In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.

S&W model 58 in 357mag?

redman.com1redman.com1 Member Posts: 718 ✭✭
edited July 2014 in Ask the Experts
I know, I don't believe it either till I seen it! my friend has a S&W 58 in 357 mag. unless S&W didn't stamp the 6 and its a 586? its nickel with a 4 inch barrel and fixed sights? don't think they even made a 586 with fixed sights though? am I wrong or did they make one in 357? any help, thanks.
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I just look it up in SCSW. 58's were all 41 mags. You either have a factory error. Or more likely one reworked with a 357 cylinder, and .38 special heavy barrel. 41 mag ammo always has been expensive, and not the easiest stuff to get hold of.

    Post quality close-up photos showing, showing all markings.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • CheechakoCheechako Member Posts: 563 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    My guess is that it's a custom job by a shooter or hunter. Many years ago, S&W would sell both barrels and cylinders to certain customers. As the pistol smith for our local R&P Club I was one such customer. I made several custom revolvers for other club members and for myself. Those guns showing up today probably baffle the experts.

    Other manufacturers (such as TC) gave special consideration to their best customers. Those were quaint days, now long gone.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    S & W, "Letter", would be only way to positively verify it.

    If it letter's as a 4", nickel, fixed sight, .357 from the factory. It would have very substantial collectors value.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ruger41ruger41 Member Posts: 14,665 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    They made the 581 in blued and nickel (fixed sight versions of the 586/686). It's a L frame .357 mag. Few are even for sale on the auction side. Bet he isn't seeing the 1 or its worn.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by ruger41
    They made the 581 in blued and nickel (fixed sight versions of the 586/686). It's a L frame .357 mag. Few are even for sale on the auction side. Bet he isn't seeing the 1 or its worn.



    Serial number range/DOM of the 58 & 581 would be different. Best way to get to the bottom of this.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Laredo LeftyLaredo Lefty Member Posts: 13,451 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    redman..... Does the gun have an N or L frame. If its an L, its possibly a mismarked 581. If it an N, it may be a 58 that has been converted to .357.

    I have seen a couple model 29's at gun shows that were .357's. These guns had been modified after leaving the factory. As mentioned, a letter from Smith will give a final answer.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tjh1948tjh1948 Member Posts: 434 ✭
    edited November -1
    IIRC, there was FS Model 520 made for the New York State Police that was never actually delivered & was sold commercially. It had a 4" barrel & had a 7 chamber cylinder.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Laredo LeftyLaredo Lefty Member Posts: 13,451 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by tjh1948
    IIRC, there was FS Model 520 made for the New York State Police that was never actually delivered & was sold commercially. It had a 4" barrel & had a 7 chamber cylinder.



    Not quite, I have a model 520, below. It has a "6 shot" cylinder. Its the only "N" frame .357 made with fixed sights.

    IMG_1584.jpg
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Hawk CarseHawk Carse Member Posts: 4,381 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Would pictures be too much to ask?

    I can imagine a 581 with incorrect or poorly struck model number easier than I can a .41 laboriously converted to .357. Although there have been some number of 58s up-converted to .44 and .45.

    I think I could tell an L frame 581 from an N frame 58 by look or feel, but it does require a little familiarity with Smith & Wessons.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dfletcherdfletcher Member Posts: 8,178 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Laredo Lefty
    quote:Originally posted by tjh1948
    IIRC, there was FS Model 520 made for the New York State Police that was never actually delivered & was sold commercially. It had a 4" barrel & had a 7 chamber cylinder.



    Not quite, I have a model 520, below. It has a "6 shot" cylinder. Its the only "N" frame .357 made with fixed sights.

    IMG_1584.jpg


    There is a new model 520 - some sort of lightweight, MIM, spray paint finished revolver. Blech. [xx(]

    I was thinking the supposed "58" could actually be a 520, but there are no nickel 520s, so far as I know. Aftermarket nickel plating is possible. So I suppose Smith may have used a "Model 58" frame to make a 520, then some fellow decided to nickel plate the thing would explain the supposed "Model 58 in 357".

    I know mismarked frames, especially Smith since they did it so often, doesn't bring more $$$. But I'd wonder if that holds for a shirt, dedicated run as was the 520? Of course the aftermarket nickeling would kill that.

    BTW, I had an opportunity a few years back to buy a NIB 520 for $495.00. "Nah, that's not a good deal" I said ...... [V]
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Sign In or Register to comment.