S & W Model 57: 41 Magnum At The Range

[@MNP67]

Wow Unique powder... I started coughing and gagging from the smoke and it was on video! Unique is like flammable dirt. I do love the video and the .41 is very cool.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

MNP67 - Now, now...what kind of way is that to reference one of the great powders in all of recorded history? Unique is an extremely versatile powder, perhaps the most versatile. The smoke is because of the stabilizers used to control the nitroglycerine content (allows for the economy of the powder). It's like when nitroglycerin was used as an explosive - very dangerous until nitro + dirt = dynamite (much safer to handle). All that being said - when I used to touch off some of my Unique loads, some of the other shooters in our shooting community used to quipped that I was shooting black powder - but of course, they were exaggeratin' a bit... ;) :) ;) FC

[@kevincox2469]

FortuneCookie45LC

[@proudamerican3595]

I hope this caliber never dies

[@t.davidgordon2425]

I always enjoy your posts. I love my old Ruger Blackhawk in .41, that I purchased in 1979, but have found that it is a caliber that we handloaders enjoy more than those who do not. Keep up your good work.

[@brianmiller9365]

Wonderful revolver. An outstanding super excellent caliber. Just saying. I'm a "little" bit of a .41 Mag fan. Thanks for the treat. *BGM.41

[@samcolt4023]

sure TRUMPS any semi auto,,,

[@raytribble8075]

An elegant weapon... like a light saber. You make awesome videos! Thank you...

[@1957Shep]

That model 57 is a thing of beauty. I need a model 57 and a model 25 to round out my Smith collection. Had the chance to shoot a model 25-5 about a month ago. Just as slick as you would expect. I don`t think you couldn`t get the owner to turn loose of that one for anything.

[@slaughterhound8793]

Beautiful piece. To the best of my knowledge, a Model 57 .41 Magnum was the carry piece of Tennessee sheriff Buford Pusser whose career was depicted in the "Walking Tall" series of movies.

[@kyle875]

Thank you for the videos on the 41 magnum and the S&W 57. Although not a orginal I ordered the S&W M57 classic from Bud's yesterday. I hope it will be great but its thanks to you that I got it!

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Kyle V - Please let me know how you like your new Classic...I'm curious on this for sure.. Happy Thanksgiving, Steve

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Brandon Maloney - Thanks for your comment. The 41 Magnum is a fantastic cartridge for reloaders. Not so much factory ammo shooters as it is expensive to shoot only factory in 41 maggie…Best Regards.

[@alfonsorodriguez6437]

I own a 657-2 with a 6 inch barrel. Unfortunately, is not manufactured any more but the Model 57 can still be had in blue or nickel. I bought it second hand in 1995 for $350.00 at Lou's Gun Shop in Hialeah, FL and it had probably less than 100 rounds thru it. Maybe the owner thought it was too powerful and uncomfortable to shoot. Well, 20 years later I am still shooting it with both magnum and reduced loads. It is a very, very accurate gun that I shoot all the way to 100 meters. I also own a model 29 but prefer the 657. The only changes I have made to this weapon is to polish it to a mirror finish and put on Hogue rubber grips indented for better gripping with my fingers. The wide smooth trigger is superb not only single action but in double action as well. I will never part with it. I saw a guy at a gun show last year trying to sell a brand new, never fired, in the box a Model 657 for $1500.00, so they are going in price as well. Most people will not buy a 41 Mag because they are not educated enough on revolvers and instead will buy a .357 Mag or a 44 Mag but most will not use them for long. Without trying to sound like a snob, the 41 Mag is for knowledgeable, dedicated shooters that can truly appreciate the 41 Mag's qualities whether a SW, Ruger or Taurus ( all excellent). If anyone objects to the recoil with full loads, just put on a good shooting glove and enjoy yourself.

[@glenschooley8619]

Using a .41 mag in 57. 8 3/8 bbl. For hunting in thick brush for hogs, one shot, puts 'em down Hard, usually 200 grain FMJ with 19 grain 296 able to hit a running shot ,double action.

[@fredsavage4925]

those who know the .41 mag, know. great video.

[@WeTheArmed]

Correct. Not much else needs to be said! Great gun. Wonderful caliber!

[@stefanwolf88]

What a nice piece of gun art. Thanks for sharing and Cheers from Bulgaria!

