New to revolvers and need help with 681

[bevans555]

UPDATE IN POST 10

Hey,

Ive always been a semi auto kinda guy but that has changed and I'm digging nothing but Smith revolvers and old school Lever Actions lately.

So, I have found a 681 no dash w/4" barrel in 357mag at a LGS on consignment for $850. I have never even heard of the 681/581 series. I absolutely fell for it. The balance, weight and trigger just felt right. I have been searching for a K/L frame with square butt frame and this fits the bill. However, I had no clue of what the proper value was and the store was closing and I was being rushed out but did a quick search on my local Trader and saw one was marked sold with a $900 asking price a couple months ago. I have checked Gun broker and there is only 1 currently on there at $615 with 5 days left. I asked the store owner if there was any wiggle room in the price and he said to write down my offer and he would phone the owner tomorrow and then let me know. I offered $800.

I've been researching nonstop for hours and I see a few years ago they were selling for $400-$600 and that they are kinda rare. Not many around as most people wanted the adjustable sught on the 686, but that these are gaining popularity with collectors. But I still cant find a general ballpark value on these, there just arent any for sale that I can find.

Any help with the value is greatly appreciated. I know today's market everything is inflated with crazy Rona prices but let me know how yall feel about the 681 in general and their value, please.

Thanks

[RGNewell]

If it is really nice, don't let it get away.
Price is reasonable.
Good luck.

[PatriotX]

The 681 is an amazing gun.

I hope to pick up another before people catch on to their utility and rarity.

[bevans555]

Originally Posted by RGNewell

If it is really nice, don't let it get away.
Price is reasonable.
Good luck.

Thank you, exactly what I was hoping to hear.

[bevans555]

Originally Posted by PatriotX

The 681 is an amazing gun.

I hope to pick up another before people catch on to their utility and rarity.

Awesome! Thank you!

[Catwrangler]

Buy the one you've Held.......

Trust me- The one on Gunbroker will sell for ALOT more than 600.00.

[bevans555]

So we agree $800 is not too too much? I will not go over $800 if the seller counters. I just dont want to lose my head on this deal. But it is so sweet.

[Jason Demond]

All pre lock L frames have edged towards 1000 bucks over the last year. There are always battered junky guns to be found in the 7/800 dollar range, but finding a gem in that range is rare nowadays.

Condition is king, and box/paperwork/tools add or detract from the value. Their lack can be a bargaining tool for a cheaper price if you are only interested in the gun.
If you found a nice one in the box, that's pretty much a buy now price.

[hkcavalier]

They are hot and probably not going to go down. Like anything gun related, once enough people pay a certain price, that's the new price because none of them will take a loss on a subsequent sale.

You could buy all the 58x and 68x guns you wanted for $600 or so 5-7 years ago. You could also buy all the 28-2s at a gun show for $350 each in the early 2000s. Unfortunately the window to buy up all the old "obsolete" revolvers for cheap while everyone else buys autos has passed. Lots of people who got into guns after the sunset of AWB and other factors already have their ARs, AKs, and plastic handguns and are branching out. I started about 10 years ago...

[bevans555]

UPDATE

I have been offered this Model 19-5 6" barrel, all Target in very good condition for $600. This is a tough decision. I have a 29-3 6" and told myself I was going to get a 3"-4" 357 but now idk.

What do you guys thinkstick with the stainless 681 4" for $800 or get the 19-5 6" for $600.

Here are a couple pics of the 19-5. . no pics of the 681.

[ladder13]

I’d get the 681. When will you come across another?

[ZGrand]

The obvious answer -- buy 'em both!

[PatriotX]

That is a great price on the 19.

I’d still get the 681.

[lppd4]

great price on the 19-4 buy them both

[Engineer1911]

Buy the 681, send me info for M19, I have green cash now!

[rwt1405]

Of course the correct answer is to buy them both.

If I could only buy 1, it would be the 681, every day and twice on Sunday.

But yes, you really need to buy them both.

[Borderboss]

If you can afford both, buy both at those prices. If not, buy the 681. Six inch Model 19s were made in more quantities than the 681.

With the 681, check to see if it's had the factory recall work done to the firing pin and firing pin bushing. Some of the early L-frames had issues where light bullet .357 loads would tie them up. It didn't happen to everybody, but it happened enough that S&W did a recall to replace the parts. If it was done, you'll see an "M" stamped on the frame under the model number opposite the yoke.

I only mention this because it seems that the early guns that had the recall work done also had a little action work done by the gunsmith while he was in there. My 686 no-dash was mint when I bought it last year. It had had the work done, and the action is incredible.

If it hasn't had that work done, no big deal. Like I said, the majority of people have had no issues. And S&W will still do the recall work today if you want.

[Sgt911]

I've only seen one 681 around here and I bought it. I didn't hesitate.

[bevans555]

Y’all really have me thinking about buying both. If I hadn’t just bought a 29-3 last weekend, there would be no question I’d have both.

Is the 19-5 a definite BUY IT NOW price?

I’m still leaning towards the 681, but if the 19-5 price is just a stupid dumb crazy buy it now price, I might have to grab it too.

[41 Roadmaster]

If you can get by your wife on this, BUY BOTH !!!

[LPD256]

Originally Posted by RGNewell

If it is really nice, don't let it get away.
Price is reasonable.
Good luck.

