and blued, and even have a lipsey 5.5" SS Bisely in 41Mag also an original pinned and recessed M57 that's been rebuilt at the factory from sending countless rounds downrange.....prob on the order or 100k+. It's not uncommon to run 400-500 in a range session down through it. Thank heavens H110, W296 and lead is still relatively cheap!

 

[22-rimfire]

I also considered one for a while and then punted. Have other M57's, and decided not to buy the snubbie. With factory ammo, the 180 gr is probably the least powerful and as a result the more pleasant factory ammo to shoot with it.

 

[45crittergitter]

I love .41 Mags, but you have to be rich or a reloader to shoot them (no "special" factory loads for cheap plinking). Limited magnum load availability also. I never wanted a short-barrelled one. I have experience with three 57s, one a 57 and two 657s. None are PC versions, but the two 657s are special edition Classic Hunter models. They are outstanding guns. Hard hitting, fast, accurate, and kick noticeably less than the .44 Mag., but with imperceptible power difference at the receiving end.

I've found the 175 gr. Silvertips to be a pleasant shooting (they're downloaded to 1250 fps or so) but effective critter load, while full-house lightweight JHPs (R-P 170 SJHP @ 1600 fps) are pretty awesome and loud. 200-and-up grain bullets tend to be more pleasant than full house 170s, but not as spectacular on impact.

A .41 is a nice gun to have if you bump into a larger varmint.

 

[DennisE]

I should have mine by the end of the week! I post my reaction. Dennis