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Stefan Wolf - Always good to hear from friends in Bulgaria - Hail to Sofia and may all our economies prosper in the coming years. Thanks for the good word on the Model 57 - it really does have its own mystique apart from the Model 29. Best Regards to you from the HLZ

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

commonsensehomestead- With the caliber range available to you, you have everything covered. No need for the 41, and having one would add to your logistical requirements. Thanks for your great comments, and have a great day...

[@floridafyme]

My favorite handgun cartridge and a vintage Smith, how much better can it get? There is good article on the .41 in the 1965 & 1966 Gun Digests,one by D.A. Grennell. These are must reads.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

don stromberg- Know that article in the 65 GD. This Lee 207 gr 41 SWC is a fine bullet. Been shooting Lyman Keith 41s and also an old 246 gr. RN Lyman design, but this Lee is just FINE. Cartridge, gun and bullet makes for sweet combination. Now to see how sweet it is for the Ruger BH Bisley 41…Thanks for the great comment...

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Rex Sacramento - It's a fine cartridge - versatile big bore. And it will take any game on this continent including the big bears (if one is up close and personal, I'd want something bigger and all the power I could carry - best to see them first and give them wide berth). For deer, mule deer, black bear, hogs, elk - just dandy. Thanks for the good word...

[@commonsensehomestead]

I think your right I was just over there looking at them. You get top billing over there. They have a link to your 6 cavity mold video. That is awesome. I have flopped a dozen times but I think I will get two mold both the .200 and .255 grain molds round nose. That is what I am shooting now from Missouri Bullet so I might as well stick to what I know.

[@commonsensehomestead]

If you are looking for new brass, they also have some in. Just bought 1000 .45 colt starline cases.

[@commonsensehomestead]

I am still having trouble deciding on a .45 mold. The lever gun really makes it hard. I guess I am going to go with a 230 grain round nose. I think I would really prefer a truncated bullet though.

[@commonsensehomestead]

I have always been leery of the .41 magnum, but it was just because of my ignorance of the caliber. It looks like a great compromise caliber and not in the bad way. If I find one I may pick one up, but really I am trying to align things for reloading. .357/38 & 9mm....45 ACP, .45LC, and .454. That way I can afford to shoot...not necessarily the cost of shells but once I have them I am willing to let they fly down range. Nice video as always.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

commonsensehomestead-Please check into the classic 45 bullets for leverguns - the 255 and 200 grain RNFPs - available in 6 cavity Lee molds that just cast up a storm of bullets…and they shoot like dreams in leverguns and actually in everything….Best Regards to ya, Shawn...

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

1957Shep- And the way my 57 cooks and looks - you couldn't get me to part with her either…she's older, but she's more than merely a gun kicking up a storm. My 12 gauge slug gun does that - but just a common brute. My 57 keeps me young and the envy of many…It's not the guy that's dancing that attracts the attention, but the gal he's dancing with…Best Regards to you always...

[@troy9477]

Hard to beat. Definitely correct on the sights. Was with my buddy in our LGS recently, he was getting a vintage 2.5" 686. They had an 8-3/8" 657 marked at $1100, could probably get it for $1k(all used gun prices are speculative, especially here). I can't afford it, and i don't need an 8-3/8", but it would be fun for silhouette. And it's a repeater, unlike a Contender!

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Troy Ortega - A lot of the 8 3/8 inchers were used for silhouette. And the 41 was / is a favorite - flatter shooting for those pesky rams. Have a great day, FC Steve

[@АсланШавлиев]

41 Магнум!❤❤❤!!!

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

WeTheArmed-Thanks for the good words - short and sweet always good. Have a great day...

[@buckleymordecai9605]

Boom! Yes! Beautiful!

[@tripacer8259]

I have a "new" 57 all ready to shoot! Can't wait!!

[@erichschuh192]

Boy oh Boy Smith and Wesson made some beautiful revolvers in those days. I just borrowed my brother’s that he has owned for years. It lovely. 4 inch he had it magna ported. Of course ammo is horribly scarce but I hope to shoot it a bit.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

commonsensehomestead-Good grief, we are starting to think the same - I just ordered 500 41 Starline brass from Midway, should be in this week - You already know we are going to enjoy using that good Starline brass. Best Regards to ya...

