Local pawn shop has a blued S&W 581 no dash 6-shot swingout .357 mag with walnut checkered grip in pretty nice condition. Firm at $425. Comes with matching case.

I believe this rare model is also know as the "Distinguished Service Magnum." Appreciate any info on value, feedback, pics or range reports. Thanks!

It isn't a very rare model as S&W made them throughout the 1980s, but you are likely to see less of them than the 586s and 686s. I have a 681 which is a great shooter. The price isn't a steal, but if it has the original box and the condition is good then it probably is a fair price.

442js called it, scarce yes, rare no. I am a fan of the fixed sight S&W revolvers. The price for it would be a good price in my area. Again, not a steal, but a L frame .357 for under $500 in good condition with the matching box, has got to be a good price, in my opinion.

Even with no box or goodies, is there some reason you didn't bring it home???

The price is very fair. If it is tight and in good condition mechanically and finish wise you can't go wrong.

As was said before, any good .357 under $500 is a fair deal this day and age.

I bought this 681-1 back in June of this year, which had spent the last 24 years in a safe, for $400. No box or papers and I didn't care at that price.

Laser straight shooter that was a wonderful addition to my collection.

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Take your time..quickly.

That is a good price in my area as well.

Bought one without the case 5 years ago for $325, that is not a bad price for this particular model in my area, if you can find one!

I don't have $425. Other than that, no. He said he'd take 50 down and give me 30 days. I may go back when I have the 50.

They're a great gun and that's a pretty decent price. They seem to sell for a good bit more than that on the big auction site and then you have to factor in shipping, transfer fees, etc.

That being said, don't put yourself in a financial bind over ANY gun. There are others out there when the time is right.

Assuming it passes all function checks and looks decent I would buy it.

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Regards,
Guy-Harold Smith II

Good advice, Duke. I think I can get it for 425 OTD, including tax and background check fee, which here in WI costs $13. I just finished saving up and paying for a 617 that cost me close to 600 OTD. Now that I have a taste for Smiths after all these years of not owning one, my appetite only grows stronger for more. All I need is $$$

If you don't get it soon, someone else will!

If it's in good shape and has the original number-matched round bottom magna grips (aka PC grips) then it's worth more than $425. The vast majority of 581's used by LEO's did not keep the original grips and will have some kind of rubbers on them.

I have two 581's and they are among my very favorites, 581's are a lot rarer than 4" 586's, they were made with the sole purpose of appealing to the LE market and were produced when the L-frame first came out. IMO they were made to compete with the Ruger Security Six after there were many complaints from LE agencies that the S&W K-frame .357's weren't holding up.

It has the original walnut grip that looks in good shape. Cylinder seems tight and the blue looks good. Where do I find the serial number on this gun??

The serial number is on the grip frame on the underside of the butt. Ask the gun shop owner if he can remove the grips, stamped in the wood should be a number. S&W fitted each set of grips to the gun and then numbered them, hopefully they should match. If so it adds a good bit to the guns value. Either way 581's aren't being made anymore and older S&W's are going up in value every day.

I totally understand Joe...being retired doesn't mean I'm rich (financially anyhow).

I have to budget or sell something I'm not using sometimes to fund other gun purchases. And some really nice guns I wanted for myself have gotten away due to that.

Life is too short for ugly guns and ugly women........

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Take your time..quickly.

For $425 a 357 magnum in my area is a great deal. If you are buying one here it will cost somewhere between $500 - $600.

If you add the matching box & grips (assuming functionality is good obviously) it is a guaranteed $500 - $550 purchase plus tax. Where I am we do not have to pay $13 or any other fee to have a background check ran.

I say go back and give the man $50 and start paying it off if you can buy it outright. I certainly would. I have one 581 no dash and it shoots great. I actually have more revolvers than I'll ever use. I probably should thin the herd but it is hard to do that especially when I keep buying them.

I see that brilliant blue, the scintillating stainless, or that nifty nickel and I just have to have it

Is there any concern about 581 no dashes if they don't have the "M" designated upgrade? Is that an overhyped issue?
Either way, this sounds like a beauty and a steal.

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Scotp7

I picked up my 581 about three years ago for $350 (no box or papers). It didn't have the M stamp. Sent it back for the up grades and the M. Great revolver.

I just bought one off the net, price was $489, plus shipping and transfer. I consider this a good deal. It doesn't have the M stamp, works fine with 38 Spl. reloads and factory 357, it doesn't like my 357 reloads, the cylinder will bind up. I'm not gonna send it back for the mod. All original, accurate. I shoot 38 about 98% of the time. I've never seen a used one hereabouts, I consider it rare .

I forgot to mention that the 581 lives in a small pawn shop that rarely has much gun inventory. This could be strike one. The owner so far has refused to provide the serial number when I explained that I wanted to know if it had be modified. Strike two. My brother, who has worked at a big gun shop in Albuquerque for several years, says a better choice would be either a Model 14 or Model 15 .38 special, derivatives of the famed K-38, or even the classic Model 10. Strike 3 as I respect his judgment when it comes to firearms. He owns many guns and has shot just about everything. They seem just as scarce. What do you think of the 10/14/15's and where can I find them?
http://world.guns****/handguns/double...k-frame-e.html

Personally, I would rather have the L frame 581 with the option of shooting .357 or .38 spl. If it hasn't been modified, that's a simple trip back to S&W (and it should be free). Also, the price seems pretty good to me. Unless you're looking strictly for a K frame .38 and/or need adj. sights, the L frame should be more durable than the K if just shooting .38 spl.

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Watch & Pray

You can tell if it has had the modification buy looking inside the yoke for an M stamp near the model number. No M stamp, not modified.
I like them all, the 14 Masterpiece and 15 Combat Masterpiece have adjustable sights while the 10 M&P has fixed sights regulated for 158 grain bullets.

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Regards,
Guy-Harold Smith II

Your intended use dictates what the better choice is, so what is it? Target work and plinking? Working gun for around the yard? Serious self and home defense? All three?

In my experience, well maintained 581s are significantly harder to come by than 10s, 14s and 15s.

If you prefer fixed sights over adjustable, and want both .357 and .38 capability, this is a no-brainer -- pick the 581 if it is in quality shape, as if it is the price is good.

Run a search here and learn the several important pre-purchase revolver checks before you buy anything.