Thanks again for being more than fair with me on the 681 Bobby.

[GaryHK]

Good luck!

Hopefully the consignor agrees to the lower price on the 681. I wonder how long it has been on consignment. At least you have a fallback if it goes above your threshold/no go price.

Lucky to find one in person. GB is a total PITA sometimes. Pay shipping, wait for FFL, gun doesn't look as good in person, etc. Having one in hand at a decent price is 10x better.

[winchester62]

Great price on the 19. No question that is a great deal. If it has box and papers, and is as clean as it looks, it's a steal.

[bevans555]

Originally Posted by winchester62

Great price on the 19. No question that is a great deal. If it has box and papers, and is as clean as it looks, it's a steal.

No box or papers. Seller says it’s cleaner in person than in pics.

But I’m finding it difficult to turn down.

[BAM-BAM]

Long barrel 19s go for the least money; and IMO have the least utility.

On the 681; they and the 686 are the best all around utility/duty/ general purpose .357 you can own. I've had at least one since 1984.

As to price... a formula I've quoted before. If you think you're over paying by $XX Subtract your age from 70... then divide XX by that number. Most folks find that they are overpaying by a cup or two of Starbucks a year.

So your at $800 and asking is $850.

If you're 60 that $5 a year............. if you're 45 its $2/year

Small price to pay...........................


Guns are not good investments ...... but in good shape they do seem to keep up with inflation.

Buy it if you can.... you won't regret it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Zipdog]

I posted here where I knew of a 681 for sale at a gun shop for $599.00 and as far as I know it is still there. Has been for months.

[clang444]

The model 681 is the final iteration of the service revolver before semi-autos took over the service sidearm market. They entered service just as everyone had to have a Wonder 9, so they never sold a ton of them to law enforcement, etc.

I have a NYSP marked 681 and it's an excellent shooter. It's accurate, rugged, smooth trigger, and looks pretty darn good too:



I don't know if $800-$850 is overpriced, a fair deal, or a bargain in the current times since I bought mine back when they were "obsolete" and cheap. I don't think I would even consider selling mine for less than $1,000.

[Hapworth]

OP, they're relatively different revolvers with some overlap: one's a tough, basic .357 fighting gun; the other's more of a .357-capable but really .38 Special target gun.

Your intended use -- whatever that is -- and their current conditions should dictate which and at what price.

For my intended uses, the 681's the choice, though small fixed sights are getting a little more challenging and that's something you might consider unless you're a young buck -- but that said, $800 gun alone is getting higher end even in this market unless it's in exceptional condition.

But if it's in exceptional condition, and you have a use for that configuration, they're fine shooters.

[gr7070]

I can't fathom why one would want a fixed-sighted L-frame. I'm not carrying an L-frame and that is the only area a fixed sight is superior.

If for some crazy reason you want that, I suppose good ahead.

Being new to revolvers I'd take my time and definitely give this specific difference some thought.

[Borderboss]

Originally Posted by gr7070

I can't fathom why one would want a fixed-sighted L-frame. I'm not carrying an L-frame and that is the only area a fixed sight is superior.

If for some crazy reason you want that, I suppose good ahead.

Being new to revolvers I'd take my time and definitely give this specific difference some thought.

I carry an L-frame, a Model 69 with a 2.75-inch barrel, in a tactical backpack. I would rather the gun have fixed sights because the rear sight gets in the way when reholstering it in the pouch intended for the gun. So I can see a use for a fixed sight defensive gun.

[Hapworth]

Originally Posted by gr7070

I can't fathom why one would want a fixed-sighted L-frame. I'm not carrying an L-frame and that is the only area a fixed sight is superior.

If for some crazy reason you want that, I suppose good ahead.

Being new to revolvers I'd take my time and definitely give this specific difference some thought.

They carry pretty easy with the right-set up. No need to disparage those who do so or are considering it just because it isn't for you.

[ladder13]

Where’s my Rosetta Stone when I need it?

[gr7070]

Originally Posted by Borderboss

So I can see a use for a fixed sight defensive gun.

Yes, which I clearly acknowledged is the lone advantage for a fixed-sight.

If that's not the OP's expectation for this gun they should move on to another, more optimal model for intended use.

[Zipdog]

Here is what I did with an extra 681 I have. A 686 2 1/2 inch barrel installed. You have to machine down the top of the barrel to be good to go. Next work round butt it.

[sodacan]

I pretty much resisted the "L" frame guns for a long time, but the 681 is a really nice revolver, even if it doesn't have a pin in the barrel. You won't get hurt spending 8 bills on it if the condition merits it.

[Dieseltech56]

Man I must be living under a rock. I never thought $850 would be considered a good price on a 681. I guess that’s another model I’ll never own

[Jason Demond]

I like a 6" gun, so my pocket would have been smoking from my wallet's removal.

It all comes down to what you like in a gun. The L frame would be the strongest of the two guns, but it's hard to beat a classic blued revolver.

[MidniteFlame]

Originally Posted by bevans555

Y’all really have me thinking about buying both. If I hadn’t just bought a 29-3 last weekend, there would be no question I’d have both.

Is the 19-5 a definite BUY IT NOW price?

I’m still leaning towards the 681, but if the 19-5 price is just a stupid dumb crazy buy it now price, I might have to grab it too.

I would get the 19 but I have a thing about 19's