Nickle Smith M57 deal at LGS

shuvelrider · August 18, 2018, 11:21 PM

I dislike inquiring like this for a value but google-foo just takes me to online auction sites with crazy prices. Sitrep-----my lgs has a -1 Model 57, nickle, with 4" barrel, no box or extra's, used of course but in nice condition. What research tells me, it's late 70's with the 3 T's that was being built into the gun by that time-----"Target" trigger, sights, and hammer. I have the chance to buy it for 900 or it stays in his personal collection, it just came in the door recently on another deal. Not sure where the price is on this gun nowadays. Thanks.

lunger · August 19, 2018, 06:16 AM

Not an expert or even close. But that seems like a good deal . If I liked it and had the cash I would be all over it.

Besides the way SW revolver prices are rising,in a year or two it will be worth more than you paid.

shuvelrider · August 19, 2018, 07:00 AM

It's one of those guns I've been keeping an eye out for over the years, just surprised when he brought it out. Owners do not let them go easily, but a guy brought it to the shop, along with a 6" nickle M29 -3 for another deal.

muzzleblast... · August 19, 2018, 08:18 AM

I am not sure that I would classify $900 for a nice condition 57-1, 4", nickle as a screaming deal. But, it would be hard for me to walk away from.

smee78 · August 19, 2018, 08:56 AM

I agree with the last post by muzzle, while it not a steal a good solid N frame with the 3 t's is getting hard to find in good condition in my area. If you have the money and want the gun I would go for it. It seems a nice 4" gun is something that gets bough and hardly ever sold.

Nathan · August 19, 2018, 09:13 AM

That’s not a bad deal. Seems like fair market value is:
$1100-$1200 blue, 99+% condition, with all the extras
$1000 same, but without extras

Is nickel + or - value.....likely an add’r.....

My guess is $1100 in 99+% condition, but most guns in great condition are $100-$200 minus to that..

Locally, i’d bet a 41 mag would be nearly impossible to sell and that should be factored in...

muzzleblast... · August 19, 2018, 10:18 AM

delete - double post.

SaxonPig · August 19, 2018, 10:58 AM

I would not pay 900 for a 57-1. That's the post P&R model and not nearly as desirable. But that's just me. You decide if you want it and what it's worth to you. I'm old, I recall when the P&R was dropped in 1982, and I considered it a cheapening of the guns and never got over it. Again, just me.

BTW, here's my 4" Model 57 in nickel.

laytonj1 · August 19, 2018, 11:29 AM

57-1’s ran from 1982 (eliminate pinned barrel and counterbored chambers) to 1987 (new yoke retention system).
While not as desirable a collector as the no dash it’s still a very desirable pre lock / pre mim gun. And a 4” nickel N frame is still a very cool looking gun...

Jim

disseminator · August 19, 2018, 02:56 PM

If it's in good shape, I'd buy it.

Just had my Dad and his Model 58 at the range yesterday...

RKG · August 19, 2018, 03:38 PM

I am not a fan of nickle revolvers, and I don't my 657 often, but at $900 the price is close enough for something you'll never see again, so I'd buy it.

jaguarxk120 · August 19, 2018, 05:32 PM

Look at Guns International web site. They list 34 Model 57's for sale.

Those listing should give you a idea of what they sell for on todays market.

ammo.crafter · August 19, 2018, 07:08 PM

What if the finish was in Armaloy?

shuvelrider · August 19, 2018, 08:33 PM

Seems to be one of those things, been looking locally for the past ten years or so and ya just don't see them around here (Muskegon Michigan). The quandary of throw down and own one finally, or wait:mad I'll talk with the lgs guy, we've done deals over the years back and forth. Maybe knock a few more dollars off, maybe not. As an aside, what he wants in straight trade is my engraved M28 no dash HP. No deal on that

Wyosmith · August 19, 2018, 11:49 PM

I have owned 2 M58s with the fixed sights, and I was also issued 2 others in my days working for DOD. So I have used 4 of them, and I always had a good appreciation for the 41 mag. I kick myself for selling my 2, and someday I may get one to replace them. There is really nothing I'd do with a 41 that I can't do with a 44 special, or a 44 magnum, or a 45 Auto-Rim, all of which I have.
But dang..................I just think I should have a 41 .............just "cuzz"

CajunBass · August 20, 2018, 05:52 AM

I paid more than that recently for a 57 "no dash" in blue with the presentation case. I bought it in spite of the fact that it's a 41 magnum, not because of it. It was just such a nice gun, I couldn't pass it up. I'm such a sucker for a 4" barrel.

I bought bullets, brass, dies and such and have loaded some light end loads and have fired it, but I doubt I will much more. It's a nice shooter.

