Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present
o

Notices

S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 03-18-2013, 07:26 AM
oldafsp's Avatar
oldafsp oldafsp is offline
US Veteran
Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 1,286
Liked 1,204 Times in 380 Posts
Default Unsung Hero's: The 581/681

1980 brought a new design from S&W in the form of the new L frame revolver.

Semi auto pistols had not yet captured the lions share of the law enforcement market and Smith wisely developed a new generation of revolvers. Many police agencies weapons were over 20 years old(or older) at the time and this new revolver was purchased by many to upgrade thier
duty weapons.

It was a good design, carried on through today. Most of what we see are the
adjustable sight 586/686 version, but the fixed sight Service Magnum is the
rock solid, all day shoot full house .357 Magnum designed for law enforcement use.

A little heavier than it's K frame brother and lighter than the N frame, it is a joy to shoot.

A good addition to any Smith owners collection in my book.....

I aqquired this 681-2 last year for the princely sum $400 from the original owner. It had sat unused in his safe for over 20 years...






__________________
Take your time..quickly.

Last edited by oldafsp; 03-18-2013 at 07:29 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 9 Users Like Post:
  #2  
Old 03-18-2013, 07:32 AM
Arik Arik is offline
Member
Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Outside Philadelphia Pa
Posts: 16,601
Likes: 7,342
Liked 17,200 Times in 7,303 Posts
Default Re: Unsung Hero's: The 581/681

Nice! Local LGS has police trade ins for $450

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 03-18-2013, 07:44 AM
KLYDE's Avatar
KLYDE KLYDE is offline
Member
Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: TWILIGHT ZONE
Posts: 1,933
Likes: 13,000
Liked 4,632 Times in 1,190 Posts
Default

Outstanding specimen. I love the fixed sight guns and would be ecstatic to find one like yours. Most are a little cosmetically challenged from duty carry.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #4  
Old 03-18-2013, 07:57 AM
Coaltminer Coaltminer is offline
Member
Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681  
Join Date: May 2011
Location: WV
Posts: 789
Likes: 9
Liked 478 Times in 233 Posts
Default

I have a 581 from '82 production, was not a police gun. Shoots to POA. Would love to find a set of walnut targets for it, but just don't want to set up a PayPal acct. to get one from eBay!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 03-18-2013, 08:09 AM
Sixgun100 Sixgun100 is offline
Member
Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681  
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Vermont
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 1,100
Liked 2,792 Times in 656 Posts
Default

Great Post! Model 581 was my first personally purchased duty revolver back in the early 80's. Sits in a display case now with some badges, but I still take it out and shoot it. Best wishes.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 03-18-2013, 09:26 AM
SJshooter's Avatar
SJshooter SJshooter is offline
Member
Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 650
Likes: 78
Liked 1,032 Times in 258 Posts
Default

My 681-1 was a sidearm of a police chief. He only ever fired it for qualifying. Suffice to say, I've shot it quite a bit more since then.



Reply With Quote
The Following 8 Users Like Post:
  #7  
Old 03-18-2013, 10:51 AM
chipking's Avatar
chipking chipking is offline
Member
Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681  
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Fredericksburg,Virginia,U
Posts: 349
Likes: 67
Liked 440 Times in 145 Posts
Default

Just acquired a 681-3 from my shooting buddy that has to be one of the Grail of S&Ws. He knows I have a weakness for fixed sight Smiths especially when they shoot good so he casually mentioned that he had a PD marked 681 he might be interested in selling. We shot it and it was dead on with my "play" loads (38 Special 158gr LSWC ~ 920fps). After 2 cylinder fulls I handed him the very reasonable price he asked and put the gun in my bag. After I got home and started cleaning it I found that it was a 681-3 CRPD 38 SPECIAL revolver. Marked on the barrel 38 S&W Special cartridge and the cylinder is shorter and chambered for the 38 Special. Reading the write up on the gun only 460 were ever made and were made for the ConRail Police Department.

Since I value my friends more than any gun I called him up and told him what it was and offered to undo the deal if he wanted it back. His reply was that he knew it was rare just not how rare and that he was perfectly satisfied with our deal.