[@sonnygunz9207]

I need a model 57 in my life. It can keep my 29-2’s company.

[@quickdubbs328]

Is that a 4 inch barrel? And I'm confused??? About the rounds you mentioned! What grain, are u shooting thru the model 57, 41 Magnum!

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

commonsensehomestead-Wow!! You are the first one to notice the link under Bullet Casting at that site. But you know how it is- there one day, can be gone tomorrow if they find something better for them. It's all OK. But their 6 cavity molds are THAT GOOD. Can't say enough good stuff about 'em. And I've shot a lot of Missouri Bullets also - just got another order in…Have a great day...

[@thejasonbischoff]

may be picking up a model 57 in 6" nickel. gun looks beautiful for sure, with the original wood grips and barely a mark on the cylinder. just concerned about the availability of ammo. is $800-$1000 a fair price? thanks!

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

thejasonbischoff - Those grips alone are $100. No marks on the cylinder means that the gun is as good as new. Well worth the $800 -$1000 ( of course closer to the 800 is better as the $1000 is price of a new gun - be sure to ask if any ammo is thrown into the deal - I got 300 rounds of 44 Special hollow points that way). Nickel takes a little more care to maintain though - mineral oil is real good. I'd be careful not to use anything penetrating (most all gun solvents) to clean that gun...nickel finish does not do well if penetrators get under the nickel, will destroy the plating. Clean that rascal with just a little mineral oil (who says that won't dissolve fouling? As with any gun cleaner agent - not for getting into the action though). Most who buy that gun won't be shooting it much...but for $800, why not? Ammo will be available from the big on-line outlets like MidwayUSA, MidSouth, Natchez Shooters, etc... Best to ya, FC

[@thejasonbischoff]

FortuneCookie45LC thanks! They are firm on $1000, but I may go for it. It's really in beautiful condition.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

thejasonbischoff - Sometimes we just know if we don't make the deal, we'll regret it later...$200 is not a lot of money when you think of the many years of pleasure that gun will bring you...I'm not very sure that if that deal opportunity came to me, I wouldn't just slowly reach for my checkbook.... Best to ya, FC

[@thejasonbischoff]

FortuneCookie45LC yep. Put it on layaway. They covered the tax, so I saved $90.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

thejasonbischoff - Outstanding...and congratulations to you..!! FC

[@zivendine]

My 41 Mag pet loads are 8-10 grs of Herco. Compared to Unique the results on paper are near identical.

[@Thedrizzle1000]

Do you like the 41 magnum as much as the 44 magnum?

[@StJamesProductionsMI]

One of these days I'll try the 41. I hear it's a great cartridge. Great video FC.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Marc Cervantes - Thanks for the good word. Full loaded 210 grain 41s feel the same as full loaded 240 grain 44s even though lab testing says the 41 has 75% of the recoil and a bit more velocity and penetration as the 44. I'm told animals can't seem to tell the difference from a hit with either. The 41 is a fine cartridge, and I'm glad I own two 41s. Sure, if you are a reloader, both are a hoot to shoot. But if not reloader, the 44 mag has an edge in the availability of factory ammo including 44 Spl loadings. The 41 is much fun to shoot at range or anywhere. Best Regards

[@41magfan]

Marc Cervantes I hope that day has come by now.

[@zivendine]

I got a slight improvement in my shot groups using 10.0 grs of Herco instead of Unique using a heavy crimp with my home cast gas checked bullets using Lyman #2. I was shooting an 8 3/8 Model 57 no dash. The load is a bit uncomfortable in my Model 58 4” barrel. Nasty recoil and bright daytime muzzle flash.

[@bruce9808]

I have a Model 57 with a 8 3/8 Barrel ,It shoots like a rifle !

[@redneckredneck7443]

If your looking for a great GRIP that feels good and looks good then may I suggest Pachmyer grips. It has the finger grips in front and there not real thick but it is a hand full. Just my opinion.

[@CHEECHMUN]

Just acquired the M57 in nickel, a beauty

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

CHEECHMUN - Congrats on your nickel M57. Yes they are beauties. You don't want to use any kind of penetrating solvents or oils on that gun though. Only solvents approved for nickel should be used. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, FC Steve

[@CHEECHMUN]

Yes, I just heard about not using Hoppes no. 9. Appreciate the tip.

