I have not purchased an S&W for quite some time. In fact due to a tough financial situation I've mostly been selling. This is hard since I work saturdays in a gun shop! So on Tuesday a customer brought in several guns I would love to have but the jewel was an almost NIB 681, only missing the rod and brush. My co-worker snapped it up immediately the *******! So, after careful negotiation and exchange of cash, for of course a profit to him! Here it is for viewing...

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Great catch. Found mine in the middle of a gaggle of 686s. Ex deputy's guns. Went for it immediately. Its the smoothest and most accurate DA fired revolver I have ever handled. Its a -0 with the M stamp. A couple of evenings with Mother's polish and an old t-shirt really brightened things up. Painted the front sight, which improved the sight picture a lot, too:

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

The 681 is one of the finest 357s that Smith & Wesson ever made, with everything you need and nothing you don't. Great snag.

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^^^^^^^^^^
What he said

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ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

Congrats on a fine 357. I have bought two of these but sold one of them. The other is a keeper.

I know there are a lot of fans of the NYSP 520, but I think the NYSP made the right decission when they passed on the 520 for the 681:

Here is my NYSP marked gun

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My sgntr is mor thn 30 chrctrs

Can't go wrong with a 681

I love my 581.

My gun shop has a 681 for around $500. I'd love to add it to the collection.

They remind me of a Model 10/64 on steroids.

I bought mine when they first came out. I think it was the first gun I ever bought (vs. got from Dad). It's always been a shooter. I don't think I'll ever part with it, despite frequent offers from friends to buy it.

very nice guns I like the fixed sight L frames.I have a nickel 581 but Im looking for a 681.

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God save the SOUTH

I agree they are very sweet and great revolvers. They also make a fantastic SD or home protection weapon. My 17-3's are my most accurate revolvers but my 4" nickeled 586 is very close behind them and a joy to shoot. I had a Python years ago and would take a L frame over it any day of the week.

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V/R
Roger / SG

I've got one of the ConRail PD marked versions in 38 spl sometime back for $350. Many 686's have come and gone from the collection but this 681 is a keeper.

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Dave

Mine is an ex-Ohio Highway Patrol revolver. It came with Pachmayer Grippers on it.....I'm sure it wasn't issued that way, but it sure does look awesome and shoots awesome with them on it.

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Un-Reconstructed Southerner

[QUOTE=clang444;135989115]I know there are a lot of fans of the NYSP 520, but I think the NYSP made the right decission when they passed on the 520 for the 681:
/QUOTE]

Actually, they shoe horned the 28-2 ahead of the 681 when the 520 contract failed. The 28-2 was the issue gun for about three years. The 681 was the last revolver the uniform folks were issued before tupperware came into vogue.

A phenomenal gun, a 681 was my first revolver and what turned me on to Smith's.
It is still my favorite even above the half lug model 66 with adjustable sights.

To 4506517-Any interest in selling the OSHP Model 681? THANX!

Congrats on your 681!!

My favorite L-frame. Enjoy yours! Regards 18DAI

sweet, i really like the grips. a t-grip or perhaps some ahrends retro combats really make them feel better to me. lee

I passed on a 681 at a gun show a couple years ago in about the same condition. Asking price was $400. I've regretted it since!

If I remember correctly my academy class was the first to be issued 681's. Mine was a shooter. They were recalled for recoil shield(?) problems and were sent back to S&W by troop.

My troop was first and the guns S&W sent to replace them were not stamped "NYSP". The replacement shot 6" to the left at 25 yards. When we switched to Glocks the Division gave us the opportunity to purchase our carry guns but as mine was not stamped "NYSP" and wasn't a shooter, I passed. If I come across one now with the "NYSP" stamp I'll probably purchase it to pass on to one of my sons or grandsons.

This is one of my top two revolvers in 357 magnum. The other is my 10-6. I am glad I have two hands...lol. The 681 is just great.

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2 Timothy 1:7

I picked mine up for 400 off gunsamerica, after shooting it the first time, I would have paid 600. Definitely on my never gonna sell list!

Great looking 681. I love fixed sight revolvers. I have been keeping my out for a 619 or 681. They are hard to find.
Good luck with yours,
Howard