This project is something I dreamed up a while back. I decided to do it since the COVID has everyone on lockdown.

Pic 1. Usable 681-2. It was an agency gun, shooter grade but mechanically sound. There is a number "8" hand engraved under the top strap. I got it from a guy here on my local forum. He said it had a "dead cylinder", which we all know means it had an aftermarket mainspring and the strain screw was backed off. (I still paid too much for it.) Sure enough, that's what it was. An easy fix. The stocks are PERFECT, they are going on another gun.

Pic 2. Clamped up in the fixture. It's fixing to get ugly.
Pic 3. Cutting the rear sight notch
Pic 4. Cutting the groove along the top strap for the sight.
Pic 5. Holes drilled for CS extreme duty sights.
Pic 6. Tapped the holes
Pic 7. Fits like it's supposed to!
Pic 8. Milling off the front sight. Then cut the dovetail for the
FS. The barrel was underclocked about a degree. I had to build a frame clamp, pull the barrel and retighten it to 12 o'clock.
Pic 9. Done. Coming to a symposium in 2021!

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Mods- Please merge pics to one thread and orient pics correctly if you can. (Last PIC is the dovetail cut.....)
Thanks!

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well done....

What a neat project for the lock down. I really like the way it looks and you did a super job on it. I will be waiting for a range report. Thanks!

You’re not done yet. Cut to 3 inch and round butt.

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In memory of Labworm

The gun looks great so far. The mods are practical and in line with the guns intended purpose.

I admire your skills.

Nicely done. Though I am curious about the front sight height. Seems really tall to me.

Also, reminds me of one of my biggest regrets. I once passed up a 681 for sale at a gun store. The local police department had just switched to semi-autos (this was in the 90s) and unloaded a bunch of their service revolvers, 681s, some of which were bought, and put up for sale, by this store. My memory may be a bit fuzzy, but I believe they were going for $250 each. I was tempted, but I can't remember what it was that made me decide not to buy it. Probably lack of funds.

The front sight measures out to 1.633" from the bottom of the lug to the top of the sight, which is the same as my 686. I may take .125" off the front and rear sights to get a lower profile on everything, but I haven't decided yet. I carried a 681 on duty back in the day and we could have bought them for trade-in, which was $250 IIRC. (1990 or so). I wish I would have bought a truckload of them...

I like it! Wish I had the kind of equipment needed to do work like that

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-Matt
SWCA #3306

I looked back at the before and after photos, and it makes sense to me now. Thanks.

Nice looking, Larry

Great Job!

Such clean work areas. To be applauded!
I can't seem to be able to ever keep the benches and machines clean. Always cluttered and stacked with stuff.

I second that motion! Here is a template.



If I ever get my hands on a 581, it'll get that too.

Ned

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Devil's afraid I'll take over.