What can you tell me 68-1

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HaveSmithwillTravel

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Went to Gander Mt this AM and brought home a 68-1. I have never have seen one. It is not what ''THE BOOK'' describes. Serial AEA8XXX, 357stamped on 4'' barrel, chambers 357 fine, not pinned, combat sights, :confused:full lug, ''V'' on face of cylinder, magna stocks. I do not know how to post pictures. Will post when one of my girls come how from college next week. Any one want to comment?
 
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I'll bet a shiny quarter it's a S&W model 681 - not a 68-1.

The 681 was the L-frame, non-adjustable sight version of the 686.

Nice gun.

Bob S.
 
Does it look like this?

681.jpg


S&W Model 681 (no dash)
 
It is a k frame. Very crisp 68-1. Same size as my 66 and others k's. Also the frame and yoke have the same number.
 
The best way to determine exactly what you have is to measure the diameter of the cylinder, because this is the major difference between the K and L frame.

If it measures 1.45 inch in diamter, you have a model 68 with some rather unique features. Probably because S&W had some over runs and decided to sell them on the civilian market. If it is an overrun of the model 68 I would suggest that you measure the length of the cylinder to cofirm that it was built as a 357 Magnum and not rebored from a 38 special. If it was built as a 357 Magnum and marked as a model 68, you have a pretty rare gun in terms of features and it might be worthwhile to have it "lettered".

If the cylinder measures 1.56 inch in diameter, you have a 681 that has been mis-stamped slightly. Also something that seems to happen from time to time.
 
If its got the full underlug barrel and fixed sights as in the photo, its a 681.
 
Last edited:
68-1

Thanks to all for your input. The best rough measure I can make is the dia is 1.5 or 1.56. Compaired to my k's this cylinder is larger by about 1/16th to 1/8th. I'll take it to my gunsmith tomorrow. Either way I,m happy.
 
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