Model 581 No Dash Nickel

[p8riot]

I have an opportunity to pick up a Model 581 No Dash Nickel (no box or docs) early next week. The owner is holding it for me. Been looking online and am seeing references to a recall on these revolvers, so know to look for markings indicating that it has been done.

The initial pic of the revolver (attached) is inconclusive, and the owner, who is about 2 hrs from me says that it is in like new condition and is asking $800 for it. I need to be in the area for other business, so I wouldn't be making the trip just for the revolver. I have checked on GB and have found 4 that have sold, 3 of which had surface defects and sold for around $550, and one brand new one that sold for $1222. There is one for sale on there now with box and docs and a Buy it Now price of $1000. If it is like new as she said, but without the docs and box, and if the recall has been done, is $800 a decent price?

[Peak53]

Decent price, but seems a bit high. The recall was for the hammer nose bushing in the recoil shield, if I have my terms right. Some magnum loads in some guns would allow the cylinder to flow into the bushing locking up the gun. General wisdom seems to be that it is not necessary to send in for the repair unless you have a problem or unless this is your carry weapon that MUST function every time.

[p8riot]

Thanks. Does S&W still warranty this revolver even if I am not the original owner? Since this is a recall I assume that they would.

[ken158]

If this gun had the recall done, it will have a M stamped inside yoke area. I think the price is high... but you are the buyer. At that price it would be a keeper as you woukd be in it for top dollar.

[p8riot]

Originally Posted by ken158

If this gun had the recall done, it will have a M stamped inside yoke area. I think the price is high... but you are the buyer. At that price it would be a keeper as you woukd be in it for top dollar.

That's what I was thinking. I typically don't pay asking price anyway, depending on condition. But will still have a look at it since I have to drive out to Virginia Beach anyway. Might be a keeper. Won't know until I check it out.

[armorer951]

L-Frame recall notice.......


SMITH & WESSON
MODEL 581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1,
586-1, 681-1, 686-1 & 686CS-1, REVOLVERS

RECALL: Reports have been received from the field where the combination of a SMITH & WESSON L-FRAME 357 MAGNUM REVOLVER and some .357 Magnum ammunition has resulted in unacceptable cylinder binding. L-frame revolvers bearing model numbers:

581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1, 586-1,
681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1

Cylinder binding can cause a failure to fire. Mishandling a revolver while freeing the cylinder can result in accidental discharge.

Cylinder binding can result from a number of causes, including characteristics of an individual revolver or the use of ammunition, which does not conform to industry pressure specifications or is particularly fast burning. Recent developments in ammunition manufacture emphasize the production of .357 Magnum ammunition with increased velocity and greater primer sensitivity.

Although there have been very few reported incidents of cylinder binding, in view of our concern for our customer's safety and the reliability of Smith & Wesson products in all circumstances, we issue the following warning:

In a situation where a failure to fire can be critical - such as law enforcement or personal protection - do not use .357 Magnum ammunition with an L-frame revolver bearing model numbers 581, 586, 681, 686 or 581-1, 586-1, 681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1 without an "M" over the model number until you have had the revolver modified.

Those who need to use their L-frame revolver under these conditions prior to modification can safely fire .38 Special caliber ammunition.

Smith & Wesson has developed a modification to improve existing L-frame revolvers. This improvement enables them to fire all .357 Magnum ammunition, without cylinder binding. Shipments of L-frame revolvers from our factory after August 21, 1987 already include this improvement.

You can check if your revolver includes this improvement by looking at the left side of the frame when the cylinder is fully open. If your revolver has been stamped either with a "2" or higher number after the basic three-digit model number or with an "M" above the model number, your revolver includes this improvement and does not need modification. If your revolver bears the model number 581, 586, 681, 686, or 581-1, 586-1, 681-1, 686-1, 686CS-1 without an "M" over the model number, it does not include this improvement and your should have your revolver modified.

Smith & Wesson will modify your L-frame revolver free of charge to eliminate the possibility of cylinder binding with .357 Magnum ammunition. Law enforcement agencies wishing to arrange for modification of L-frame revolvers should call 800-331-0852 between 9 A.M. and 6 P.M. Eastern time (MA residents call 413-734-8244). Other users should send their revolvers to a Smith & Wesson Warranty Service Center, specifying "L-frame improvement program" and enclosing their name and return address.

One of the modifications to improve the L-frame revolver is the installation of a new hammer nose. This obsoletes all old L-frame hammer noses (part numbers 4702 and 7513) and all old L-frame hammer assemblies (part numbers 3366, 3378, 3380, 3382, 3391, 4722, 4723, 4726 and 4728) in field parts inventories. Superseded parts should never be fitted into a modified revolver as this may result in malfunction. It is essential for safety that you return these obsolete L-frame hammer noses and obsolete L-frame hammer assemblies for a free exchange to:

Smith & Wesson
Service Department
2100 Roosevelt Avenue
Springfield, MA 01101

[p8riot]

Doesn't appear to have had the recall done


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