[@redesert_boy8202]

Mr. FortuneCookie45LC....Woiuld you choose the Model 57 over the Model 25 or do you consider them about equal as far as enthusiast enjoyment? Looks like reloading would really be best for either in following your various videos. I just bought a Ruger Turnbull Bisley Blackhawk 1 of 500 in 45 Colt (always wanted a 45 Colt and love it) and am considering a S&W Model 25 as a DA/SA companion (saw your videos about the .454 Casull round issue in the S&W 45 Colt...very troubling) carrying moderate Standard Pressure loads as many fine factory loads from Buffalo Bore and others would work well in it. Just think it will be more enjoyable than any .44 Magnum or .44 Special to shoot. Thanks for all your videos and stay safe and healthy out there!

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

RE:DB - Congrats on your Turnbull 45 Colt...!! That's a mighty fine shootin' iron..!! Once you get into reloading, the 45 Colt will open up entire worlds of shooting joy and discovery - like unfurling a big map of the Southwest USA - and unlike factory ammo, all destinations will be within easy and good reach. Best to you - you made a good choice in the 45 Colt. Steve

[@redesert_boy8202]

@@FortuneCookie45LC Thanks for the reply...Do you have 1 or 2 reloading manuals you have found to be most useful to get started. Just had it to the range today and am really enjoying it. Thanks again...Robert

[@eddiearmstrong1293]

Why do you shoot that double action Smith single action?

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Eddie Armstrong - That's an interesting question - I've always shot my N-frames single action taking advantage of that excellent SA trigger -while I shoot my 38s double action (long time ago PPC shooter). 357s are shot both SA and DA. And when I shoot my DA-SA auto pistols, always include some practice with that transition thing. So I guess the answer is that I never gave that a thought. Best to ya...

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

TeknoGuns-And you can still stoke 'em a little hotter if desired to 11 grains. But, hey, I'm only shooting paper and those 10 grain loads let you know the trip to the range was worthwhile…Best Regards to you in the great Northeast...

[@jeffreymorgan4381]

I have one 6 inch 57-1 fun gun nice N frame..

[@erererer5]

Hey you think i should get 41 magnum or 44 magum i trying to get one to shoot just for targets and which is more powerful ?

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

erererer5 - Easy one...if you don't have either, get the 44 Mag - ammo is easier to find and you have the 44 Special loadings for lower power work...Both really shine when you reload and the 44 has much more range of components and availability than the 41. Don't get me wrong - the 41 is also a great cartridge. ... Best to ya, FC

[@garyfrey5770]

Damn man, that hammer ain't goin' no where...

[@normanrea8146]

Use the 41rem mag.loaeed up or down for the hunting job.since 1979

[@unclegene5372]

I’m seeing 10mm revolvers in gun stores. Maybe S&W should make these again.

[@brandonmaloney9758]

really have to find a .41 mag

[@josephliptak]

What a canon

[@donaldmaury8233]

Stop pulling the hammer back and use DA, its not bad.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Donald Maury - Actually, a video is scheduled to be posted in the next couple of days on just this topic...Have a great day, FC Steve

[@papashakeshake6268]

wow i have never seen a smith and western revolver are they just cheap knock offs of the great smith and wesson pistols? time index 2:23

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

+papashake shake -- Smith and Wessons are still great pistols...there were problems in the past with quality control, but that was a time of perversity. Best to ya, FC

[@brucelowell7506]

I have several,back when S&W revolvers were built with pride

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Brandon Maloney - Thanks for your comment. The 41 Magnum is a fantastic cartridge for reloaders. Not so much factory ammo shooters as it is expensive to shoot only factory in 41 maggie…Best Regards.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Rex Sacramento - It's a fine cartridge - versatile big bore. And it will take any game on this continent including the big bears (if one is up close and personal, I'd want something bigger and all the power I could carry - best to see them first and give them wide berth). For deer, mule deer, black bear, hogs, elk - just dandy. Thanks for the good word...

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Rex Sacramento - It's a fine cartridge - versatile big bore. And it will take any game on this continent including the big bears (if one is up close and personal, I'd want something bigger and all the power I could carry - best to see them first and give them wide berth). For deer, mule deer, black bear, hogs, elk - just dandy. Thanks for the good word...