Author Topic: Smith and Wesson 657 41 magnum (Read 1127 times)

Wyatte · « **on:** February 23, 2006, 05:39:50 PM »

Hi all, In a trade some time ago, I was able to get a model 657 41 mag that is one of the older ones with the large target grips. The gun appears to be in almost pristine condition. It is almost spotless, and I don't think it's been fired much at all. It has the firing pin on the hammer, etc. You guys seem to know alot, and I don't. I was told that at some point Smith and Wesson "beefed" up their N frames, and this one was made before that I guess. Can I shoot this 41 mag 657 alot without problems even though it's one of the older ones? I noticed there is a similar thread on here about the 629, but I didn't want to chime in on his thread. Graybeard, Redhawk1 and others, what do you think? I would like to be able to use it alot without worrying about it. I don't reload, and will be using factory ammo. Do I need to avoid some of the newer heavy hunting ammo that's out there? I'm just looking for a few opinions here. Wyatte

Graybeard · « **Reply #1 on:** February 23, 2006, 05:51:54 PM »

Firing pin on the TRIGGER? :eek: Man I'd like to see that.

How do you fire it, by pulling the hammer? :-D

OK joking aside it's fine for any book load you find in any reputable reloading manual. The stories about the weakness of S&W N Frame guns is just an old wives tale based on poor quality of production for a very short period of time when S&W once before was owned by a foreign company. Ignore it.

Wyatte · « **Reply #2 on:** February 23, 2006, 06:09:57 PM »

Thanks Graybeard for the reply. You can tell I was in a daze with the firing pin on the trigger bit, well of course you knew I meant hammer. I'm getting a little tired. I had a late night at the hospital last night. (Employee) I thought myself too that maybe far too much emphasis was put on the strength of the N frames. I'm sure they're up to the task. I'm certainly not new to handguns. I could stock a pretty good sized store with all of the guns that I have owned at one time or the other. Up until now though I just haven't had much N frame experience. I've had several Redhawks and Super Redhawks over the years. I'm looking forward to shooting this 657. I've always liked the idea of the 41 mag. Thanks for your help. Wyatte P.S. Any clues as to when that "short period" of time was when the quality was not so good? I think my 657 was built in 1987.

Graybeard · « **Reply #3 on:** February 23, 2006, 06:20:16 PM »

It's been too long ago for me to recall. You might do a search for S&W Bangor Punta. I'm pretty sure that was the time frame. Like I said it's been a LONG time ago.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 24, 2006, 01:17:21 AM »

Like Graybeard said, you will be fine with any Factory loaded ammo and any reload data you see in reloading manuals. Give Smith & Wesson a call and see what they say. I have found the Tech support to always be very helpful. I am sure they can tell you what period of time that they had a problem.

Mikey · « **Reply #5 on:** February 24, 2006, 02:31:45 AM »

Wyatte - as the Boss said, you don't have to worry about the S&Ws not holding up. In addition, the 41 magnum is 'beefed up' - it has smaller holes in it than the 44 does (actually). There was a short period when there were some quality problems with the S&Ws but it didn't have anything to do with the strength of the frame or the ability of the revolver to handle heavy loads, and those quality issues have been addressed more than adequately by the new ownership.

All my S&Ws are 'older' ones and I haven't had any problems at all with them. All of them are my 'go to' revolvers for field work and each is stuffed full of heavy loads. Your 657 should serve you well for many good long years. You can have fun with a 41. Mikey.

Old Griz · « **Reply #6 on:** February 25, 2006, 05:23:35 PM »

:cb2: Always glad to see another .41 shooter out thereit's such a great caliber, and so often overlooked.

Turk · « **Reply #7 on:** March 21, 2006, 05:38:45 AM »

I think you won't go wrong with the 657. Of my wheel guns my Smith 57 is my favorite. It's a perfect woods guns to carry and a perfect deer round. A LBT Wide Flat Nose makes two holes one in and one out with blood flowing both ways. I've put quite a few healthy handloads through mine and it's still tight. Actually I plan to load up a couple hundred of rounds (med. Vol) for this weekend. Something I've seen over the years is not everyone likes the 41 but the ones that do are sold on the caliber.

Turk

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