SMITH & WESSON MODEL 57 6"
Posted May 26, 2023
.
Smith & Wesson Model 57-6 – An In-Depth Opinionated Review
Smith & Wesson has a considerable reputation for craftsmanship and long-lasting reliability in the realm of firearms. The Model 57-6 is no exception to that distinguished history. As a true American-made classic, the Smith & Wesson Model 57-6 may not have all the bells and whistles of its more modern contemporaries, but it’s still an impressive and trustworthy revolver.
The baseline Model 57 dates back to 1962, with the “6” indicating later production runs with the Python-style fully adjustable target sights. Smith & Wesson produced the Model 57-6 from the 1970s to the mid-1980s, and it’s still a fantastic shooter today.
Its signature look and feel are distinct. The Model 57-6 features a heavy-duty frame and a medium-to-heavy seven-inch barrel. The grip is nicely contoured for comfortable one-handed shooting, and it fits the average hand like a glove. It’s a substantial pistol—it adds a lot of weight to the shooter’s hand and callouses to the shooter’s index finger, but it also provides excellent balance due to the hefty barrel.
The rounded spur hammer and wide serrated trigger extend the look and feel of the classic revolver. Women and those with smaller hands may find the long, double-action trigger pull to be too heavy, but for average-sized hands and those accustomed to .44 Magnum-type recoil, it’s manageable.
The two-piece, adjustable target style rear sight and ramped front sight provide an excellent sight picture for distant targets, and the muzzle is adorned with an Allen-type front band to protect the sights from impact.
The single-action trigger pull is light and smooth, and the cylinder holds six rounds of magnum-level loads with ease.
The stainless steel finish is robust, and shows few signs of wear with minimal maintenance. Some rust will inevitably set in under intense field conditions, but a quick wipe down at home will restore much of its original luster.
Accuracy is one of the Model 57-6’s key strengths: It regularly shoots groups that are the size of playing cards at 25 yards. The Hogue Bantam grips and moderately-low muzzle rise make it a pleasure to shoot, too.
The two-piece trigger guard provides excellent access to the barrel once the action is broken, and the four-screw design makes it easy to take the pistol apart and clean.
Overall, the Smith & Wesson Model 57-6 is a fine revolver with a timeless look and feel that’s built to last. It has a heritage that dates back to Cold War-era America, and it’s still a capable and reliable sidearm even today. The .44 Magnum loads are powerful and intimidating, but the lightweight frame makes it surprisingly comfortable and controllable.
For all the classic firearms enthusiasts out there, Smith & Wesson’s Model 57-6 is an ideal choice. It looks, feels, and shoots like a classic revolver should, with none of the modern bells and whistles. It won’t let down in the accuracy department either; and, with proper care, it’s sure to provide many years of serviceable performance.
Pros & Cons
PROS:
•Featured a magnificently robust design, capable of handling a wide range of safety and reliability features such as a large hammer, adjustable sights, and a high-performance frame.
•Had a steel target trigger that was adjustable for over-travel and trigger reach.
•Comes in a variety of finishes including stainless, brushed stainless, blued, and more.
•Reliable and rugged construction for rapid and accurate fire.
CONS:
•Can be a bit bulky and heavy for some shooters.
•Price can be quite high as Smith & Wesson models tend to be on the upper end of the price range.
•May require a gunsmith for some modifications or repairs.
Who Should Buy
The Smith & Wesson Model 57-6 is a high-powered handgun that is suitable for use by experienced shooters. It should not be purchased by inexperienced or untrained shooters as it is a dangerous weapon. Children and individuals with mental health issues should never purchase this model.
Comparisons
| Product | Barrel Length | Capacity | Caliper | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMITH & WESSON MODEL 57-6 | 6.5" | 6 Rounds | 41 Magnum | Single/Double |
| SMITH & WESSON MODEL 28-2 | 6.5" | 6 Rounds | 44 Magnum | Single/Double |
| SMITH & WESSON MODEL 57-2 | 8.5" | 6 Rounds | 41 Magnum | Single/Double |
| SMITH & WESSON MODEL 686-6 | 6" | 6 Rounds | .357 Magnum | Single/Double |
| SMITH & WESSON MODEL 27-2 | 6.5" | 8 Rounds | .357 Magnum | Single/Double |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: .41 Magnum
• Capacity: 6 Rounds
• Action: Double Action
• Frame Size: N-Frame
• Finish: Stainless Steel
• Overall Length: 10.75’’
• Barrel Length: 6”
• Weight: 44 oz.
Popular Accessories
Popular accessories for the Smith & Wesson Model 57-6 include a holster, extra magazines, speed loaders, and grip sleeves. The model is also compatible with an array of additional aftermarket accessories, like laser sighting systems and tactical lights, as well as factory upgrades like S&W's short-action.
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson Model 57-6 is well-known for its accuracy. This gun can easily handle groups of two inches at 25 yards. Its bolstered 6” barrel gives it superior balance and control, making it ideal for shooting medium-range distances. The adjustable sights can help you aim more precisely, while the 8-round capacity gives you some additional rounds compared to other pistols of the same caliber. The action is smooth and consistent, and the trigger pulls give a consistent break. Overall, the Model 57-6 is a reliable firearm with a good accuracy rating, making it great for target shooting and home defense.