Life is Good
Chip King
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 100_0908.JPG (219.4 KB, 96 views)
File Type: jpg 100_0911.JPG (206.4 KB, 93 views)

Last edited by chipking; 03-18-2013 at 01:21 PM. Reason: Added pictures
Reply With Quote
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
  #8  
Old 03-18-2013, 11:23 AM
MrJT's Avatar
MrJT MrJT is offline
US Veteran
Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Scranton PA
Posts: 534
Likes: 503
Liked 420 Times in 133 Posts
Default

I'm personally a much bigger fan of the 681 than the 686. Th 681 just has a more authentic feel.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 03-18-2013, 11:47 AM
KEN L's Avatar
KEN L KEN L is offline
SWCA Member
Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681  
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: N GA
Posts: 4,466
Likes: 204
Liked 3,613 Times in 1,498 Posts
Default

Let us not forget that the adjustable sighted guns came first. I was never a fan of the fixed sighted L frames, but they have duly earned their place in Smith & Wesson history. For me, almost as good as The Distinguished Combat Magnum, a very close second. As I've said in previous posts, I much prefer the .357 in an L frame than a .357 in the in N frame. I really like my Model 28 but I tend to favor my 686 a tad more! Nice looking guns guys!!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 03-18-2013, 12:10 PM
S. Kelly S. Kelly is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2000
Posts: 504
Likes: 1
Liked 115 Times in 74 Posts
Default

I miss my M681 that I stupidly sold. It was a great carry gun in the winter, 6 rounds of blistering .357 Magnum goodness. I would love to run into one again!
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 03-18-2013, 12:14 PM
18DAI's Avatar
18DAI 18DAI is offline
Absent Comrade
Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: GSO NC
Posts: 6,106
Likes: 23,604
Liked 13,182 Times in 2,860 Posts
Default

The 681 is my favorite L-frame. Too bad the wonder 9's came along......
__________________
7 +1 Rounds of hope & change
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 03-18-2013, 12:14 PM
Scotter260 Scotter260 is offline
Member
Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 844
Likes: 153
Liked 160 Times in 57 Posts
Default

My preference is for service revolvers and I've been looking for a 681 for some time now as a partner to my 4" 65. Congrats on such a nice find at such a good price!
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 03-18-2013, 12:15 PM
TAROMAN's Avatar
TAROMAN TAROMAN is offline
US Veteran
Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: The wet side of Oregon
Posts: 6,290
Likes: 8,789
Liked 7,778 Times in 2,375 Posts
Default

The 681 has everything you need and nothing you don't!
Found mine (ex-deputy's gun) in the midst of a gaggle of 686s.
Traded an M&P .45 for it and never looked back.
Sweetest shooting .357 I've ever used.
__________________
-jwk-
US Army '72-'95
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #14  
Old 03-18-2013, 12:18 PM
old bear's Avatar
old bear old bear is offline
US Veteran
Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: R.T. P, area NC
Posts: 9,701
Likes: 29,443
Liked 22,967 Times in 5,777 Posts
Default

I can’t but help but wonder if the 581 will not start to achieve the cult status that the Highway Patrolman has? Both were often under appreciated handguns when they were released. The highway Patrolman was the poor sister to the M-27 and was not considered as cool as the M-19/66. I think that anyone who wants a 581/681 should make an effort to find one soon, before they escalate in price the way the M-28’s have.

Does anyone know if the 581/681 was ever produced in an 2” – 3” version?
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 03-18-2013, 01:39 PM
KEN L's Avatar
KEN L KEN L is offline
SWCA Member
Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681  
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: N GA
Posts: 4,466
Likes: 204
Liked 3,613 Times in 1,498 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by old bear View Post
Does anyone know if the 581/681 was ever produced in an 2” – 3” version?
Nope, at least not a production run. Probably wasn't much call for such a thing at the time. Would have definitely been a cool option. Too bad Lew Horton didn't request that variation!
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 03-18-2013, 02:17 PM
ds8514 ds8514 is offline
Member
Unsung Hero's: The 581/681  
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Batavia, IL
Posts: 290
Likes: 49
Liked 311 Times in 87 Posts
Default

