SMITH & WESSON 57
Posted May 25, 2023
Smith & Wesson's reputation for making handguns has spanned centuries, and the company's 57 has become one of its iconic revolvers. This long-standing gun has been carried by many shooters, and its storied history is legendary. But does this classic model still have a place in the modern firearms world? Let's take a deep dive into Smith & Wesson's 57, find out what has made this time-tested revolver so enduring, and see how it performs against today's competition.
The Smith & Wesson 57 is a double-action revolver chambered in .41 Magnum, with a 6-round cylinder and 4-inch barrel. The gun itself is a handsome piece of work with a gloss blued finish and checkered walnut grip. The revolver measures in at 10.5 inches in overall length with an empty weight of 37 ounces. It also features an adjustable rear sight, ramped front sight, and grooved target trigger.
The .41 Magnum cartridge began life as an upstart in the mid-1960s, created by industry giants Remington and Smith & Wesson to compete with the .357 Magnum. It was designed specifically for the Smith & Wesson 57. As a result, the .41 Magnum is a good choice for hunting and self-defense, delivering excellent stopping power and accuracy at range. Additionally, the relative rarity of the cartridge and availability of special variances add up to a great choice for handgun hunting and other specialized applications.
In terms of performance, the Smith & Wesson 57 offers the same quality of construction and reliability the company is known for. The revolver's action is smooth and crisp, and the trigger is light and crisp. The innovative Baughman ramped front sight gives the shooter extra sight radius, promoting accuracy and precision. Additionally, the .41 Magnum proves a formidable opponent in terms of stopping power when fired through the revolver's 4-inch barrel, and it's in this situation the Smith & Wesson 57 really stands out. It's a solid performer with fair accuracy, and its manageable recoil makes it a great choice for target shooting and plinking.
The Smith & Wesson 57 is a classic gun with a classic look, and its bevy of features make it one of the most reliable and trustworthy revolvers to ever see the light of day. That said, the model does come with a few drawbacks. The gun is heavier than comparable .357 Magnum revolvers, and the cylinder capacity is limited to just 6 rounds. Additionally, the barrel length is fixed at 4 inches, making it less than ideal for certain matchups. Finally, it's not as widely available as some of its more modern .41 Magnum counterparts, and you may have trouble finding it if you don't look hard enough.
All in all, the Smith & Wesson 57 is an excellent revolver. It boasts an extensive history, an iconic look, and all the classic features Smith & Wesson is known for. It shoots reliably and accurately and has enough stopping power to handle most self-defense scenarios. The gun's negatives are few, and they don't detract from the overall quality of the revolver. For shooters who want an excellent revolver with plenty of heft, the Smith & Wesson 57 is a fantastic choice and a true classic.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Known for its accuracy and reliability
-High muzzle velocity and excellent stopping power
-Features adjustable rear sight and front sight
-Features a Picatinny rail for adding optics and accessories
-Has a heavy barrel for more accuracy and precision
-High magazine capacity
Cons:
-Relatively heavy and not ideal for concealed carry
-Expensive compared to other pistols
-Short trigger pull can be difficult for some shooters
-Not many aftermarket upgrades available
-Still requires manual safety mechanisms to operate safely
Who Should Buy
Smith & Wesson 57 should only be bought by responsible gun owners who have the necessary gun safety training and knowledge to safely operate the weapon. Those who are unfamiliar with guns or lack experience should not purchase this firearm.
Comparisons
| Feature | Smith & Wesson 57 | Similar Product 1 | Similar Product 2 | Similar Product 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .41 Magnum | .45 Colt | .357 Magnum | .44 Magnum |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 | 7 | 6 | 8 |
| Weight | 50 oz. | 44 oz. | 49 oz. | 52 oz. |
| Material | Alloy Steel | Alloy Steel | Alloy Steel | Steel |
| Barrel Length | 6.5" | 6.5" | 6" | 6" |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: .41 Magnum
• Action: Single/Double Action
• Barrel Length: 4”
• Grips: Walnut
• Sights: Adjustable Target Rear, Red Ramp Front
• Overall Length: 10”
• Weight: 43 oz.
• Frame: Large Frame, Square Butt
• Finish: Blue or Nickel
Popular Accessories
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- Holsters
- Replacement Grips
- Cleaning Kits
- Sights
- Recoil Buffers
- Speed Loaders
- Magazine Extensions
- Laser Sights
- Flashlights
- Slings
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson Model 57 is a highly reliable and accurate revolver. Its 6-inch barrel gives it excellent accuracy, especially when shooting at distances of 25 yards or less. The Smith & Wesson 57 also has a well-crafted adjustable rear sight that helps you hit your target with accuracy. The revolver also features a wide, adjustable trigger that helps you shoot with precision. Some owners report being able to consistently hit small targets at distances of up to 50 yards with the Smith & Wesson Model 57. To ensure accuracy while shooting, make sure to keep the revolver and ammunition clean and well-maintained, and practice regularly. The Smith & Wesson Model 57 is a great choice for target shooting, plinking, hunting, and defense.
