Model 58 just picked up

[tommy tornado]

I have been looking for one of these for a couple of years now.  A Smith and Wesson Model 58 in .41 Magnum.  Finally got one for under $500.  Now I just have to wait on my bullet mold, dies, and brass from Midway.



It has some bluing wear but everything else is in great shape.

[tombogan03884]

I have been looking for one of these for a couple of years now.  A Smith and Wesson Model 58 in .41 Magnum.  Finally got one for under $500.  Now I just have to wait on my bullet mold, dies, and brass from Midway.

It has some bluing wear but everything else is in great shape.

Nice, who cares about some honest holster wear.
If you wanted a "safe queen" you would not be getting the reloading gear.

[Hazcat]

Nice find.  I think a little wear gives it character.

[alfsauve]

Not a lot is written about the 58.  A fixed rear sight version of the 57, with no ejector rod shroud.   Limited lifetime production of the original of just over 20,000.  Introduced in 1964, along with the .41Mag cartridge, and discontinued '77.  Then re-inroduced recently in their "classics" line of revolvers.  The original stocks were skinny with a diamond which was dropped for plain stocks later.   S&W shipped so many variations at dealer requests, it's hard to know whether some stocks are original or replacements, especially since you can swap any "K" frame square butt stocks among models.  

If you'll give me the first 4 digits of the S/N and I'll see if "The Book" has a date for you.

Very nice.  Even Jeff Cooper, Mr 1911, thought the caliber/gun combination was a good defensive tool.

 

[tommy tornado]

serial number is 6971x

I need to get a new camera one of these days.  Lately it has been having focus issues.

[Sponsor]

[alfsauve]

That may be an engineering/manufacturing  #.   You might want to look on the end of the butt (without the stocks)

Up until ~1970 these were numbered  S2xxxxx.  The earliest s/n for a 58 is S256500.  Somewhere around 1970 they switched to Nxxxxx number sequence for N frames.


Of course with S&W you never know, they sometimes issue special sequences for special runs of guns.

[twyacht]

Fantastic caliber, fantastic acquisition.....

Good call and congratulations...

[tommy tornado]

That may be an engineering/manufacturing  #.   You might want to look on the end of the butt (without the stocks)

Up until ~1970 these were numbered  S2xxxxx.  The earliest s/n for a 58 is S256500.  Somewhere around 1970 they switched to Nxxxxx number sequence for N frames.


Of course with S&W you never know, they sometimes issue special sequences for special runs of guns.

That was the number inside the frame when you swing out the clyinder.  s2587xx  If I can believe the seller, then this was used by a New Mexico State Policeman for a while as his duty gun.  He probably changed out the grips and added a trigger shoe.

[alfsauve]

S258000-S261999  were made in 1965-1966.

Should have come with diamond grips (up until 1968).

Great find.  Enjoy.

[alfsauve]

Over on Guns America there's a M 657-5 for sale (not auction) with 7.5" barrel.

I think the price is steep, but since it's not an auction you could call the dealer and haggle.

http://www.gunsamerica.com//946660534/Guns/Pistols/Smith-Wesson-Revolvers/Full-Frame-Revolver/SMITH_WESSON_MODEL_657_5.htm?wl=1









No that's not my toe, but obviously the fellow is a candidate for joining DRTV.