Mine originally belonged to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. And I absolutely LOVE IT!!
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 681 New.jpg (65.6 KB, 66 views)
File Type: jpg 681 NEW (2).jpg (58.0 KB, 64 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #17  
Old 03-18-2013, 02:45 PM
brokenprism's Avatar
brokenprism brokenprism is offline
US Veteran
Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Oregon
Posts: 884
Likes: 13
Liked 302 Times in 116 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SJshooter View Post


I get a little wood when I see fixed sight guns, and magna grips dial that up for me. Magnas on big frames are awesome. The only way this could be better is if it had a 3" barrel and was in .44 Special, a neglected big bore round S&W should have exploited more. It's too late now, with all the design and cosmetic changes they've made, but a 581 would be worth converting if the metal is there.

There was a funny window of time on several models where the S&W trademark suddenly rolled to the other side; snub 19s and 64s come to mind. I don't like this look -- it looks wrong to me -- but recently I saw some older guns that suggest this was the original location.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 03-19-2013, 08:27 AM
cptdco cptdco is offline
Member
Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SE Pa
Posts: 630
Likes: 7
Liked 107 Times in 39 Posts
Default

"Nice! Local LGS has police trade ins for $450".
Arik: I saw those, and if I didn't already own both a 581 and a 681, I'd have bought one. Any case, mine are both early versions with AAA serial numbers and the big logo on the right side. Both great guns.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 03-19-2013, 09:48 AM
clang444 clang444 is offline
US Veteran
Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681  
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: IL
Posts: 1,854
Likes: 1,023
Liked 3,573 Times in 954 Posts
Default

Here's my 681, marked NYSP:

The book says they were shipped in 1982.
__________________
My sgntr is mor thn 30 chrctrs

Last edited by clang444; 03-19-2013 at 09:52 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
  #20  
Old 03-19-2013, 06:47 PM
mag318's Avatar
mag318 mag318 is offline
US Veteran
Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Illinois
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 19
Liked 1,313 Times in 447 Posts
Default

Nice examples come up in the classifieds from time to time, and on auction sites. The last one I bought was from a fellow forum member for $550 and I felt it was a bargain.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg DSC00252.jpg (95.8 KB, 57 views)
File Type: jpg DSC00290.jpg (102.5 KB, 61 views)
File Type: jpg DSC09029.jpg (98.3 KB, 55 views)
File Type: jpg DSC08398.jpg (94.5 KB, 53 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #21  
Old 03-19-2013, 07:32 PM
steamloco76's Avatar
steamloco76 steamloco76 is offline
Member
Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Western Pennsylvania
Posts: 3,676
Likes: 1,769
Liked 3,702 Times in 1,242 Posts
Default

I snagged this 581 a while back at my LGS. It has a bit of holster wear on both sides of the muzzle but otherwise shows no real signs of use. Nice shooting revolver with a very good SA trigger. The best part it is a very early example with AAA serial prefix. I really should get it lettered.

Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #22  
Old 03-20-2013, 08:48 AM
cptdco cptdco is offline
Member
Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SE Pa
Posts: 630
Likes: 7
Liked 107 Times in 39 Posts
Default

Steamloco: Nice looking gun. I have a copy, complete with the big right-side logo and the AAA seerial number. My 681 is the same. After reading this thread yesterday, I took them both to the range last night.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #23  
Old 03-20-2013, 05:49 PM
Cpt. Obvious Cpt. Obvious is offline
Member
Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: West Bank/Algiers, LA
Posts: 457
Likes: 193
Liked 116 Times in 53 Posts
Default

LOVE my '81s, both no dashes, both slick as snot. and both will never be sold. just wish I could afford some spegel's for both of em!
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #24  
Old 03-20-2013, 06:02 PM
mike from st pete's Avatar
mike from st pete mike from st pete is offline
Member
Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: st pete fla
Posts: 2,871
Likes: 5,648
Liked 2,763 Times in 1,213 Posts
Default

I took my 681 to the range just yesterday.
A fine revolver for a day at the range.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #25  
Old 03-21-2013, 09:23 PM
luangtom's Avatar
luangtom luangtom is offline
US Veteran
Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: North Hall County, GA
Posts: 1,382
Likes: 513
Liked 741 Times in 324 Posts
Default

