Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns S&W Model 57 Value question

All:

Was hoping to get a pulse on this here. I will go check GB and other sites, but know there are a lot of very knowledgeable folks here.

So in question is an “as new” Model 57 complete in the presentation box with paper work and tools. This may actually be unfired. It is an early no-dash model with a pinned barrel, 4 inch barrel , target trigger, hammer and stocks.

What is an estimated “fair” price range for this. Meaning fair market value between friends, not gouging or giving away.

Thanks for any insights.

BB

Some of the pinned barrel Model 57s lacked the recessed chambers. You will want to find that out.

Oh yes, left that out. It did have the recessed chambers.

Probably a couple thousand +/-

between friends I wouldn't charge him more than $1500. List on Gunbroker for $2k.

I didn’t see a 4” model in the presentation case, but here’s a 6” NOS

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1013846892

Winning bid $2,099

A 4” should bring a premium , but maybe not.

Black Bart

The gun you just described was one of my 2 "Grail guns" that I have lusted after for years. I have the other (Colt "Enhanced" LW Commander in 38 Super) and just recently purchased the other, just as you described minus the case and in excellent (95% or so) but fired/used condition. I watched for awhile and I saw that those "No-Dash" 4 inch barreled revolvers seem to go for about around $1200, which is about what I paid for mine. If you factored in how much the case and "unfired" status (if true) adds to the value, I'd say between $1500-2000 as a ballpark.

I bought a six inch Model 57 in the early 1980s. It had a pinned barrel, but no recessed chambers. At some point, I sent it to S&W and had them put a four inch barrel on it, but eventually sold it.

Thank you, guys!

My sense was probably in the 1.5 to 2K range. Really pristine condition, and I would be the potential buyer.

It is either unfired or extremely close. No residues evident anywhere and the faintest of turn line on cylinder. Owner honestly doesn’t recall if he ever fired it.

BB

Does it have Come grips and does the serial number begin with s S or a N? Both effect value.

Bart, I agree with desertoakie. $1500 would be my guess, +/- for a friendly sale price. The configuration you have is quite desirable for a Model 57 fan. Box, papers, pinned, recessed, 4", 95%+. My guess is it's probably better than 95%. A lot to like.

Best of luck with it, however you choose to go.

Yes, I've seen plenty of nice pre-82 Smith & Wesson revolvers go for that. That's about the going price now, in that condition.

Sheesh

Hold into the chain link fence

In 1983 when I firsted started as an LEO, my Sergeant carried a 4 inch S&W 57. His duty load was 210gr win silver tip. While I worked with/for him he shot a guy on a burglary call of a hardware store. One shot stop, DRT. The guy was armed with a stolen colt 1911 45 ACP. I always wanted to shot that gun but never had the opportunity.

I remember a story I read about the .41 Magnum police load. A Border Patrol Agent was trying to arrest a murder suspect, when he managed to get into his van and drive away. The agent shot one time through the rear door (no windows), and the van crashed. The hard cast LSWC .41 round had zipped through the steel door, through his drivers seat back, into his lower back, and out his chest (he was apparently leaning forward as he drove away), killing him instantly.

Two good recent sales on gunbroker for comparison.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1017424272

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1015819760

They will tend to go for less at Gunbroker because of the willingness of the sellers to let them go for less (indicated by exposing them to an auction), and exposure to so many potential buyers. I have, however, seen them go for close to $2,000.00 at a local pawn shop that specializes in mint in box pre-82 S&W revolvers. He has three glass cases with both top and bottom shelves filled with them. They sell very slowly, but they do sell. If you're not in a rush (it could be in a glass case for a year or two), you can get higher prices than on Gunbroker.

I agree. And GunBroker has the myriad of peripheral charges, as well. Looked at several other auctions and believe the $1500 +/- price that desertoakie suggested (and I agree on) is probably a good start if the OP wants to get the gun sold quickly. Otherwise, list it at a higher price and see what happens. Also, looking at other sites confirms to me that overall, the market is a little soft on revolvers right now.

$1500 seems like a fair price if sold to a buddy if it’s pristine with the box. They are never gonna make those like they did back then. I would pay a little more for a 4”. Saw one in Scheels in Chandler, AZ last week. $999.99, not sure if it they had the box or if it had a recessed cylinder. Was a 6” barrel. If it was a 4” I’d have it right now.

Just saw an 8” model in the local shop with pachmayer grips. Bluing near perfect but no box or anything. They had 799 on it I think