SMITH & WESSON .357 REGISTERED MAGNUM Description
.357 Mag. cal., this model could be custom ordered with any barrel length from 3 1/2 - 8 3/4 inches in 1/4 in. increments (23 barrel lengths in all), adj. sights, blue (most common), or nickel (only 174 mfg.) finish, two hammer styles, checkered walnut grips, hand fitted and registered to the buyer by a number found on the inside of the yoke, ser. no. with "REG" prefix (approx. 5,500 were mfg.). This practice was disc. 1939 due to the tremendous demand for the .357 Mag. revolver. Mfg. 1935-1939.
Common barrel lengths were 3 1/2, 4, 5, 6 1/2, and 8 3/4 in. Production totals by barrel length are as follows: 4 1/2 in. (108 mfg.), 5 1/2 in. (140 mfg.), 5 in. (869 mfg.), 6 1/2 in. (1,518 mfg.), 6 in. (839), 7 1/2 in. (79 mfg.), and 8 3/4 in. (735 mfg.). Rest of production was divided between the other barrel lengths.
A factory letter is highly recommended to verify special order features when buying, selling, or trading this model. This is perhaps S&W most collectible revolver currently, and prices have risen significantly in the past several years.