Oh, how I want a M681.......
__________________
GA Carry member
Vietnam Vet
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 03-21-2013, 10:25 PM
4506517's Avatar
4506517 4506517 is offline
Member
Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681  
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: The Old North State
Posts: 2,219
Likes: 2,866
Liked 3,200 Times in 1,081 Posts
Default

I bought a former OH Highway Patrol 681 a couple of years ago. What a sweet shooter. It came to me with Pachmyr grips. I have no idea if that was how it was issued or not, but it handles great with them on it. Absolutely butter single action.
__________________
Un-Reconstructed Southerner
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 03-22-2013, 04:14 AM
ElmerKeith ElmerKeith is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Teutoburger Wald/Germany
Posts: 219
Likes: 119
Liked 139 Times in 48 Posts
Default

How did they sight them in at the S&W factory? Is there a rule of thumb?

And what about the POA at 15 or 25 yards. How are your experiences with the classic 158 gr. bullets?
__________________
Regards from Germany
Stephan
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 03-22-2013, 06:30 PM
s3dcor's Avatar
s3dcor s3dcor is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 489
Likes: 348
Liked 968 Times in 133 Posts
Default

A 681 has escaped me but is on my list. I did pick up this nice 581 last year at a pawn shop for $300, one of the better deals I ever got. It has a AAH serial number, about 1982.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 581.jpg (67.0 KB, 46 views)
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 03-22-2013, 06:55 PM
chipking's Avatar
chipking chipking is offline
Member
Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681  
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Fredericksburg,Virginia,U
Posts: 349
Likes: 67
Liked 440 Times in 145 Posts
Default

ElmerKeith to be honest I am not sure how they did it but I do know that my 38 Special chambered 681 has a noticeably lower front sight than my buddy's 357 Magnum chambered 681 and 581 and puts my 158 +P loads right on the top of the sight at 25 yards. Since the front sight is machined on the rib on my model somebody had to either machine it to a formula or sight it in.
They must have had it down pat because even the Hydra-Shock 147 +P+ stay less than an inch and a half below the 158s. All well within the 10 on the NRA silhouette target.
Remember these are duty guns not bulls eye guns so any slight offset in windage or elevation will still be well within "minute of Bad Guy". In fact the stainless front sight causes me more windage issues by following the sun than elevation issues. During the course of a few hours on our range the inpacts will start to the left of the center and as the sun moves the impact will move across the center and then to the right a total travel of about 4 inches. All the while the elevation is fairly constant. All still in middle of the bad guy. What more could you ask for in a tough as nails duty gun.
Chip King
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #30  
Old 03-25-2013, 05:44 PM
oldafsp's Avatar
oldafsp oldafsp is offline
US Veteran
Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 1,286
Liked 1,204 Times in 380 Posts
Default

This target demonstrates the accuracy of my 681 during double action
rapid fire shooting.

Range- 25 feet
Target- 6x10 centered on standard B-27
Ammo- 158 SJFP Magtech .357 Magnum/ 1235 fps

5 shot strings, draw and fire two hand hold. 30 rounds total.

In the right hands, a very deadly accurate service revolver.

We don't need no stinkin adjustable sights....

__________________
Take your time..quickly.
Reply With Quote
  #31  
Old 03-25-2013, 06:02 PM
JCS&W's Avatar
JCS&W JCS&W is offline
US Veteran
Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681 Unsung Hero's: The 581/681  
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Jonesboro, GA
Posts: 2,198
Likes: 1,769
Liked 1,581 Times in 447 Posts
Default

In my opinion, the 581/681 are overlooked gems. I am a huge fan of fixed sight Smiths, and this model is a great example of a great fixed sight Smith. I have a very nice M581 in nickel, but a nice blued M581 and a nice M681 have eluded me so far.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Unsung Hero's are among us peyton The Lounge 3 03-06-2014 02:30 PM
I met a hero. thebeamanater107 The Lounge 29 01-09-2014 07:37 AM
A war hero... sipowicz The Lounge 5 12-26-2013 11:32 PM
The HERO.... ditrina The Lounge 1 09-23-2011 06:51 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:49 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)