Was lucky enough to find this fine model (online auction) in what looks to be excellent condition. Seller's photo:



According to 3rd edition of S&W catalog, this is one of the 500 made for state police back in 1982 and shipped here for selling:





I have read that this is the oldest gun shop in America - over 100 years old.
Just sent payment, so won't be seeing it for a few days.
Before the question comes up, prefix is AAL.

Here are my pics after a little clean-up...

Photo of the Jovino shop brings back many memories. Used to patronize that store, and the other gunshops behind the old NYPD HQ building. Now that building has apartments.

As to the 681, perhaps once in my life I will actually see a 681 "in the flesh." Not a bucket-list item, but it would be nice to see and handle one of these guns.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

Congrats on your newest!

You have a very nice one there.

Jealous! Nice gun. What auction did you find it ?

Nice clean looking gun, congrats. I almost jumped in. the 681 was the last revolver issued to uniformed members of that agency - it was in service with them 1981-1990. There were far more than 500 issued, maybe just 500 in a particular shipment to Jovino. Troopers got 681s., Investigators got 65-3s in three inch. I was there.

That would make for a heck of a NY reload !!!

Much like kaaskop49, I am also waiting to see one of these in-hand. Likely a regional thing, I don't see too many of the fixed-sight Smiths around here.

Accourding to the SCoSW the M681 was made from 1981 thru 1992 as a standard catalog item. Total production in that time frame was 53,182. For an L-frame that was widely issued by LEO's that's not a large number for a 12 year production run.

__________________
~ S&W aficionado in training ~

So THAT's the reason I have only heard about it! Thanks, Kernel.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

Found it on GB.

I like it!

New pics added

Very nice revolver - a 681 has been on my list for a couple years now.

Local place claimed to have an Ohio State Police model but wanted $900 and that was without box, docs, and tools.

Congratulations on your find.