Smith and Wesson Model 57

The Smith and Wesson Model 57 is another masterpiece that was produce in the early 1960's.  Originally, Elmer Keith called this round "41 police" but after a long debate "41 Magnum" was agreed upon.  The size was between the famous .357 or .38 calibre and the .44 special or magnum.  The .41 magnum was designed with the police officer in mind. The recoil and size of the round however prohibited it from moving forward making it much more popular with civilian target shooters and hunters alike.
Today the .41 magnum is a difficult round to find and most who own one do their own reloading.  The demand for .41 magnum is paltry compared to a round such as the .357 or .44.
The model 57 is constructed on the Smith and Wesson N-frame and has a 6 round capacity like most other revolvers.  The model 57 can be rare and difficult to locate but its cousin the model 58 can be had at good prices.  Essentially the model 58 is a stripped down version of the model 57 and was created to allow police departments to purchase these in volume at a cheaper price.
The .41 was designed to fill the size gap and by 1964 it was introduced by Remington and Smith and Wesson released the model 57 at the same time.  At this time the name "magnum" was popular and Remington wanted to capitalize on that and so they named it the .41 Magnum.
Essentially the model 57 was really a model 29 in .41 calibre.  It sported a red front site with a white outlined rear sight.  It was equipped with a target hammer, target trigger, and over sized wooden grips.

The word "Magnum" eventually was a political hot topic as it was more recognized as a hunting round and not something the public wanted the police using on civilians.  During the 1970's this became a sensitive subject and eventually worked against them.  The officers were more than happy with the firepower of their .38's or the new .357 magnums.  These produce plenty of power without the recoil of the model 57 or 58.
In 1986 Smith and Wesson introduced the stainless steel model which was the 657.  This came standard with all available barrel lengths and even a very rare 5".  If you know of a 5" model for sale, please let me know.