I forgot to mention that the 581 lives in a small pawn shop that rarely has much gun inventory. This could be strike one. The owner so far has refused to provide the serial number when I explained that I wanted to know if it had be modified. Strike two. My brother, who has worked at a big gun shop in Albuquerque for several years, says a better choice would be either a Model 14 or Model 15 .38 special, derivatives of the famed K-38, or even the classic Model 10. Strike 3 as I respect his judgment when it comes to firearms. He owns many guns and has shot just about everything. They seem just as scarce. What do you think of the 10/14/15's and where can I find them?
http://world.guns****/handguns/double...k-frame-e.html