Just picked up a S&W 581

[My5HTS&W]

Happy new owner of a 581. Honestly, a 581 wasn't even on my radar. Had my sights on getting a 27-2 or earlier model 19, but nothing came up locally. I saw a 581 come up locally and picked it up yesterday. Good condition, certainly not perfect, but I plan on shooting it. I believe this 561 is an earlier model. Not sure if it's a no dash, but there is no M stamp...possibly not done on the owners behalf. Serial # AAH53xx. Could someone help me out with the ship date? Also, this is my first blued revolver. Is Ballistol ok for cleaning? Any further tips? Thank you all. I do a lot of lurking here and really enjoy the knowledge/help. Here's some pics:

[stansdds]

The Model 581 was to be the ultimate 357 Magnum duty revolver for law enforcement. Unfortunately, by the time it went into production, law enforcement agencies were trading in their revolvers in favor of high-capacity semi-auto pistols.

[Magnum_PI]

Congrats on the new wheel gun!

I can't help with a proper cleaner for a blued finish. All my finishes have always been coated or stainless, so I can't say for sure.

I have started using Breakthrough Clean Technologies however, and have been pleased. All of their products (oils and cleaners) are synthetic and so far have worked excellent for me. I presume they shouldn't harm a blued finish, if that helps. I am even seeing this at Walmart now.

No smell. No angry wife. Cleans well. Happy life.

Breakthrough(R) Clean Technologies Carbon Pro, Heavy Carbon Remover w/ Bore Cleaner, 16oz Bottle, Clear

Breakthrough(R) Clean Technologies Battle Born HP Pro Lubricant & Protectant, 2oz Bottle w/ Needle Tip Applicator, Clear

[Babysitr]

Sure, Ballistol if fine for cleaning, maybe something stronger for the bore and chambers if needed....that's a very nice looking revolver! shoot the heck out of it!

[MajorD]

Shoot and carry until the blue wears off. That should take you 30 years or so then report back

[ladder13]

AAH looks like 1982

[Sixgun100]

That’s a fine looking Distinguished Service Magnum! Now get some PC Magna Stocks to make it complete. Enjoy your new revolver.

[My5HTS&W]

Originally Posted by ladder13

AAH looks like 1982

Thank you!

[CHARLIE699]

Congrats on a fine revolver addition!
I still remember buying the first new 581 available locally. A NICKLE 4". Loved that revolver but it eventually got traded.
Here is a very early "AAA" prefix 581. Appears factory fired only.


These are the correct PC grips for your revolver. I never saw a 581 or 681 come from factory with targets. Early 581/681's are very easy to identify by the sideplate Trademark. Factory moved trademark to left side relatively early in production. Some agencies marked their revolvers on sideplate.

[Tanners Owner]

Congrats, I also came into a M581, no dash. Recently sent it in for the recall, took ~60 days which included the annual 2week maintenance break.


It shoots great, only challenge I have is the sights. At my age and eyesight, I need bolder front sights.

After this pic was taken I put some neon green paint on the front sight and in dry firing it seems to help. Will need to see how it performs at the range