A little over a month ago, a local gun shop took in one of the 465 Model 681 ConRail Police Department revolvers made in .38 Spl. in around 1989. It was priced at $675 and, even though it appeared to be in unfired condition, I did not have the extra cash at the time and thought the price was too high.

Well, a couple of days ago I sold a Sig P228 LNIB and had some extra cash. Earlier today, I went by and looked at it. I examined it thinking I would put an offer of $600.00 on it. However, when I asked to see the box I thought came with it, the consignment clerk said it did not come in with a box. That seemed unusual given that it appeared unfired. I even had him double check, but no box. So, I did not make an offer,

On the way back to the office, I decided what the heck, life's too short. So, I called and made a $600 offer. He said he would call the owner. He called back in about 5 minutes and said, "Well, the bad news is the owner will not go below $640, but the good news is that we found the box and it has all the paperwork and tools." I turned the car around and bought it.

I probably paid too much, but I've never seen one come up on the consignment here in Southern California, and I figured with only 465 made, how many total can there even be in the Golden State.

I can't pick mine up for 10 days, but here's a photo of a label posted earlier by Sabre regarding his 681 CRPD. My label is not just similar, it is exactly the same, including the Spec Ord 2162. In fact, mine has the same little blue ink marks and little red star. The serial number is even the same, at least the part showing.



This is a photo of Sabre's 681 he posted back in April. It's a wicked photo. I think mine would probably look this good if Sabre was taking the photo. My photo skills aren't even close to his, but you get the idea.

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1st Signal Brigade, RVN '70

A little over a month ago, a local gun shop took in one of the 465 Model 681 ConRail Police Department revolvers made in .38 Spl. in around 1989. It was priced at $675 and, even though it appeared to be in unfired condition, I did not have the extra cash at the time and thought the price was too high.

Well, a couple of days ago I sold a Sig P228 LNIB and had some extra cash. Earlier today, I went by and looked at it. I examined it thinking I would put an offer of $600.00 on it. However, when I asked to see the box I thought came with it, the consignment clerk said it did not come in with a box. That seemed unusual given that it appeared unfired. I even had him double check, but no box. So, I did not make an offer,

On the way back to the office, I decided what the heck, life's too short. So, I called and made a $600 offer. He said he would call the owner. He called back in about 5 minutes and said, "Well, the bad news is the owner will not go below $640, but the good news is that we found the box and it has all the paperwork and tools." I turned the car around and bought it.

I probably paid too much, but I've never seen one come up on the consignment here in Southern California, and I figured with only 465 made, how many total can there even be in the Golden State.

I can't pick mine up for 10 days, but here's a photo of a label posted earlier by Sabre regarding his 681 CRPD. My label is not just similar, it is exactly the same, including the Spec Ord 2162. In fact, mine has the same little blue ink marks and little red star. The serial number is even the same, at least the part showing.



This is a photo of Sabre's 681 he posted back in April. It's a wicked photo. I think mine would probably look this good if Sabre was taking the photo. My photo skills aren't even close to his, but you get the idea.

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1st Signal Brigade, RVN '70

Good score sir! I think you did ok. I got a 681 this spring and love it. I was looking for a M686 and a M10 HB and I found both in one.

WOW! That is a very pretty 681, congrats!

The 681 is my favorite L-frame. There is just something about how it looks and feels. Shoots like a laser too. Enjoy yours! Regards 18DAI.

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7 +1 Rounds of hope & change

Congrats. Nice Revolver. Seems like I remember that someone else here on the forum has one as well.

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Formerly know as Lucky Derby

I don't have a clue what 681 prices are, but my hunch is that you actually did quite well. This may become a very sought after gun in years to come with L frame collectors. I've never even heard of a .38 spl. 681 before. Police gun collectors might think those are a real jewel too.

Hubba-hubba~~~! Very nice pix too!

I'm sure you will enjoy it DD. I found my 681 3" two months ago and willingly "paid too much." They are great revolvers.

Here's a shot of mine.




Enjoy!

-TS

Denver Dick,

Nice find, and even more so over there in California! Speaking of which, if you apply the CA "price premium" you didn't do bad at all. Mine is still unfired (my only NIB unfired gun). I may or may not keep it that way, but I did pick up a nice shooter grade 581 recently that has taken the edge off my desire to shoot the CRPD 681

And thanks for the compliments on my pics - its really nice to hear that folks are enjoying the fruits of my photographic labor

Bill

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Bill

Nice find for California. Finding gems like this could be a life long obsession in CA. Glad you scored!

Sabre wrote;Well, even though I believe my 681 CRPD to be a true NIB, it has a little (tiny, actually) rub on the top strap, probably from storage. So, I may as well shoot it . . . at least that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

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1st Signal Brigade, RVN '70

Very nice find! I think that the 581/681 will be the only one with the full barrel underlug that will ever find his into my vault.

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Regards from Germany
Stephan

I can remember when I bought a then NEW L frame.
A 581. Fall of 1981..soo many years ago.
Back then they were so new that Smith had them
in:

Fixed Sights, and

Blued finish ONLY.

It would be a short while before the
adjustable sighted 586 would be in the
catalog, and even longer for the stainless
guns.

+1

You don't see the M6681 or the CRPD M681 very much. Mine was a pawn taht some one let go. I got mine for $349. I waited a bit to pick it up because I really wanted a M686. Asked around here and was told not to pass it up for that price. Very pleased I did.

I remember when Century Arms had these Conrail .38 Special guns in their catalog. I tried to buy one but was too late. If I remember right, they were in the $250 range when sold. I thought it was in the mid-90's, but hey, that was a long time ago...

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My sgntr is mor thn 30 chrctrs

Congratulations, Dick, on a truly classic S&W revolver -- the 581 and 681 are among my favorite Smiths.

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I taught Lewis Black everything that he knows.

Good find, DD...

That's a fine lookin' chunk of stainless and hardwood.

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With S&W, you're holding history in your hand

Very nice catch, congrats

ive been looking for one for MONTHS i saw one for sale on Gunsamerica in august i was to late, but i've been searching and look what i found last week its got spegel grips and everything BDT serial prefix btw.

Hey Denver Dick, nice looking sixgun! Thanks for posting pic of box label. I have a sister to yours and was wondering what the product code and order numbers were. Wandered into a gun shop in Clearfield Pa last fall, and got lucky twice! They had a four screw non model marked Highway Patrolman with orig grips and very nice condition no box for 299.00. Whilst I was doing the paperwork I noticed a stainless service type revolver in the back of the case. A M-681 with C.R.P.D. stamped on it in .38 Special like new for 269.00 no box. Had no idea at the time who CRPD was but needless to say more paperwork was done! I have a thing for .38 special service revolvers and dident know what I was buying at the time but am glad I did.

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Stay safe people!

$269 was a steal mine was more than that by a big chunk , im glad you found a CRPD if only we could find the other 468 out of 471

Another beautiful find for you, DD! Thanks for the post. When I see your name, I'm always saying, "What did he find this week?!"

Regards,

Jerry