Around here, $900 would be not quite a steal, but it's not outrageous.

muzzleblast... · August 20, 2018, 07:00 AM

That is a beautiful M57, Cajunbass. The color of the grips makes me think of osage orange, but, likely they are goncalo alves.

**Mike Irwin** · August 20, 2018, 12:25 PM

It's not a screaming good deal, but it's a deal that both you and the seller should be happy with because it's fair.

The 4" 57 seems to be a bit less common than longer barrel lengths. Not sure why, but I rarely see 4" 57s.

Back in 2010 I paid that much for a 4" blued Model 25-5 in .45 Long Colt.

MarkCO · August 20, 2018, 05:39 PM

I bought a 657-4 (Stainless 4" Mountain) that I bought several years ago from a retiring FBI agent. Love it, shoot it a few 100 rounds a year. People have told me I need to baby it and keep it pristine for resale value. I just shoot it, I don't plan on ever selling it.

shuvelrider · September 9, 2018, 09:15 PM

Finally did pick up the 57, did some load testing today to make some future range ammo.

Oldman11 · September 10, 2018, 05:27 AM

I bought a model 57 no dash with 6 inch barrel three months ago for $800.00 and was glad to get it for that price. Now to find the 4 inch no dash.

Charlie98 · September 11, 2018, 11:58 AM

Your results are interesting... and mimic my standard .41 load. I've been loading 9.0grn Unique under a commercial cast 215grn bullet for just about as long as I've been loading .41.

August 18, 2018, 11:21 PM	#1
shuvelrider Senior Member Join Date: October 2, 2011 Location: West Coast of Michigan Posts: 132	Nickle Smith M57 deal at LGS I dislike inquiring like this for a value but google-foo just takes me to online auction sites with crazy prices. Sitrep-----my lgs has a -1 Model 57, nickle, with 4" barrel, no box or extra's, used of course but in nice condition. What research tells me, it's late 70's with the 3 T's that was being built into the gun by that time-----"Target" trigger, sights, and hammer. I have the chance to buy it for 900 or it stays in his personal collection, it just came in the door recently on another deal. Not sure where the price is on this gun nowadays. Thanks.

August 19, 2018, 08:56 AM	#5
smee78 Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2008 Location: South Carolina Posts: 2,918	I agree with the last post by muzzle, while it not a steal a good solid N frame with the 3 t's is getting hard to find in good condition in my area. If you have the money and want the gun I would go for it. It seems a nice 4" gun is something that gets bough and hardly ever sold. __________________ We know exactly where one cow with Mad-cow-disease is located, among the millions and millions of cows in America, but we haven't got a clue where thousands of illegal immigrants and terrorists are

August 19, 2018, 07:08 PM	#13
ammo.crafter Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2006 Location: The Keystone State Posts: 1,970	M<57 What if the finish was in Armaloy? __________________ "Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading". --Thomas Jefferson

August 20, 2018, 05:52 AM	#16
CajunBass Senior Member Join Date: May 6, 2005 Location: North Chesterfield, Virginia Posts: 4,767	I paid more than that recently for a 57 "no dash" in blue with the presentation case. I bought it in spite of the fact that it's a 41 magnum, not because of it. It was just such a nice gun, I couldn't pass it up. I'm such a sucker for a 4" barrel. I bought bullets, brass, dies and such and have loaded some light end loads and have fired it, but I doubt I will much more. It's a nice shooter. Around here, $900 would be not quite a steal, but it's not outrageous. __________________ For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV)

August 20, 2018, 12:25 PM	#18
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,380	It's not a screaming good deal, but it's a deal that both you and the seller should be happy with because it's fair. The 4" 57 seems to be a bit less common than longer barrel lengths. Not sure why, but I rarely see 4" 57s. Back in 2010 I paid that much for a 4" blued Model 25-5 in .45 Long Colt. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

August 19, 2018, 06:16 AM	#2
lunger Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2007 Posts: 443	Not an expert or even close. But that seems like a good deal . If I liked it and had the cash I would be all over it. Besides the way SW revolver prices are rising,in a year or two it will be worth more than you paid.

August 19, 2018, 07:00 AM	#3
shuvelrider Senior Member Join Date: October 2, 2011 Location: West Coast of Michigan Posts: 132	It's one of those guns I've been keeping an eye out for over the years, just surprised when he brought it out. Owners do not let them go easily, but a guy brought it to the shop, along with a 6" nickle M29 -3 for another deal.

August 19, 2018, 08:18 AM	#4
muzzleblast... Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2015 Location: Obwat, TN Posts: 285	I am not sure that I would classify $900 for a nice condition 57-1, 4", nickle as a screaming deal. But, it would be hard for me to walk away from.

August 19, 2018, 09:13 AM	#6
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,326	That’s not a bad deal. Seems like fair market value is: $1100-$1200 blue, 99+% condition, with all the extras $1000 same, but without extras Is nickel + or - value.....likely an add’r..... My guess is $1100 in 99+% condition, but most guns in great condition are $100-$200 minus to that.. Locally, i’d bet a 41 mag would be nearly impossible to sell and that should be factored in...

August 19, 2018, 10:18 AM	#7
muzzleblast... Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2015 Location: Obwat, TN Posts: 285	delete - double post.

August 19, 2018, 10:58 AM	#8
SaxonPig Senior Member Join Date: April 24, 2006 Posts: 1,900	I would not pay 900 for a 57-1. That's the post P&R model and not nearly as desirable. But that's just me. You decide if you want it and what it's worth to you. I'm old, I recall when the P&R was dropped in 1982, and I considered it a cheapening of the guns and never got over it. Again, just me. BTW, here's my 4" Model 57 in nickel.

August 19, 2018, 11:29 AM	#9
laytonj1 Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2005 Posts: 4,443	57-1’s ran from 1982 (eliminate pinned barrel and counterbored chambers) to 1987 (new yoke retention system). While not as desirable a collector as the no dash it’s still a very desirable pre lock / pre mim gun. And a 4” nickel N frame is still a very cool looking gun... Jim

August 19, 2018, 02:56 PM	#10
disseminator Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2016 Location: Minnesota Posts: 960	If it's in good shape, I'd buy it. Just had my Dad and his Model 58 at the range yesterday...

August 19, 2018, 03:38 PM	#11
RKG Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2009 Location: Boston Posts: 562	I am not a fan of nickle revolvers, and I don't my 657 often, but at $900 the price is close enough for something you'll never see again, so I'd buy it.

August 19, 2018, 05:32 PM	#12
jaguarxk120 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,619	Look at Guns International web site. They list 34 Model 57's for sale. Those listing should give you a idea of what they sell for on todays market.

August 19, 2018, 08:33 PM	#14
shuvelrider Senior Member Join Date: October 2, 2011 Location: West Coast of Michigan Posts: 132	Seems to be one of those things, been looking locally for the past ten years or so and ya just don't see them around here (Muskegon Michigan). The quandary of throw down and own one finally, or wait:mad I'll talk with the lgs guy, we've done deals over the years back and forth. Maybe knock a few more dollars off, maybe not. As an aside, what he wants in straight trade is my engraved M28 no dash HP. No deal on that

August 19, 2018, 11:49 PM	#15
Wyosmith Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2010 Location: Shoshoni Wyoming Posts: 2,713	I have owned 2 M58s with the fixed sights, and I was also issued 2 others in my days working for DOD. So I have used 4 of them, and I always had a good appreciation for the 41 mag. I kick myself for selling my 2, and someday I may get one to replace them. There is really nothing I'd do with a 41 that I can't do with a 44 special, or a 44 magnum, or a 45 Auto-Rim, all of which I have. But dang..................I just think I should have a 41 .............just "cuzz"

August 20, 2018, 07:00 AM	#17
muzzleblast... Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2015 Location: Obwat, TN Posts: 285	That is a beautiful M57, Cajunbass. The color of the grips makes me think of osage orange, but, likely they are goncalo alves.

August 20, 2018, 05:39 PM	#19
MarkCO Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 1998 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 4,307	I bought a 657-4 (Stainless 4" Mountain) that I bought several years ago from a retiring FBI agent. Love it, shoot it a few 100 rounds a year. People have told me I need to baby it and keep it pristine for resale value. I just shoot it, I don't plan on ever selling it. __________________ Good Shooting, MarkCO www.CarbonArms.us

September 9, 2018, 09:15 PM	#20
shuvelrider Senior Member Join Date: October 2, 2011 Location: West Coast of Michigan Posts: 132	Finally did pick up the 57, did some load testing today to make some future range ammo. Last edited by shuvelrider; September 9, 2018 at 09:23 PM.

September 10, 2018, 05:27 AM	#21
Oldman11 Member Join Date: April 28, 2016 Posts: 77	I bought a model 57 no dash with 6 inch barrel three months ago for $800.00 and was glad to get it for that price. Now to find the 4 inch no dash.

September 11, 2018, 11:58 AM	#22
Charlie98 Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2006 Location: Great state of Texas Posts: 1,077	Your results are interesting... and mimic my standard .41 load. I've been loading 9.0grn Unique under a commercial cast 215grn bullet for just about as long as I've been loading .41. __________________ _______________ "I have this pistol pointed at your heart!" "That is my least vulnerable spot."